WO2008100069A1

WO2008100069A1 - Method and apparatus for providing content link service

Info

Publication number: WO2008100069A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/000838
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ji-Young Lee
Original assignee: Alticast Corporation
Priority date: 2007-02-13
Filing date: 2008-02-13
Publication date: 2008-08-21
Also published as: KR100975533B1; KR20080075798A

Abstract

A method and an apparatus for providing content link service are disclosed. The method of providing content link service in a server connected to a user terminal through a network includes transmitting an AV and link information concerning content linked to the AV to the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined schedule or selection of a user. Here, the link information has at least one of information concerning play time of the content outputted when a preset trigger condition is satisfied and information concerning reversion time to the AV after playing of the content is terminated. Since the content is linked to the AV, the user views conveniently various contents.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CONTENT LINK SERVICE

[ Technical Field ]

Example embodiment of the present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for providing content link service, more particularly relates to a method and an apparatus for providing desired information to a user while a moving picture is played. [ Background Art ]

To watch a moving picture including audio and video (AV) is usually realized by receiving a broadcasting signal transmitted from broadcasting stations, etc through a television set. Here, the broadcasting stations transmit the broadcasting signal corresponding to the moving picture in one direction in only preset time zone. Accordingly, a viewer selects one of the broadcasting stations and views a broadcasting program outputted from the selected broadcasting station at a time point corresponding to the selection.

Next, the viewer could watch various moving pictures through a personal computer or a set-top box according as compression technique for an AV signal is enhanced and data transmission velocity is increased. Specially, a real-time video on demand RVOD service, in which the viewer selects a desired moving picture in accordance with his convenience and taste and watches freely the selected moving picture at a desired time, is provided.

On the other hand, an UCC moving picture made by an individual is provided through an Internet according as a video making device is generalized and a personal media such as a blog is developed. Accordingly, number of moving pictures viewed by the individual is explosively increased.

However, a problem exists in that it is hard for the viewer to search and select a desired moving picture according as the number of the moving pictures is increased and contents of the moving pictures are varied. That is, many moving pictures are made and existed in the Internet, but the moving pictures are not arrayed systematically. Hence, the viewer could not search easily and rapidly a desired moving picture.

In brief, even though many moving pictures and contents are existed in the Internet, the viewer may not view efficiently the moving pictures and the contents. Accordingly, a problem exists in that active provision of the moving pictures and the contents is meaningless.

Now, a service for dividing and providing various moving pictures in each of categories is existed in the Internet. However, since the viewer should verify individually moving pictures in each of the categories, the viewer may not watch efficiently the moving picture. [ Disclosure ]

[ Technical Problem ]

Accordingly, the present invention is provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art. Example embodiment of the present invention provides a method and an apparatus of providing content link service for outputting content linked to an AV in response to a user's selection while the AV is played.

Another example embodiment of the present invention provides a method and an apparatus of providing content link service for playing content at a time corresponding to a user's link selection while an AV is played.

Still another example embodiment of the present invention provides a method and an apparatus of providing content link service for playing an AV from the beginning in accordance with a terminated time when playing of a linked content is terminated. [ Technical Solution ]

A method of providing content link service in a server connected to a user terminal through a network according to one example embodiment of the present invention includes transmitting an AV and link information concerning content linked to the AV to the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined schedule or selection of a user. Here, the link information has at least one of information concerning play time of the content outputted when a preset trigger condition is satisfied and information concerning reversion time to the AV after playing of the content is terminated.

The information concerning the play time of the content varies depending on a time at which the trigger condition is satisfied.

The information concerning the reversion time varies in accordance with a time at which the playing of the content is terminated.

The link information further includes a validity start time related to link selection of the content in the AV and link validity interval information. The link information further includes trigger condition information for selecting one of a plurality of contents, and wherein the user terminal outputs a link selection interface for selection of one of the contents.

The link information further includes information concerning conversion time to the linked content when the trigger condition is satisfied. Here, the information concerning the conversion time corresponds to at least one of a time point at which the AV is immediately converted into the linked content when the trigger condition is satisfied, a preset time point, or a time point after a given time is delayed.

The link information further includes information concerning reversion method to the AV. Here, the information concerning the reversion method corresponds to at least one of reversion to the AV in accordance with playing termination of the content and reversion to the AV in accordance with playing finish of the content.

The information concerning the reversion time corresponds to at least one 85 of a content play time point, a preset time point and a time point at which the linked content is terminated.

The content is one of a moving picture, an image and an audio, or combination of the moving picture, the image and the audio.

A method of providing content link service in a server connected to a user 90 terminal through a network according to another example embodiment of the present invention includes transmitting an AV and link information concerning content linked to the AV to the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined schedule or selection of a user. Here, the link information has at least one of trigger condition information for conversion to the linked content and information concerning a 95 content conversion time.

A recorded media in which program of commands performed by a user terminal connected to a server for content link through a network is embodied and program read by the user terminal is recorded according to one example embodiment of the present invention includes receiving an AV and link information concerning a 100 content linked to the AV; interpreting the link information; discriminating whether or not a trigger condition for output of the linked content during playing of the AV is satisfied; and playing the content from a preset play time when the trigger condition is satisfied in accordance with information concerning the play time of the content. The recorded media further includes playing the AV from a predetermined

105 reversion time in accordance with information concerning the reversion time to the AV when playing of the content is terminated.

An apparatus for providing content link service connected to a user terminal through a network according to one example embodiment of the present invention includes a database configured to store link information concerning a

110 content linked to an AV; an encoding section configured to encode the AV in accordance with a preset schedule or selection of a user; and a transmission section configured to transmit the AV and the link information corresponding to the AV to the user terminal. Here, the user terminal plays the linked content in accordance with the link information while the AV is played.

115 [ Advantageous Effects ]

A method and an apparatus of providing content link service of the present invention verify rapidly a desired content while an AV is played.

A method and an apparatus of providing content link service of the present invention play content at a given time and revert to an initial AV, thereby preventing

120 double view of the same content. [ Description of Drawings ]

Example embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

125 FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for providing content link service according to one example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the content server according to one example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating conversion to the linked content and reversion 130 to the AV according to one example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating conversion to the linked content and reversion to the AV according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the user terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention;

135 FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the interface of the link selection according to one example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process of providing content link service according to one example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of playing the content or a 140 reversion process in the user terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

[ Mode for Invention ]

Example embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely 145 representative for purposes of describing example embodiments of the present invention, however, example embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments of the present invention set forth herein.

Accordingly, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications 150 and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Like numbers refer to 155 like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These teπns are only used to distinguish one element from another.

For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, 160 similarly, a second element could be termed a llrst element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected" or "coupled" to another element, it can be directly connected or coupled

165 to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (i.e., "between" versus "directly between", "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent", etc.).

170 The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising,", "includes" and/or "including", when used

175 herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of

180 ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. 185 FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for providing content link service according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, the system of the present embodiment includes a content server

100.

The content server 100 is connected to at least one user terminal 102 190 through a network. Here, the network includes a wire network having an Internet and a private leased line, and a wireless network having a wireless Internet, a broadcasting network, a mobile communication network and a satellite communication network.

The user terminal 102 as a terminal connected to the network includes a set- 195 top box, a desktop, a laptop, a mobile phone, a PDA, a mobile broadcast system MBS phone, etc.

The user terminal 102 plays a moving picture (hereinafter, referred to as

"AV") having an audio and a video stream as described below, and is not limited as long as the user terminal 102 plays content linked to the AV. 200 The content server 100 may be a server in a broadcasting station for transmitting the AV to the user terminal 102 in accordance with a predetermined schedule, or be a VOD server for transmitting the AV when the user terminal 102 requests the AV.

In one example embodiment of the present invention, the content server 205 100 provides the AV and link information related to content linked to the AV to the user terminal 102. Here, the linked content has a moving picture, a text, an image or an audio, etc. The link information has information for converting the AV into the linked content, information for play of the content, information for finish of the content, and information for reversion to the AV, etc.

210 In one example embodiment of the present invention, the AV transmitted to the user terminal 102 may be a moving picture for introduction of a plurality of contents such as a weekly music video top 10, a recommendation movie, a recommendation drama, and a recommendation UCC, etc.

For example, in case that the AV is a moving picture for introducing five 215 movies, i.e. movie 1 to movie 5, the content server 100 sets link information corresponding to the content having previews of each of the movies or detailed information to the AV, and then transmits the AV to the user terminal 102.

The user terminal 102 plays the transmitted AV and interprets the link information so that the user obtains detailed information of the movie introduced now 220 while the AV is played. In addition, the user terminal 102 may revert the content to the AV for movie introduction in accordance with the link information when the user terminates playing of the content or playing of the content is finished.

In one example embodiment of the present invention, at least one content 225 is linked to the AV, and so the user may obtain detailed information of the contents while the AV is played.

Hereinafter, a system for providing content link service of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings FIG. 2 to FIG. 5.

230 FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the content server according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, the content server 100 of the present embodiment includes an AV storage section 200, a link information storage section 202, an encoding section 204, a terminal communication section 206 and a content storage section 208. 235 The AV storage section 200 stores the AV to be transmitted to the user terminal 102.

The AV storage section 200 may receive an AV having an audio signal and a video signal from an external provider or a broadcasting station, and store the received AV. Here, the AV may be a moving picture for introducing a plurality of 240 contents. The link information storage section 202 stores the link information set to the AV.

In one example embodiment of the present invention, the link information may be preset corresponding to the AV, and be transmitted to the user terminal 102 245 with the AV as additional data.

Additionally, the link information may have link validity interval information, content play information and reversion information. Here, the link validity interval information may include link validity start point in the AV and link validity interval.

250 The user terminal 102 may output interface for link selection using the link validity interval information during a given period of time.

The content play information may have a condition for converting the AV into the linked content, i.e. trigger condition, content conversion time (link timing) and content play time. Here, the trigger condition may be set to play automatically 255 the linked content when specific time point is reached during playing of the AV or when the user selects the linked content through the interface for link selection.

A content conversion time means a time point at which the AV is converted into the linked content in case that the trigger condition is satisfied. The content conversion time corresponds to a time point IMMEDIATE at which the AV is 260 immediately converted into the linked content when the trigger condition is satisfied, a preset time point AT at which the AV is converted into the linked content, or a time point DELAY at which the AV is converted into the linked content after a given time is delayed.

FIG. 3 is a view illustrating conversion to the linked content and reversion 265 to the AV according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, time points Pl, P5 and P6 correspond to a time point IMMEDIATE, and a time point P2 corresponds to a time point P3 at which the AV is converted into the linked content when the trigger condition is satisfied. Here, the time point P3 means a preset time point at which the AV is converted into the linked 270 content, or a time point at which the AV is converted into the linked content after a given time is delayed.

For example, in case that the time for conversion to the content (content conversion time) is 25 seconds when the link validity interval of the AV is about 10 second to 20 second, the AV may be converted into the linked content at 25 second 275 when the user selects link between 10 second and 20 second. Additionally, in case that the content conversion time corresponds to a time point delayed by 5 seconds, the AV may be converted into the linked content at a time point delayed by 5 seconds, i.e. 17 second when the user selects the link at 12 second.

The content play time means a time point at which playing the linked 280 content is started, and may be set to play the content from the beginning when the trigger condition is satisfied as shown in FIG. 3.

In another example embodiment of the present invention, the content play time may be varied in accordance with a time point at which the trigger condition is satisfied. Here, the linked content is divided into a plurality of intervals, and the 285 content play time may be set as one of the intervals.

FIG. 4 is a view illustrating conversion to the linked content and reversion to the AV according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, in case that an AV is a moving picture for introducing a plurality of broadcasting accidents, a first interval AVl for introducing a first broadcasting 290 accident may be included in the AV, and a first coαtent LCl corresponding to the first broadcasting accident may be linked to the first interval AVl . Here, the linked content LCl may be real moving picture having the first broadcasting accident, and may be divided into a plurality of intervals as shown in FIG. 4.

In one example embodiment of the present invention, a content play time 295 corresponding to the first content AVl is one of L 1 to L3 in accordance with a time point at which a trigger condition is satisfied in the AVl .

In case that a link is selected at Pl in accordance with the content play time, i.e. the trigger condition is satisfied, the content AVl is played at a time point Ll of the LCl. In case that the link is selected at P2, the content AVl may be played 300 from a time point L2. For example, the time point L2 corresponds to a time point at which the broadcasting accident is occurred in the linked content.

As described above, the content play time is varied in accordance with the time point at which the trigger condition is satisfied. Here, in case that the trigger condition is satisfied at an initial time at which the first broadcasting accident is

305 introduced, the linked content is played from the beginning. However, in case that the trigger condition is satisfied after some of the broadcasting accident is introduced, the linked content is played from a highlight time of the broadcasting accident. As a result, satisfaction degree of the user may be enhanced.

The reversion information of the present invention means information

310 concerning reversion to the AV after playing of the linked content is finished, and includes reversion condition, reversion method and reversion time.

The reversion condition as condition for playing finish of the content corresponds to termination selection by the user, playing finish of the linked content, or playing of the linked content until a specific time point. The user terminal 102

315 performs steps in accordance with a predetermined reversion method in case that the reversion condition is satisfied.

The reversion method means information concerning reversion to the AV after playing of the linked content is terminated, and corresponds to reversion to the AV in accordance with playing termination of the content or reversion to the AV in

320 accordance with playing finish of the content. That is, in the reversion method of the present invention, the linked content may be reverted to the initial AV as shown in LCl to LC3 in FIG. 3, and playing of the AV may be terminated according as playing of the linked content is finished as shown in LC4.

325 The reversion time means information concerning play start time of the AV in case that the linked content is reverted to the initial AV.

As shown in FIG. 3, the reversion time corresponds to a time point Pl and P5 at which the AV is converted into the content as shown in LCl and LC3, or a time point P4 at which the linked content is terminated as shown in LC2.

330 In addition, the reversion time of the present invention may be varied in accordance with play finish time of the content as shown in FIG. 4.

In FIG. 4, in case that the AV2 is converted into LC2 at the time point P3 during playing of AV2, the reversion time may be varied in accordance with L3, L4 and L5 in play interval of the LC2. In other words, in case that the linked content is

335 terminated at L3 in accordance with request of the user, the linked content is reverted at P3 corresponding to an initial conversion time. The linked content is reverted at P4 in case that the linked content is terminated at L4, and is reverted at P5 in case that the linked content is terminated at L5. Here, the P5 is a time point at which next broadcasting accident AV3 is introduced. Furthermore, the linked content is

340 reverted at P3 in case that the linked content is terminated in a time point prior to L3, and is reverted at P4 in case that the linked content is terminated between L3 and L4.

In one example embodiment of the present invention, in case that the AV between P3 and P4 is overlapped with content between L3 and L4, the reversion time information may be differently set in accordance with a play termination time of the 345 linked content. Accordingly, the user may not view repeatedly the same content.

In addition, in case that the linked content is terminated, the linked content may be reverted to anoiher interval of the AV, i.e. interval for introducing other content. Accordingly, the user may not view repeatedly the same content.

Now referring to FIG. 2, the encoding section 204 converts an audio signal 350 and a video signal (AV) into a predetermined data format in accordance with preset schedule or request of the user. Here, the encoding section 204 may convert the AV into an MPEG2-TS (Moving Picture Experts Group2-Transport Stream) format corresponding to data broadcasting standard.

Additionally, the encoding section 204 may encode corresponding link 355 information with the AV.

However, the link information may be encoded aside from the AV and then be transmitted to the user terminal 102 through a DSMCC (Digital Storage Media- Command and Control) Carousel.

The terminal communication section 206 is connected to the user terminal 360 102, and receives AV request of the user. Moreover, the terminal communication section 206 transmits the encoded AV and the link information corresponding to the encoded AV to the user terminal 102.

The content storage section 208 stores the content linked to the AV. The terminal communication section 206 receives content request from the 365 user terminal 102 in case that the trigger condition is satisfied during playing of the AV. In this case, a content requested by the user of contents stored in the content storage section 208 is transmitted to the user terminal 102.

However, the linked content may be transmitted in advance to the user terminal 102. In this case, the content request of the user terminal 102 and 370 transmission of the content to each of the user terminals 102 may not be performed.

In above description, the link information is set in advance to the AV. However, the link information may be generated in response to the AV. In this case, the link information storage section 202 may store the link information concerning content linked to at least one AV.

375 In another example embodiment of the present invention, one content may be linked to a plurality of AVs and be provided. For example, in case that an AVl is a moving picture for introducing a movie 1 and a movie 2 and an AV2 is a moving picture for introducing the movie 2 and a movie 3 , the content having detailed information concerning the movie 2 may be linked to the AVl and the AV2 and be 380 provided. In this case, the content server 100 may include further a link information matching section. Here, the link information matching section reads link information matched with the AV from the link information storage section 202 in accordance with a predetermined schedule or request of the user, and then transmits the read link information to the user terminal 102. 385 FIG. 5 is a view illustrating the user terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention. Here, FIG. 5 shows only constitution needed for conversion to the linked content during playing of the AV, reversion to the AV, etc.

In FIG. 5, the user terminal 102 includes a link information interpreting section 500, a content outputting section 502, a link treating section 504 and a 390 content storage section 506.

The link information interpreting section 500 interprets the link information transmitted from the content server 100, and provides the interpreted information to the link treating section 504.

The content outputting section 502 decodes the AV received from the 395 content server 100, and transmits the decoded AV to a display section (not shown).

In addition, the content outputting section 502 receives a control signal from the link treating section 504 so that the user can see link selection interval, outputs an interface for playing the linked content, and performs processes of playing the linked content and playing the AV in accordance with selection of the user. 400 The link treating section 504 performs a step of treating link selected by the user, etc by using the information transmitted from the link information interpreting section 500.

In FIG. 5, the link treating section 504 includes an interface activation discriminating section 510, a trigger discriminating section 512, a content requesting 405 section 514, a control signal outputting section 516 and a reversion treating section 518.

The interface activation discriminating section 510 discriminates whether or not a link validation start time is reached by using link validation interval information included in the link information, and discriminates whether or not a link 410 validation interval is expired.

In case that the link validation start time is reached, the control signal outputting section 516 outputs a control signal for outputting the interface to the content outputting section 502. In case that the link validity interval is expired, the control signal outputting section 516 outputs a control signal for terminating output 415 of the interface for the link selection to the content outputting section 502.

FIG. 6 is a view illustrating the interface of the link selection according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C, the interface activation discriminating section 510 outputs the interface such as region indication for mouse click, an 420 indication for key input, etc in the link validation interval while the AV is played. Referring to FIG. 3, at least two contents LC l and LCl¹ may be linked to one link validation interval Pl . In this case, the interface activation discriminating section 510 outputs the interface Blue key and Red key as shown in FIG. 6A, wherein the user selects one of the contents through the interface Blue_key and Red key. 425 The trigger discriminating section 512 discriminates whether or not the trigger condition for playing of the linked content is satisfied.

The trigger discriminating section 512 discriminates whether or not the trigger condition is satisfied through reach of a specific time of the AV or input of the user in accordance with the interface.

430 The content requesting section 514 requests corresponding content to the content storage section 506 included in the content server 100 or the user terminal 102 through the network in case that the trigger condition is satisfied.

The control signal outputting section 156 transmits the control signal corresponding to playing time of the content to the content outputting section 504 in 435 case that the content is received. The content outputting section 504 stops playing of the AV in accordance with the transmitted control signal, and outputs the requested content.

The reversion treating section 518 discriminates whether or not the played content is terminated by using reversion condition, reversion method and reversion 440 time included in the link information, and plays again the AV at a specific time in accordance with the reversion time information in case that the content is reverted into the AV after the content is terminated.

Hereinafter, a process of providing content link service of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to accompanying drawings FIG. 7 445 and FIG. 8.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart illustrating a process of providing content link service according to one example embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 7, in step S700, the content server 100 sets link information corresponding to an AV. 450 In case that an user requests transmission of the AV through the user terminal 102 in step S702, the requested AV and the link information are transmitted to the user terminal 102 in step S704.

The user terminal 102 plays the received AV in step S706, and interprets the link information corresponding to the AV in step S708. Here, the link 455 information has link validation interval information, content play information and reversion information.

In step S710, the user terminal 102 outputs an interface for link selection in a link validity interval in accordance with the interpreted link information.

In case that the user selects the link through the interface in step S712, the 460 user terminal 102 requests a content corresponding to the selection to the content server 100 in step S714.

In case that the content server 100 transmits the selected content to the user terminal 102 in step S716, the user terminal 102 plays the received content in step S718.

465 In step S720, a reversion process is performed in accordance with the preset reversion information after the content is terminated.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart illustrating a process of playing the content or a reversion process in the user terminal according to one example embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, an AV and a content linked to the AV are moving 470 pictures having a plurality of intervals.

Referring to FIG. 8, the user terminal 102 plays the AV received from the content server 100 in step S800.

In step S 802, the user terminal 102 discriminates whether or not the trigger condition is satisfied in a predetermined link validity interval. 475 The user terminal 102 verifies play time information of a content corresponding to a time at which the trigger condition is satisfied in step S804, the content is played from the time in step S 806.

In case that playing of the linked content is terminated in step S808, the user terminal 102 discriminates whether or not reversion to the AV is needed in step 480 S810. In step S812, in case that the reversion to the AV is needed, the user terminal 102 detects a reversion time in accordance with playing termination time of the content in step S812.

In step S814, the user terminal 102 plays the AV from the reversion time.

485

Any reference in this specification to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "example embodiment," etc., means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. The appearances of such phrases in various places 490 in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with any embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the purview of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other ones of the embodiments.

495 Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and modifications are possible in the component parts and/or 500 arrangements of the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure, the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

505 [ CLAIMS ] [ Claim 1 ]

A method of providing content link service in a server connected to a user terminal through a network, the method comprising: transmitting an AV and link information concerning content linked to the 510 AV to the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined schedule or selection of a user, wherein the link information has at least one of information concerning play time of the content outputted when a preset trigger condition is satisfied and information concerning reversion time to the AV after playing of the content is 515 terminated.

[ Claim 2 ]

The method of claim 1, wherein the information concerning the play time of the content varies depending on a time at which the trigger condition is satisfied.

[ Claim 3 ]

520 The method of claim 1, wherein the information concerning the reversion time varies in accordance with a time at which the playing of the content is terminated. [ Claim 4 ]

The method of claim 1 , wherein the link information further includes a 525 validity start time related to link selection of the content in the AV and link validity interval information. [ Claim 5 ]

The method of claim 4, wherein the link information further includes trigger condition information for selecting one of a plurality of contents, and 530 wherein the user terminal outputs a link selection interface for selection of one of the contents. [ Claim 6 ]

The method of claim 1, wherein the link information further includes information concerning conversion time to the linked content when the trigger 535 condition is satisfied, and wherein the information concerning the conversion time corresponds to at least one of a time point at which the AV is immediately converted into the linked content when the trigger condition is satisfied, a preset time point, or a time point after a given time is delayed. 540 [ Claim 7 ]

The method of claim 1, wherein the link information further includes information concerning reversion method to the AV, and wherein the information concerning the reversion method corresponds to at least one of reversion to the AV in accordance with playing termination of the content 545 and reversion to the AV in accordance with playing finish of the content. [ Claim 8 ]

The method of claim 1, wherein the information concerning the reversion time corresponds to at least one of a content play time point, a preset time point and a time point at which the linked content is terminated. 550 [ Claim 9 ]

The method of claim I₅ wherein the content is one of a moving picture, an image and an audio, or combination of the moving picture, the image and the audio. [ Claim 10 ]

A method of providing content link service in a server connected to a user 555 terminal through a network, the method comprising: transmitting an AV and link information concerning content linked to the AV to the user terminal in accordance with a predetermined schedule or selection of a user, wherein the link information has at least one of trigger condition 560 information for conversion to the linked content and information concerning a content conversion time. [ Claim 11 ]

A recorded media in which program of commands performed by a user terminal connected to a server for content link through a network is embodied and 565 program read by the user terminal is recorded, the recorded media comprising: receiving an AV and link information concerning a content linked to the AV; interpreting the link information; discriminating whether or not a trigger condition, for output of the linked content during playing of the AV, is satisfied; and

570 playing the content from a preset play lime when the trigger condition is satisfied in accordance with information concerning the play time of the content. [ Claim 12 ]

The recorded media of claim 11, further comprising: playing the AV from a predetermined reversion time in accordance with 575 information concerning the reversion time to the AV when playing of the content is terminated. [ Claim 13 ]

An apparatus for providing content link service connected to a user terminal through a network, the apparatus comprising:

580 a database configured to store link information concerning a content linked to an AV; an encoding section configured to encode the AV in accordance with a preset schedule or selection of a user; and a transmission section configured to transmit the AV and the link information corresponding to the AV to the user terminal, wherein the user terminal plays the linked content in accordance with the link information while the AV is played.