WO2008127065A1

WO2008127065A1 - Device for performing various types of content and method using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2008127065A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/002125
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sam Young Ju
Original assignee: Sam Young Ju
Priority date: 2007-04-15
Filing date: 2008-04-15
Publication date: 2008-10-23
Also published as: KR101331037B1; KR20120101602A; KR20100002257A; TW200907807A

Abstract

A device for performing various types of content is disclosed. The data of the device for performing various types of content is transmittable with a computer connected to the device. When the device for performing various types of content is connected to the computer, an autorun program is executed in response to connection therebetween without using a separate driver, so that data communication therebetween is enabled, and mutual content transmission therebetween is enabled while performing the data communication.

Description

[DESCRIPTION] [Invention Title]

DEVICE FOR PERFORMING VARIOUS TYPES OF CONTENT AND METHOD USING THE SAME [Technical Field]

<i> The present invention relates, in general, to an independent device for performing various types of content, and, more particularly, to various types of independent devices for performing various types of content, such as a portable Karaoke device, a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) audio layer-3 (MP3) player, and a game machine, a navigation system a computer, which use content, for example, midi files for Karaoke, audio files, images, video, content for an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), data for a navigation system and various types of software. Also the present invention relates to a system and a method for enabling data communication and management between the device and a call server, or supporting user's interface and management. [Background Art]

<2> Various types of devices for performing various types of content, such as portable Karaoke devices, MP3 players, and game machines, are used by employing a system and method for purchasing and using target content to be used by utilizing the Internet function of a computer or through a Compact Disc (CD) or a DVD.

<3> In particular, an authentication/payment system for purchasing content over the Internet using a computer is enabled only through a complex process of various types of devices, functioning as separate external devices, installing respective drives for the hardware interface of the computer and executing programs, thereby inconveniencing a user.

<4> Further, content is shared over the Internet, and content, such as various types of songs, music, and games, stored in a hard disk, is used by being downloaded or moved and is then stored in the device. Therefore, although most of the content is protected by copyright, the content is illegally replicated and then used, and thus the copyright protection is not effective. In order to protect copyright for content, for the Internet, content is allowed to be purchased using an authentication/payment system, so that only legally purchased content can be used. Further, a medium, such as a CD, includes a program or means for preventing the content from being illegally replicated. However, an effective solution to the problem of illegal replication and propagation of content has not been effectively provided. [Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

<5> Accordingly, the present invention has been made keeping in mind the above problems occurring in the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a system and a user's environment for the device for performing various types of content, which can be conveniently used, the case in which the content is purchased over the Internet or the Phone call or in which the management and the function improvement of the device is performed, so as to use the device for performing various types of content.

<6> Another object of the present invention is to provide a device and method for preventing conventional content from being replicated or illegally used. [Technical Solution]

<7> In order to accomplish the above objects, the present invention provides a separate device for performing various types of content, wherein the device is connected to a server through the internet, telephone network(for example, cellular phone network), or a host computer, so that the data and the management for the device can be transmittable with a server; and wherein when the device is connected to the computer, an autorun program is executed in response to connection therebetween without installing a separate driver for the device.

<8> Also, the present invention provides a device for performing various types of content, the data of which is transmittable with a computer connected to the device, wherein the device comprises a computer interface, a O

CPU, and a storage; and wherein the storage has a descriptor table for allowing the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a USB CD-ROM by assigning mutual regions, a descriptor table for allowing the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a general-purpose USB storage unit, and a sector having an autorun program, so that when the device is connected to the computer, an autorun program in the device is executed in response to connection therebetween without installing a separate driver or executing an program for the device for performing various types of content, and thus data communication therebetween is enabled, or data communication and mutual content transmission therebetween are enabled while performing the data communication.

<9> Also the present invention provides a method for encrypting various types of content using unique information of a device for performing various types of content to be played only in the corresponding device, characterized in that the method comprises a step of; sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller through an unique computer program for the device and encrypting the content that is belong to the sel ler(server) with the information of the device by the seller, or sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller and encrypting the content with the information which the seller send back to the user about the device through a unique computer program for the device.

<io> Also the present invention provides a method for encrypting said contents, wherein sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller through a unique computer program for the device and encrypting the content that is belong to the sel ler(server) with the information of the device by the seller comprises recognizing the unique information of the device through said program and generating a command code for a user authentication and requesting a command code for a random key to the sel ler(server ), sending a random key and a command code for encrypting to the device, encrypting the command code for encrypting and the unique information of the device with the random key through the program, sending a encrypted data to the sel ler(server), encrypting the contents with the unique information of the device in the server, and sending the encrypted contents to the device.

<ii> Also, in case the device for said method can not be directly connected to the server over internet or telephone network, the device can be connected the server through a host computer and the data for the device transmittable with the server by the program. [Advantageous Effects]

<i2> The present invention is provided to overcome the inconvenience of dedicated content download and the installation and execution of software related to device management. The content download and device management are automatically executed using the CD-ROM autorun function of a computer, so that a complex installation process and a complex execution process do not need to be performed.

<13> Further, the problem of the inconvenience of a user authentication process, performed to download content, is solved, the user authentication process does not need to be performed because an encryption authentication method is used through interaction between a server and a device, there is no worry of losing the password and Identification (ID) of the user, and content can be prevented from being illegally replicated and fabricated by encrypting a serial number, in which a server and the device work in conjunction with each other.

<i4> Further, since a startup program for downloading content and managing the device is executed after the device according to the present invention is recognized as a CD-ROM drive, there is no problem of deletion attributable to a user's carelessness. [Description of Drawings]

<i?> FIG. l is a block diagram showing a device for performing various types of content, which is used by being connected to a general computer functioning as a host computer according to the present invention;

<i6> FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the sequence in which the device for performing various types of content is used by being connected to a computer;

<i7> FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the overall concept of an Internet telephone communication system according to the present invention;

<i8> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the principal circuit of a portable Karaoke device;

<i9> FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the separation of the present portable Karaoke device;

<20> FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the combination of the portable Karaoke device of FIG. 5;

<2i> FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing the portable Karaoke device of FIG. 6 viewed from the lower part, and schematically showing the connection state thereof;

<22> FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the implementation of the search and arrangement of content of a Karaoke and an MP3; and

<23> FIG. 9 is showing a device for performing various types of content, which is used with another connecting method. [Mode for Invention]

<24> The present invention allows a separate device for performing various types of content to be automatically executed in such a way that the device for performing various types of content is recognized as a CD-Read Only Memory (ROM) when connected to a computer, thereby allowing a driving program to be executed. At present, in the case in which an external storage medium is connected to a computer, if the external storage medium is a Universal Serial Bus (USB) medium or a card storage medium, rather than a CD, the external storage medium is recognized by the computer but a program installed therein is not automatically executed. However, in the case of a CD, if the CD has separate content, such as a Windows installation program, the internal program of the CD is executed so as to allow installation to be easily performed. When an external device for performing various types of content, such as the CD medium, is connected to a computer, the present invention enables a user to more easily perform download or authentication process by causing a program, installed in the external device for performing various types of content, to be automatically executed.

<25> Further, the present invention uses an automatic authentication method for easily verifying an authentication key or serial number used to authenticate the device for performing various types of content.

<26> If a computer is used as a device for performing various types of content according to the present invention, the computer performs the content as ordinary performing method of a conventional computer program. Therefore, the below explanation is on the basis of the external independent device.

<27>

<28> The present invention will be described in detail with reference to drawings below. The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

<29> FIG. 1 further describes an example in which the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention is recognized as CD-ROM.

<30> When the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention is connected to a computer using a Universal Serial Bus (USB) or another type of port, a method of recognizing the device for performing various types of content as a CD will be described based on USB, which is a representative interface device.

<3i> A host computer, functioning as a general-purpose computer, can be divided into an operating system and a USB interface so as to be connected to the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention.

<32-> The device for performing various types of content is configured to include a nonvolatile storage device, a portion capable of performing an operation process, and an interface unit for connecting to a computer. For the portion capable of performing an operation process, a Central Processing Unit (CPU) may be generally used. Since a USB interface can be conveniently used, the USB interface will be described as the interface unit.

<33> As shown in FIG. 1, the nonvolatile storage device is largely divided into two regions, and descriptor tables are included in the respective regions. First, a first region includes a descriptor table for recognizing USB CD-ROM and a data space for USB CD-ROM. The descriptor table allows the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a CD-ROM by a computer. The data space can store an autorun program, a device driver, and a manual, like a general-purpose CD. A second region includes a descriptor table for recognizing a general-purpose USB storage device as a space for storing data, such as a USB memory stick or another type of general-purpose memory, and a data space for a general-purpose USB storage device. The descriptor table allows the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a storage device, such as a general-purpose memory stick, and the data space can store various types of content.

<34> When the device for performing various types of content is connected to the USB port of a computer (separate power may be required to be applied depending on the characteristics of the device that is used), the computer requires information (device descriptor), such as the type, classification, transmission method, and transmission speed of a removable device. Here, based on the response information from the device for performing various types of content (USB device), it is recognized as general-purpose random access memory, a CD-ROM, or a hard disk.

<35> Therefore, as described above, the device for performing various types of content includes separate descriptor tables so that the device is recognized as different type of devices by transmitting different respond information depending on the request of a user and the conversion of function and state of the device. Further, in order to effectively manage and use data depending on the type of recognized devices, the non-volatile storage is divided into a region used when the device is recognized as a USB CD-ROM and a region used when the device is recognized as a general-purpose removable disk. <36> A process of connecting the device to a computer through a USB port and recognizing the connecting will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 1, be1ow.

<37> 1) First, a user connects the device for performing various types of content to a computer through a USB port, and then applies power. Here, there may be a case in which power is not required to be applied depending on the type of device for performing various types of content. In this case, this step is completed by connecting the device to the computer, as for general-purpose USB memory. The case in which only connection is performed corresponds to the case in which content is not required to be separately stored, that is, general-purpose memory storage space of the latter region is not required in this case.

<38> 2) The Operating System (OS) of the computer senses the change or connection of an USB interface, and transmits a setup packet, including a value for requesting a device descriptor (collection of information required to be recognized by the host computer) so as to recognize a connected device, to the present device through a USB bus.

<39> 3) The device for performing various types of content transmits the device descriptor, required by the received setup packet, to the computer. Here, since the computer determines the type and characteristics of the device based on the device descriptor, a response must be performed using information read from the descriptor table stored to be suitable for the request of a user and the function and state of the device. For example, in the case of the first booting (connection) of the present device, an autorun program must be executed, so that the descriptor table, which allows the present device to be recognized as USB CD-ROM, should be selected so as for the present device to be recognized as the USB CD-ROM in order to execute a CD-ROM autorun function. Further, in order to execute a function of downloading (including transmitting from the computer), adding, and deleting content, the descriptor table, which allows the present device to be recognized as a general-purpose USB storage device, should be selected. <40> 4) The computer receives the corresponding descriptor, and then allocates a new address for the present device. At the same time, the computer transmits the allocated address to the present device.

<4i> 5) The present device stores the new address in the address register of a USB device so as to enable the device to be recognized using the address.

<42> 6) The computer requires a remaining descriptor necessary for the recognition. Here, response information is provided using the descriptor table, which differs depending on the type of device that is recognized.

<43> 7) When the computer receives all the descriptors, the process of recognizing a USB removable storage device is completed.

<44>

<45> In relation to the execution of the above-described device for performing various types of content according to the present invention, the sequence of connecting to a computer and executing a content download program will be described with reference to FIG. 2, below.

<46> 1) The power of the device for performing various types of content is turned on.

<47> 2) The device is initially recognized as a USB CD-ROM drive by a computer. In order to be recognized as a CD-ROM and then used, the data of the device stored in the former region includes a basic 'startup program' required to start the execution of 'content download' and 'device management' and a driver or manual necessary for the device. Since the device is connected and then recognized as a CD-ROM, a user cannot arbitrarily delete data. It is characterized in that the basic data, required to connect the device to the computer and to operate the device, is prevented from being deleted by the user's mistake or from being arbitrary deleted, and in that the device can be easily used without downloading a separate driver or performing installation using a separate CD-ROM disk. In order to recognize a CD-ROM disk by the computer, it is preferable that the device include an area divided according to, for example, 9660 JoI iet of the International Standards Organization (ISO), and data be stored in a desired area. <48> 3) A 'startup program' installed in the device is automatically executed using the CD-ROM autorun function of the computer. With the use of the CD-ROM autorun function, the present device can easily access a 'content download and management' program by connecting the present device to the computer through a USB cable and then turning on power. When the autorun function is start, the computer connects the present device to the server and executes the 'content download and management' program with using both the data stored in the memory of the present device and the data in the server.

<49> 4) With the use of the 'startup program', the user determines whether to use the device as a 'removable disk' which can store and delete mp3 files, moving images, and pictures, such as an existing portable MP3 player or a USB memory device, or whether to perform 'content download and management'.

<50> 5) In the case in which it is determined that the device is to be used as a 'removable disk', the present device, which has been recognized as a CD- ROM at present, is recognized anew as a general-purpose removable disk after booting again, so that various types of data, such as MP3 files, moving images, and document files, desired by a user can be easily added or deleted.

<5i> 6) In the case in which 'device management and content download' is selected, the present device, which has been recognized as a CD-ROM at present, is booted again, and is then recognized anew as a general-purpose removable disk.

<52> 7) The 'startup program', which has been executed using the autorun function, determines whether the device is updated first. First, information about and the status of the Framework (F/W) and 0/S of a device which is currently connected to the computer are acquired. The elements of the F/W and 0/S are grouped by modules depending on the functions and objects thereof, and are located in respective internal areas that the user cannot access. The information about and status of the F/W and 0/S are obtained using Cyclic Redundancy Checking (CRC), the size of data, and version information. Next, the newest F/W and 0/S information (CRC, the size of data, and version information) is obtained from a server. There is an advantage in that the speed can be increased because not all of the data is compared, but is only compared using CRC. Further, it is characterized in that the integrity of data is strengthened using the characteristics of the CRC, in which a large difference may arise from a different in one bit of source data.

<53> 8) One or more modules (required to be updated), in which the information about and status of a current device are different from the newest obtained from the server, are determined and classified using the above-described CRC, the size of data, and version information.

<54> 9) The corresponding modules are updated. It is characterized in that entire F/W and 0/S are not updated, but the update is performed at the level of modules, so that unnecessary data is prevented from being transmitted and updated, thereby improving efficiency.

<55> 10) After the determination of the update status of the device is completed, the CRC value of the 'content download and management program' is obtained from the server so as to determine whether to install the newest 'content download and management program', in a short time.

<56> 11) It is determined whether no 'content download and management program' has been downloaded to the current computer or whether the CRC value obtained from the server is different from the CRC value of the 'content download and management program' downloaded in the current computer.

<57> 12) If the two CRC values are different from each other, the 'content download and management program' is downloaded to the computer from the server. As long as the program of the server is not updated, download is not performed to a computer to which the 'content download and management program' has been downloaded once. Therefore, the newest program can be executed quickly.

<58> 13) The 'content download and management program' is executed.

O9>

<60> A method of authenticating a device for performing various types of content and performing download in the state in which the device for performing various types of content is connected to the computer as described above will be described with reference to detailed drawings, below. Without being connected to a computer, in case the present device is directly connected to a server through Internet or telephone network, the process in the computer can be deleted and replaced with the present device.

<61>

DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

CON aTENT A, DOWNLOAD

1 COMPUTER GENERATES 'COMMAND CODE' TO BE REQUESTED FROM SERVER (FOR EXAMPLE, DOWNLOAD CONTENT A)

<62> <63> [Drawing. 1]

<64> 1) In the state in which the device for performing various types of content is connected to the computer, when a program is automatically executed, as described above, and the user selects download so as to receive predetermined content, the computer generates a 'command code' to be requested from the server. The 'command code' is a code with which the type, name, and path of content and the download method of the server are combined, that is, a unique code required to distinguish content requested by the user. For example, the type of content may be Karaoke songs, MP3 files, moving images, background images, educational text, games, software files, and voice data. The path and name of content may be the unique file name of content itself stored in the server. The method of downloading content may be selected depending on the use of a File Transfer Protocol (FTP), a Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HlTP), and Proxy.

<65> DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

<66>

<67> [Drawing. 2]

<68> 2) The computer requests a 'Random Key' from a server and then receives the value thereof. The server generates the 'Random Key' and then transmits it to the computer. At the same time, the server memorizes the value of the 'Random Key'. The 'Random Key' is an arbitrary code generated in a server side at random, the 'Random Key' is preferably a unique arbitrary code of 128 bits or more, and the 'Random key' is generated using a value which may differ depending on the time and environment of the server. Whenever the user requests content, a different algorithm is generated based on a different 'Random Key', so that secured authentication is possible.

DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

Ran Idom Kεy

3 COMPUTER TRANSMITS 'COMMAND CODE' AND RANDOM KEV

<69> <70> [Drawing. 3]

<71 > 3) The computer transmits the 'command code' and the 'Random Key' received from the server to the device. DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

Rand Iom Key

4 DEVICE ENCRYPTS 'COMMAND CODE AND 'SERIAL NUMBER' USING 'RANDOM KEY AND THEN TRANSMITS ENCRVPTED DATA TO PC

<72> <73> [Drawing. 4]

<74> 4) The device encrypts the received 'command code' and 'serial number', generated through encryption when shipped from a factory, using a 'Random Key', adds data CRC for the integrity of the encrypted resulting value, and then transmits the resulting information to the computer. It is possible to protect data from being lost or hacked on a computer side by detecting and comparing CRC added in the device with the CRC on the server side.

DEVICE COMPUTER SERv¹ER

Ra indom Key

5 COMPUTER TRANSMITS ENCRYPTED DATA TO SERVER

<75> <76> [Drawing. 5]

<77> 5) The computer transmits encrypted data, obtained from the device, to the server. DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

CONTENT A, DOWNLOAD Ra Indom Key

Ξ/N

Random Key

6, SERVER DECRYPTS ENCRYPTED DATA USING STORED 'RANDOM KEY',

<78> <79> [Drawing. 6]

<80> 6) The server obtains the 'command code' and the 'serial number' by performing integrity detection using the CRC of the encrypted data transmitted from the computer and by performing decryption using the stored 'Random Key'. Thereafter, the server discards the stored and expired 'Random Key'. In the case in which the integrity detection failed, the server can request the computer to transmit the encrypted data again. In the case in which the integrity detection is successful but data cannot be decrypted using the current 'Random Key', or in the case in which the decrypted 'serial number' is not correct, it is determined that there is a possibility that data has been fabricated, for example, hacked, so that the server can take measures such as prohibiting downloading.

DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

CONTENT A, DOWNLOAD DETERMINE

PURCHASE

INFORMATION

S/N

SERVER DETERMINES PURCHASE INFORMATION CORRESPONDING TO DECRYPTED 'COMMAfJD CODE' AND ' SERIAL NUMBER ¹

<81 > <82> [Drawing. 7]

<83-> 7) The server determines purchase information, such as download points and the suitability of content download, corresponding to the decrypted 'command code' and 'serial number'. The server stores download points corresponding to each 'serial number', and each piece of content includes access right corresponding to 'serial number', and 'download points'. The suitability of download is determined using a value calculated using the sum or difference of 'serial number', 'download points' corresponding to the 'serial number', and point information for each requested piece of content. Therefore, the management of content and points based on 'serial number' is possible, and the management of content can be realized for respective countries, product models, and vendors.

DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

t UPDATE

S/ N PURCHASE

INFORMATION i, SERVER TRANSMITS CONTENT. PURCHASE INFORMATION OF WHICH IS DETERMINED. TO COMPUTER BY ENCRYPTING CONTENT USING S/N AND, AT THE SAME TIME. UPDATES PURCHASE INFORMATION CORRESPONDING TO S/N

<84> <85> [Drawing. 8]

<86> 8) The content, stored in the server, other than 'preview' information used to manage and classify content for a user, has been basically encrypted by an encryption key. The encryption key is stored in the arbitrary location of a content file. The server transmits content, the purchase information of which is determined, to the computer by encrypting an encryption key again using 'serial number' and an arbitrary key value. The content is encrypted using a key value, which becomes different whenever the encryption is performed on the server side, and it is characterized in that the content is prevented from being copied and data is prevented from being fabricated. At the same time, purchase information corresponding to the 'serial number' stored in the server is updated. For example, the 'download points' are updated using the difference between the 'download points' corresponding to the 'serial number' and the value of point information of the content desired to download. DEVICE COMPUTER SERVER

CONTENT A ENCRYPTED USING &

S/N

9. COMPUTER TRANSMITS CONTENT DOWNLOADED FROM SERVER TO DEVICE.

<87> <88> [Drawing. 9]

<89> 9) The computer transmits encrypted content, downloaded from the server, to the device.

<90> <91 > In the above process, an authentication process is automatically performed only by a user selects the download of content in an autorun program, so that the user does not need to perform a complex procedure for authentication. Further, since the content dedicated to the device for performing various types of content is provided, other devices cannot use the corresponding content, so that illegal copying may be prevented. The device for performing various types of content can execute only contents with its own unique information, but not execute contents without its own unique information if the contents are files as the same type or format.

<92> The autorun program can be directly executed as a contents download and management program by the start program, or can execute a content download and management program after authenticating of Identification (ID) the password and of the user. Also, the autorun program performed by means of USB connecting to the host computer can be various types of program, and a content download and management program is a example of the autorun program. The content download and management program can have various functions, such as internet call function or user authentication function for internet banking, as the below.

<93> FOr example, if a user selects a mode, such as internet banking, in the Io

autorun program, as the above, the device encrypts and sends a 'COMMAND CODE' and a S/N to a bank server through the computer for user authentication in a bank server. Further, in case the present device is used for only user authentication, such as authentication for banking service, the autorun program can be used for only user authentication function without other functions, as the above, and perform automatically the user authentication by sending the S/N of the device to a server through a host computer when the present device is connected to the computer. In this case, the transmitted data including the S/N for authentication can additionally have a random key as the above transmittance of contents, and the security is more confirmed. Also, while processing of autorun program, the user authentication can be started after authenticating of user's ID and Password.

<94>

<95> In case a computer is used as a device according to the present invention, the user authentication is performed by means of executing the download and management program without the device to be connected to a computer like a MP3 player. In this case, the serial number of the device can be replace with the unique number or code of a video card, a CPU and/or a main board, etc. The above user's authentications can be used in the below explanation.

<96>

<97> A function of using an Internet phone when the device for performing various types of content is connected to the computer will be described below. This function can be supported by an autorun program. There are many devices for performing various types of content, each of which includes the functions of a microphone and a speaker (or headphone). In particular, in the case of an MP3 player, a built-in microphone and headphone is provided and used, so that the Internet telephone call can be realized using the headset, built-in microphone and headphone of the device for performing various types of content.

<98> A description will be performed in more detail in relation to the configuration and operation of an Internet telephone service. In order to use the Internet telephone service, the present device includes voice input/output means, video input/output means, a Central Processing Unit (CPU), data storage means, key input means, display means, and a connection port for the computer.

<99> As an analog device, the voice input/output means includes an input device, such as a condenser or a dynamic microphone, an output device, such as an amplifier, a headphone, or an earphone, and an external voice input/output device, such as a headset.

<ioo> The key input means includes buttons, attached to the present device, or a remote controller, and enables control, such as the determination and selection of a calling list and the processing of volume and voice effects, together with a display unit, such as a Liquid Crystal Display built in the present device, or image output unit.

<ioi> FIG. 3 is a view showing the overall concept of the Internet telephone communication system according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, a plurality of devices for performing various types of content, used to receive an Internet telephone service, is connected over an Internet network, and one or more Call Servers (CSs) for relaying communication between the devices for performing various types of content are connected to the Internet network. Further, each of the call servers is connected to a general telephone over a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

<iO2> A computer and a call server, which are connected to the device, perform, using, for example, an H.323 protocol, a process of registering an Internet telephone in the call server, a process of acquiring a call path using call signaling, such as a call request from another telephone, either of a general-purpose telephone or the present device, a packet izing process of making a voice coded signal, compressed by a digital signal processing unit, into a packet, a depacket izing process of decomposing the voice coded signal which is made into a packet and input through digital network access means, at the same time, and a process of controlling the entire function of an Internet phone according to the present invention.

<iO3> Here, the H.323 protocol basically uses a Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), and the TCP/IP supports TCP and User Datagram Protocol (UDP), which can be used in an application. The UDP is used when a call signaling process is performed with the call server, a TCP is used when a call signaling process is performed with another Internet telephone, and a Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) is used when voice data is transmitted. The RTP allows voice data to be transmitted to a network using the UDP. First, the UDP process, when a call signaling message is transmitted to a call server, will be described. In a UDP layer, a UDP header, which includes the application port number of an opposite party (that is, the call server) and its own application port number, is attached to a call signaling message, and then the resulting message is sent to an Internet Protocol (IP) layer in the form of a packet. In the IP layer, an IP header, which includes its own IP address and the IP address of the opposite party (that is, the call server), is attached to the resulting message, and then the resulting message is sent to an Ethernet device driver in the form of a packet. In the Ethernet device driver, an Ethernet protocol (for example, an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.2/802.3 protocol) header is attached to the resulting message, and the resulting message is converted into a packet in the form of a protocol for communicating with a local gateway accessed through a Local Area Network (LAN), and the packet is then output through an input/output buffer.

<iO4> Meanwhile, in the case in which the call signaling message is received from the call server, the UDP process is performed by decomposing a packet in the reverse order of the transmission process, determining whether data is correct in every layer using the layer's own header, and removing the header in every layer and then sending the packet to a higher level layer.

<i05> Further, a TCP process, when a call signaling message is transmitted to another Internet telephone, will be described. In a TCP layer, a TCP header, which includes the application port number of an opposite party (that is, the J_

Internet telephone of the opposite party), its own application port number, and a transmission checking field, is attached to a call signaling message, and then the resulting message is sent to the IP layer in the form of a packet. In the IP layer, an IP header, which includes its own IP address and the IP address of the opposite party (that is, the Internet telephone of the opposite party), is attached to the resulting message, and then the resulting message is sent to an Ethernet device driver in the form of a packet. In the Ethernet device driver, an Ethernet protocol (for example, the IEEE 802.2 protocol) header is attached to the resulting message, and the resulting message is converted into a packet, and the packet is then output through an input/output buffer. Meanwhile, when the call signaling message is received from the Internet telephone of the opposite party, the UDP process is performed in the reverse order of the transmission process.

<i06> When an Internet telephone system is configured using the above- described method, Internet telephone service can be realized between the present device and a general telephone or between the present device and another device similar to the present device over an Internet network.

<iO7> A process of using the Internet telephone service by the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention will be described in detail, below.

<io8> First, when a call is attempted from the present device to a general telephone or another device similar to the present device, a user selects the function and state of the present device as an 'Internet telephone' using a startup program which is automatically executed after the present device is connected to a computer through a USB connection. The computer performs control on the present device such that the state of the present device becomes the state in which it functions as an Internet telephone (that is, the computer recognizes the present device as a USB Audio device). Thereafter, when the phone number of a telephone, desired to be called, is entered using the key input means of the present device or the input device of a Personal Computer (PC), the computer is connected to a call server over an Internet network, and the call server generates an analog signal corresponding to the Dual Tone MuIti Frequency (DTMF) tone of the entered telephone number and then transmits the analog signal to the exchange of a PSTN network. Thereafter, a call path to the general telephone is formed by performing the process of forming a call path between the exchange and the general telephone. In the process of establishing the call path to the general telephone, the computer performs control such that the call path is formed to the voice input/output device of the present device in order to transmit a ringing tone, output to the call path, and a signal, carried from the exchange, to a user. Thereafter, the voice signal of the user is converted into a digital signal through the call server and the computer, and then a process of compressing data and removing noise is performed. <iO9> Here, a process of compressing and coding a signal, a process of expanding and decoding a signal, and a process of eliminating an echo are performed on data exchanged between the present device and the computer using, for example, G.711, G723, G.726, G.727, G.728, and G729 methods. The above processes are performed by the CPU of the present device or the computer. Thereafter, the decoded voice signal of the opposite party is converted into an analog signal by a codec and is then output to the voice input/output device. By performing the above processes, communication with the general telephone is realized over the PSTN. Thereafter, if the user operates a communication termination state using the key input means, the operational state is detected by the computer, and access to the PSTN network is terminated, and thus the communication mode is terminated.

<110>

<πi> In order to download content or to use an Internet telephone, a user must pay a fee. For this purpose, a program, which is automatically executed when the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention is connected to a computer, may include a payment system or link to a homepage for payment. Like a method used in an existing payment system, a method of accumulating points and making a purchase using the points or a method of using a credit card or a money transfer can be used. A description will be made using a method of performing payment after purchasing points using a credit card or cash, below.

<ii2> A payment system on a homepage will be described as an example below. The payment method using a credit card over the Internet is as follows: (1) A homepage which sells content over the Internet is accessed. When a credit card payment (a purchasing price) is authenticated, the unique serial number and purchasing price information of a product are automatically transmitted to a server. When access is made by a user using USB, corresponding points are charged. (2) Access is made by a user through USB, and the page from a server changes from a 'BUY POINTS' page to the payment page of the seller. When a credit card payment (a purchasing price) is authenticated and the payment is verified, points are immediately assigned. (3) When a device for performing various types of content is connected to a computer, connected to the Internet, using USB, a window (for example, a popup window) for connecting to a server is automatically displayed in a monitor screen (here, a language is designated in a setting mode). If a payment menu item is selected on the popup window, access is automatically made to the server. User points are determined and content is downloaded using the above- described method.

<113>

<ii4> In the case in which download is performed over the Internet, the above-described payment system can be used to purchase content. However, content is not only purchased over the Internet but also used by purchasing a storage medium, such as a CD or a Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) offline. In the case in which content is purchased using a separate storage medium, authentication or encryption may be used so as to prevent illegal replication or copying. That is, illegal replication is prevented by allowing purchased content to be used only in a designated device for performing various types of content.

<ii5> Representative examples of content may be DVD video and songs for Karaoke which are protected by copyright, and a CD will be described as a storage medium for using content after the content is purchased.

<ii6> 1) Content recorded in a CD is encrypted using a unique encryption key and a unique number, which are generated when the CD is manufactured, and then recorded.

<ii7> 2) A purchaser purchases a CD in which content is recorded.

<ii8> 3) When the purchased CD is inserted into a PC and the present device is connected to the computer using USB, a 'content authentication' program is automatically executed.

<ii9> 4) The 'content authentication' program generates a 'question code' by combining the encryption key of the purchased CD, the serial number of the product, and a randomly generated unique number of 128 bits or more.

<i20> 5) A user requests authentication by providing the 'question code', generated by the 'content authentication' program, and the serial number of the device via a phone call connection to a consumer service center or to an Automatic Response System (ARS).

<i2i> 6) The consumer service center or ARS obtains the unique number of the purchased CD by decrypting the 'question code' and the serial number, accesses the CD's unique number management server and inquires about the authentication record of the corresponding CD, and then determines whether to authenticate the CD. In the case in which the authentication of the corresponding CD has been performed already, or in the case in which the value of the 'question code' and the serial number is against the generation rules of the 'question code', steps are taken based on the fact that authentication is impossible. In the case in which authentication is possible, a 'solution code' is provided to the user. At the same time, the information of the CD's unique number management server is updated, thereby preventing duplicate authentication.

<i22> 7) The user who received the 'solution code' enters the code into the 'content authentication' program.

<i23> 8) The 'content authentication' program performs decryption on the encrypted content and, simultaneously, performs encryption on the serial number of the currently connected device, using the 'solution code', and then direct transmission is performed to the device.

<124> Further, the payment method can be realized as follows. When a road card or a CD is purchased offline, the payment method proceeds as follows:

<i25> 1) The user purchases a road card in the market or a CD in a shop, access to a server is made by connecting the USB of the device to a computer connected to the Internet, a pin number, recorded in the CD, or a pin number, checked by removing the scratching portion of the road card, is entered in a search box, authentication is performed, and then points for download, corresponding to the purchasing price, are assigned.

<126> 2) When the device is connected to a computer, which is connected to the Internet, using USB, a popup window for accessing a server is automatically displayed in a monitor screen (here, the language is designated in a setting mode). When selection is performed on the popup window, the access to the server is automatically made.

<127>

<i28> A portable Karaoke device will be described in detail as a preferred example of the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention, below. The present portable Karaoke device may include various functions of an MP3 player, a digital camera, and a camcorder, as well as the function of a Karaoke.

<129> FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the principal circuit of a portable Karaoke device. The present device includes voice input/output means, video input/output means, a CPU, data storage means, key input means, display means, and a port for connecting a computer.

<i30> In FIG. 4, the portable Karaoke device includes the CPU, which is a main operation unit, RAM, which is a main storage unit connected to the CPU, a data storage unit as nonvolatile memory connected to the CPU, a key input unit (key matrix) functioning as an input unit for operation and control, a video input unit for receiving images or video, a video output unit for outputting video, a voice output unit for inputting voice using a microphone so as to perform a Karaoke function and for connecting to a speaker, and a USB port for connecting to a computer.

<i3i> The main storage unit, that is, the RAM, the CPU, or the data storage unit, can perform the same function as the function of a general-purpose computer. The data storage unit stores various types of data, such as midi files, MP3 files, and video files, including Audio Video Interleave (AVI) files. The key input unit is an input device in which a user selects and operates a desired function in a portable Karaoke device. An Infrared (IR) reception unit performs a general function to use a remote controller. The video input unit has a connected or embedded image sensor so as to take moving images. As the video output unit, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), such as an embedded LCD or an Organic LCD (OLCD), may be used, or the video output unit may be used by being connected to an external monitor. A codec is required for the karaoke function, and an Analog-Digital/Digital-Analog (AD/DA) converter is used as the codec. When the user sings a song using a microphone, the voice is combined with a midi file stored in the data storage unit using the codec by the CPU, so that the voice is output together with various types of accompaniment through a speaker. The microphone is used in an embedded state or by being connected to an external microphone. The speaker may be an embedded speaker, or may be connected to a headphone. Preferably, a voice is output through an embedded or external amplifier. Further, it is apparent that the microphone and the headphone can be replaced by a headset which has the functions of both the microphone and the headphone.

<i32> As shown in the block diagram of FIG. 4, showing the configuration of the principal circuit, the functions of the digital camera, a camcorder, and external video input can be realized through the digital image input/output interface of the CPU (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC)).

<i33> Raw frame data, that is, Red, Green, and Blue (RGB) data or YUV data, generated by being input from an external image sensor or an external analog video digitized using a digital video decoder, is transmitted to the CPU through a digital image input/output interface of 8 bits or more. When the music of the Karaoke or MP3 is played, each piece of frame data may be used as moving images or still images for a background, which changes in real time. Further, each piece of frame data can be stored in the form of files, as in a general-purpose digital camera and a camcorder. Here, the received frame data is compressed in the CPU using a Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compression method or a similar method thereto. The compressed data is stored in the 'data storage unit' of flash memory.

<i34> The operation of the present portable Karaoke device can be performed in the same manner as Korean Patent Registration No. 10-0675437 (Korean Unexamined Patent Publication No. 10-2006-0025411).

<i35> In the present invention, the portable Karaoke device can be used to perform various functions, such as the function of an MP3 player as well as a karaoke function. As described above, the portable Karaoke device can perform the function of the camera or the camcorder, and a function of viewing a movie.

<i36> Further, the present portable Karaoke device may be divided into a remote controller unit and a main body unit so as to be easily used as the device for performing various types of content according to the present invention.

<i37> FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the separation of the present portable Karaoke device. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the combination of the portable Karaoke device of FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view showing the portable Karaoke device of FIG. 6 viewed from the lower part, and schematically showing the connection state thereof.

<i38> A detachable portable Karaoke device 10 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7.

<i39> The portable Karaoke device includes a main body 200 and a body unit 100. The main body 200 and the body unit 100 are detachably combined together. The terminal (not shown) of the main body 200 corresponds to the ZO

terminal 210 of the body unit 100, and they are automatically combined and separated for attachment and detachment. First, since the size of the body unit 100 is relatively large, it is preferable that the body unit 100 include an amplifier so that a microphone can amplify a voice signal. The keypad 110 of the body unit 100 allows a song selection number to be easily and directly input for easy use. It is desirable that the body unit 100 comprises Input elements, such as a key pad 110 and a microphone, etc., and the main body 200 comprises all processing elements to perform total functions except of input elements and output elements.

<i40> The main body 200 also includes a key matrix 220 as a key input unit so that various types of modes can be changed or set. It is preferable that the main body 200 include all of principal circuits and an embedded microphone so that all functions can be displayed even in the state in which it is separated from the body unit 100.

<i4i> As shown in FIG. 7, the main body 200 includes a terminal 230 provided for external connection on the bottom thereof. The main body 200 is connected to the external monitor of a TV through a separate connection terminal 330, so that it can independently display the function of a Karaoke. Further, the main body 200 includes all principal parts, such as an image sensor, so that it can independently display the function of an MP3 player. An LCD screen may be provided on the key matrix 220, so that moving images, images, and the text of songs can be viewed and the operational state can be determined.

<142>

<i43> The portable Karaoke device can be used while content is searched and arranged. This will be described with reference to a flowchart showing the search and arrangement of content of FIG. 8.

<i44> In the case of a conventional Karaoke device, if the arrangement and search for titles and singers are not realized in the device, users require a separate music guide (a book which includes printed list information, such as the number and title of a song and a singer, or the data file thereof) in order to find a desired song. Although there may be a method of performing complete arrangement in real time while the device is being operated, this method is largely affected by the speed of the CPU and the size of the memory of the device. Therefore, this method is difficult to realize in hardware the performance of which is low, that is, having little memory or a slow CPU. Further, although arranged content and information are stored in the Karaoke device, the device has characteristics in that it is generally connected to a computer and downloads content, and thus content must be frequently added and deleted. In this case, all of the content stored in the device must be read and arranged again, and then only information required for arrangement is stored in the device, so that a large amount of resources and time are wasted.

<i45> However, in the present invention, a process of adding and deleting content is completed merely by storing the content, and the device loads only the 'arrangement index' of each of content files to the main memory thereof when an operation is initialized, with the result that desired information for which a user wants to search can be detected by searching part of content without total arrangement, so that the information can be rapidly viewed by the user.

<i46> In the present invention, a single content file may include various types of content, and the header of each content file includes an 'arrangement index', in which content is arranged based on titles, singers, and genres. An 'arrangement index' is calculated and stored when a content file is generated.

<i47> 1) When a search function starts, the present invention receives a search template and a keyword from a user. The search template may be formed, for example, in the order of singers, titles, and genres, and English words or Korean words can be input as the keyword.

<i48> 2) The keyword is searched for from the 'arrangement index' of each content file stored in the device. Here, a binary search or a hash search is used as the search method, and the 'arrangement index' is classified based on the search template, and then search is performed.

<i49> 3) A song corresponding to the keyword is found from the 'arrangement index¹ and the song corresponding to the index number immediately after that of the found song are obtained.

<i50> 4) The value that is the closest to the search keyword of the respective obtained songs is obtained, and information about a song corresponding to the index value is displayed on a screen.

<i5i> 5) Indexes are searched again based on the maximum number of songs which can be displayed on the screen, and then information about songs corresponding to the found indexes are successively displayed on the screen. Here, the step of searching for indexes again is performed using the smallest index value that is closest to index keyword excluding the song on screen among song found in each arrangement index and next song thereof.

<152>

<153> As described above, the device according to the present invention can perform various functions by means of only being connected to the host computer.

<154>

<i55> Another method of connecting a device for performing various types of content to a server will be described in detail, below. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the various connections of a device for performing various types of content to a server according to the present invention. In case an internet network is not used for the above connections, it is not necessary for the device to be connected to a server.

<i56> As an example of the various connections of the device to a server, in case the device has an internet function or a telephone network communication function, the device can be directly connected to the server over the internet or the telephone network communication. On the other hand, the internet or telephone network communication for the device is not available, the device can be connected to the server through a host computer. A notebook PC is an example of the device having an internet function. Also the devices which can be equipped a wireless LAN card can be directly connected to the server. Since the device according to the present invention comprises a CPU, a ram memory, and a storage, the device according the present invention can be directly connected to a server through a wireless internet network if a wireless LAN card is equipped to the device, and perform a content download function, user authentication function, an internet call function,^' and encrypting function for various types of content. In other words, the device equipped a wireless LAN card can be performs all functions as a computer.

<157> If the device according to the present invention is available to use both a wireless internet and the USB connection, it is possible for the device to be directly connected to a server under the wireless internet environment as a computer, but to be connected to a server through a host computer by the means of USB connection, in the case of the wireless internet not working, as the above device not equipped elements for a wireless internet . [Industrial Applicability]

<158> The present invention relates to a device for performing various types of content. Therefore the present invention relates more particularly, to various types of independent devices for performing various types of content, such as a portable Karaoke device, a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) audio layer-3 (MP3) player, and a game machine, a navigation system a computer, which use content, for example, midi files for Karaoke, audio files, images, video, content for an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), data for a navigation system and various types of software.

Claims

[CLAIMS] [Claim 1]

<16O> A device for performing various types of content, the data of which is transmittable with a computer connected to the device,

<i6i> wherein the device comprises a computer-interface, a CPU, and a storage; and

<162> wherein the storage has a descriptor table for allowing the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a USB CD-ROM by assigning mutual regions, a descriptor table for allowing the device for performing various types of content to be recognized as a general-purpose USB storage unit, and a sector having an autorun program,

<i63> so that when the device is connected to the computer, an autorun program in the device is executed in response to connection therebetween without installing a separate driver or executing an program for the device for performing various types of content, and thus data communication therebetween is enabled, or data communication and mutual content transmission therebetween are enabled while performing the data communicat ion.

[Claim 2]

<i64> The device according to claim 2, wherein the device for performing various types of content has unique information of the device and the device encrypts the unique information of the device using a random key and send the encrypted information to the computer, so that user authentication is automatically performed using the information.

[Claim 3]

<i65> The device according to claim 2, wherein the unique information of the device is included in content, so that only content including the unique information of the device is used.

[Claim 4]

<i66> The device according to claim 3, wherein the device for performing various types of content comprises the unique information of the device, OO

content is encrypted and stored in a storage medium, including a CD, and each storage medium comprises its own unique value, so that the content can be used only in the corresponding device for performing various types of content by inquiring about the unique value from a seller and decrypting encryption by means of the autorun program.

[Claim 5]

<167> The device according to claim 2, wherein the device for performing various types of content performs a function of using an Internet phone by means of the autorun program using the user authentication.

[Claim 6]

<i68> The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the device for performing various types of content comprises a Karaoke function, or comprises one or more functions of a Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) audio layer-3 (MP3) Karaoke player, an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), a movie player, an Internet telephone, and a camcorder, in addition to the karaoke function.

[Claim 7]

<169> The device according to claim 6, wherein the device for performing various types of content comprises a body unit having input functions and a main body having all of the functions, and the body unit and the main body are detachably combined together.

[Claim 8]

<i70> The device according to claim 7, wherein the device for performing various types of content performs search and arrangement of the content using an arrangement index.

[Claim 9]

<i7]> The device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the device for performing various types of content comprises further a wireless internet function or a telephone network communication function so that the device is directly connected to a server not through a host computer and the autorun program is executed.

[Claim 10] <i72> A method for encrypting various types of content using unique information of a device for performing various types of content to be played only in the corresponding device, characterized in that the method comprises a step of; <i73> sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller through an unique computer program for driving the device, and encrypting the content that is belong to the sel ler(server) with the information of the device by the seller, or <i74> sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller and encrypting the content with the information which the seller send back to the user about the device through an unique computer program for the device.

[Claim 11] <i75> The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of sending the unique information of a device to a contents seller through an unique computer program for the device, and encrypting the content that is belong to the sel ler(server) with the information of the device by the seller comprises steps of; <i76> recognizing the unique information of the device through said program and generating a command code for a user authentication and requesting a command code for a random key to the sel ler(server) , <i77> sending a random key and the command code for encrypting to the device, <i78> encrypting the command code for encrypting and the unique information of the device with the random key through the program, <i79> sending a encrypted data to the sel ler(server) , and <i80> encrypting the contents with the unique information of the device in the server, and sending the encrypted contents to the device.

[Claim 12] <i8i> The method according to claim 11, wherein in case the device can not be directly connected to a server over the internet or the telephone network 5

communication, the device can be connected the server through a host computer and the data for the device transmittable with the server by the program.