WO2008136630A1

WO2008136630A1 - System and method for providing multimedia contents

Info

Publication number: WO2008136630A1
Application number: PCT/KR2008/002527
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hae Bong Jeong
Original assignee: Hae Bong Jeong
Priority date: 2007-05-04
Filing date: 2008-05-06
Publication date: 2008-11-13
Also published as: JP2010529702A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing multimedia contents, which quickly and accurately provides various contents inclusive of image information together through an application supporting tasks of providing/maintaining real-time image information and providing contents. The system for providing multimedia contents according to the present invention includes a user terminal for displaying contents of commodity information or PR service information input as a multimedia player provided therein for providing multimedia content information runs, and a content server for providing the user terminal with a service for downloading a multimedia player application program, storing contents of commodity information or PR service information created and provided by Web sites, and then providing the stored information through the multimedia player based on a request signal from a user or an execution signal of an autorun program.

Description

[DESCRIITION] [Invention Title]

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING MULTIMEDIA CONTENTS

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a system and method for providing multimedia contents, and more particularly to a system and method for providing multimedia contents, which quickly and accurately provides various contents inclusive of image information together through an application supporting tasks of providing/maintaining real-time image information and providing contents.

[Background Art]

With the popularization of computers, the tendency is that the whole world is connected by one network via the Internet where users in the world can share time and space. Therefore, many enterprises and individuals have opened their Web sites on the Internet so as to advertise themselves and their products to netizens in the world or provide information thereon, as well as make it easy for netizens to search for desired information.

That is, if a user accesses the Internet by driving a Web browser, and then inputs a specific URL (Universal Resource Locator), the Web browser accesses a server where a relevant Web site exists, and thus the user can use various text, moving picture, or graphic information provided by the Web site.

In this way, Internet users in the world can use the Internet anytime and anywhere without time and space constraints, so that electronic commerce Web sits have been opened and are actively working, in which users of various classes can purchase a variety of commodities (including service commodities), such as clothes, books, disks, and travel packages. However, in using such electronic commerce Web sites, it is troublesome in that a user must individually access other Web sites through Web surfing in order to be provided with his/her desired commodity information or PR service information therefrom because when the user visits and accesses a specific electronic commerce Web site, he/she may only search for information provided by the accessed Web site, which causes a problem of an unnecessary waste of time.

Therefore, there is an increasing need for a system for providing multimedia contents, which enables a user to be provided with integrated multimedia contents without visiting different Web sites one by one in order to obtain multimedia contents of various commodity information and PR service information.

[Disclosure] [Technical Problem]

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve at least the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to make shopping convenient for Internet users by quickly and accurately providing shopping information (including shopping-related information, such as commodity information and PR information for commodities and services; the same will apply to the following) and simultaneously providing a direct purchase function using a media player through an application supporting tasks of providing real-time shopping image information and contents.

A further object of the present invention is to upload UCC (User created Content) shopping information of a user who desires to provide other users with his/her commodities or services, thereby providing other users with various contents. A further object of the present invention is to enable a user to be provided with various media contents in real time without visiting individual Web sites by implementing a multimedia player for providing various multimedia content information in a computer of each user. A further object of the present invention is to naturally increase use of advertisement, home shopping (shopping mall), and marketing materials opened in the Web site of a content provider, thereby enabling the content provider to divert PR costs to investment in the development of new contents and the creation of costumers and communities, and thus supporting the development of more diverse contents.

A further object of the present invention is to totally support multimedia format conversion through one simple authentication procedure by using a content server.

A further object of the present invention is to upload UCC (User Created Content) information, created or possessed by a user who desires to provide other users with his/her commodities or service, to a content server by using a multimedia player, thereby facilitating the user to provide other users with his/her commodities or services.

A further object of the present invention is to provide various multimedia content information in real time via format conversion according to a user's request by implementing a multimedia player for providing various multimedia content information in a computer of each user.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a multimedia player that can be used to check commodity or service information included in multimedia contents and purchase a corresponding commodity or service in real time. [Technical Solution]

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for providing multimedia contents, the system including a user terminal for displaying contents of commodity information or PR service information input as a multimedia player provided therein for providing multimedia content information runs; and a content server for providing the user terminal with a service for downloading a multimedia player application program, storing contents of commodity information or PR service information created and provided by Web sites, and then providing the stored information through the multimedia player based on a request signal from a user or an execution signal of an autorun program.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing multimedia contents, the method including the steps of (a) receiving input multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information provided by a Web site that have signed a membership contract, and storing the multimedia contents! (b) providing a service for downloading a multimedia player application program to a user terminal that has subscribed to membership, and running a multimedia player in the user terminal to thereby have communication access to the user terminal; (c) performing data processing such that the stored multimedia contents can be provided to the user terminal; and (d) providing the multimedia contents subjected to the data processing to the multimedia player running in the user terminal.

In accordance with yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for providing multimedia contents, the method including the steps of (a) providing a user terminal with a service for a downloading multimedia player application program, and running a multimedia player in the user terminal to thereby have communication access to the user terminal; (b) receiving upload multimedia contents, created or possessed by a user, through the multimedia player, and converting a format of the upload multimedia contents into a requested format; and (c) providing the format-converted multimedia contents to the multimedia player running in the user terminal.

[Advantageous Effects]

A system and method for providing multimedia contents according to the present invention has the following advantages:

Firstly, it is possible to make shopping convenient by quickly and accurately providing shopping information and simultaneously providing a direct purchase function using a media player through an application supporting tasks of providing real-time shopping image information and new product shopping contents.

Secondly, a user who desires to provide other users with his/her commodities or services can upload his/her UCC (User created Content) shopping information by means of a media player, thereby providing other users with various contents and simultaneously performing marketing activities for his/her commodities.

Thirdly, a user can be simply and easily provided with various media shopping contents in real time without visiting individual Web sites by implementing a multimedia player for providing various multimedia shopping content information in a computer of each user.

Fourthly, use of advertisement, home shopping (shopping mall), and marketing materials opened in the Web site of a shopping content provider naturally increases, so that the shopping content provider can divert PR costs to investment in the development of new shopping contents and the creation of costumers and communities, and thus support the development of more diverse shopping contents. Fifthly, if a multimedia player for providing various multimedia content information is implemented in a computer of each user, a user can use the multimedia player for requesting a server to convert the format of contents created or possessed by him/her and be provided with the format-converted contents in real time through the multimedia player, so that a waste of time required for format conversion can be reduced and a separate content format conversion tool for UCC upload is unnecessary.

Sixthly, a user can check commodity or service information included in multimedia contents, which are played back in a multimedia player, and purchase a corresponding commodity or service in real time.

[Description of Drawings]

FIG. 1 is a view illustrating a system for providing multimedia contents in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a view illustrating a structure of a multimedia player in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a content server in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing multimedia contents in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention!

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of data processing in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a content server in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing a format conversion service for multimedia contents in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 illustrates a purchase window of the multimedia player in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 9 illustrates a UCC screen image of the multimedia player in FIG. 2.

[Best Mode]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by way of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Mode for Invention] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing multimedia contents according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the system for providing multimedia contents includes a plurality of Web sites 100, a plurality of user terminals 200, and a content server 300, all of which are networked via the Internet to transmit/receive multimedia contents to/from each other.

The Web site 100 creates multimedia contents, such as domestic and foreign TV home shopping, e-TV home shopping, advertisements, PR, UCC, and commodity information, and provides them the plurality of user terminals 200.

The user terminal 200 is equipped with a multimedia player for providing multimedia content information, is provided with multimedia contents created and provided by the plurality of Web sites 100 as the multimedia player runs based on a request signal from a user or an execution signal of an autorun program, and displays the provided multimedia contents to a plurality of user PCs. In another embodiment, the user terminal 200 may create or possess multimedia contents, upload the multimedia contents to the content server 300 through the multimedia player, and request the content server 300 to convert the format of the uploaded multimedia contents into his/her desired format type. Preferably, the user terminal 200 is constituted by a PC capable of being connected to a wired network, a wireless terminal capable of being connected to a wireless network, or a portable terminal, such as a cellular phone or a PDA (Personal Digital Assistant). The content server 300 provides the user terminal 200 with a service for downloading a multimedia player application program, stores information on multimedia contents created and provided by the plurality of Web sites 100, and then provides the user terminal 200 with the stored information through the multimedia player. In another embodiment, the uploaded multimedia contents are subjected to conversion into a format requested by a user, and then is provided to the user terminal 200 in real time by using a messenger or a real-time information provision pop-up window employing a chatting scheme, which is linked with the multimedia player. For reference, the Web site 100 covers all types of existing Web sites that construct content databases in various manners and provide multimedia contents, as well as conventional home shopping Web sits that themselves create TV home shopping real-time/prerecorded broadcast programs and various advertisement contents for products, etc. and provide the created materials through their Web sites 100.

The multimedia player is an application supporting a function of providing or uploading multimedia contents in real time. It is loaded in the form of an application program in the user terminal 200, and is implemented by a window in a second desktop environment separate from a first desktop environment (e.g. common Windows window or Internet browser) within the user terminal 200. Also, the window in the first desktop environment may be hidden in the first desktop environment, and runs in real time using a messenger or a real^¬ time information provision pop-up window employing a chatting scheme. FIG. 2 illustrates a structure of a multimedia player according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, the multimedia player 400 includes a playback active window 430 for playing back multimedia contents transmitted from the content server 300 and stored in the user terminal 200, a menu selection window 410 for enabling a user to select desired multimedia contents by displaying configuration menus (shopping, bulletin board, entertainment channel, movie, database, community, etc.) in which a plurality of multimedia contents supported by the content server 300 are arranged according to their titles, and a page information window 420 for displaying various text or graphic information on at least one of the plurality of multimedia contents.

Preferably, the multimedia player 400 further includes a search window (not illustrated) through which information to be searched is provided to a search engine, so that the search engine can search for the corresponding information by using a keyword written directly in the search window by a user. Additionally, the multimedia player 400 may include a purchase button 425 or a shopping cart button 427 for submitting a request to purchase or have the custody of a commodity, which is formed around a commodity provided in the playback active window 430 and the page information window 420. Further, each menu in the menu selection window 410 is provided with a submenu (not illustrated) related to UCC moving pictures, so that UCC search, UCC upload, UCC file format conversion, etc. can be conducted.

Further, if a user selects a specific image from a moving picture played back in the playback active window 430 by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, as illustrated in FIG. 8, a commodity, an advertisement, image information and the like regarding the image can be displayed in the page information window 420. Thus, the user may purchase the displayed commodity or contents related to the image by using the purchase button 425, or separately store them by using the shopping cart button 427 and then purchase them later on. For example, if a drama is played back in the playback active window 430, and a user clicks clothes, which are put on an entertainer appearing in the drama, with a mouse, information on the clothes and related commodities can be displayed in the page information window 420. Thus, a user can conveniently purchase desired commodities.

Further, referring to FIG. 9 illustrating a screen image of a multimedia player according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the menu selection window 410 of the multimedia player 400 is provided in the longitudinal direction on the left side of the page information window 420, and a UCC menu 415 is provided as an separate menu. The UCC menu 415 may have a submenu 417 according to the kinds of UCCs and UCC-related command menus 412, 414, 416.

This type of UCC menu 415 system is more suitable for an environment where a user or a commodity/service provider personally creates and uploads multimedia contents. To this end, it is preferred that there is provided a format conversion request button 414 for submitting a request for format conversion through the upload of multimedia contents (UCC, etc.) created and possessed by a user. P^ror reference, the format conversion request button 414 may be implemented in such a manner as to be arranged as one of the UCC-related command menus 412, 414, 416.

If a user clicks the format conversion request button, then an upload window (not illustrated) for allowing the user to upload multimedia contents (including UCCs) created or possessed by him/her may be provided. Also, the upload window may include an attachment file window for attaching files, a title writing window for writing the title of multimedia contents, a conversion format selection window for selecting at least one desired format type, and a preview button for submitting a request to preview upload multimedia contents through the playback active window 430 or the page information window 420. Multimedia contents uploaded in this way are subjected to format conversion into a format requested by a user within the content server 300, and then are provided in real time through a messenger or a real-time information provision pop-up window employing a chatting scheme, which is linked with the multimedia player. With regard to this, the content server 300 may transmit the format-converted multimedia contents to the user terminal 200, but preferably only sends a notification of completion of the request format conversion of the multimedia contents. Next, if the user or another user selects the UCC search button, then the content server 300 displays a UCC bulletin board 418 in the page information window 420. In the UCC bulletin board 418, numbers, titles, writer information, and format types are listed. Thus, a user confirms format-converted multimedia contents by selecting any one from among UCCs listed in the UCC bulletin board 418 and playing back it in the playback active window 430 or the page information window 420. Also, the user can download the confirmed multimedia contents to a storage unit of his/her terminal 200, and use the multimedia contents downloaded to the storage unit. In addition, the format- converted multimedia contents can be shared with other users at the user's share request, and other users can view the corresponding multimedia contents by selecting the UCC search button 416.

FIG. 3 illustrates a content server according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the content server 300 includes a network connection unit 310, a member authentication unit 320 including a Web site authenticator 322 and a user authenticator 324, an information DB 330 including a content information DB 332, a Web site information DB 334, a user information DB 336, and a UCC information DB 338, a content processing unit 340 including a data separator 342, a data filter 344, a data converter 346, and a data processor 348, and an application program driving unit 350.

In another embodiment, the content server 300 may further include a format driving unit 260 including a format analyser 362, a format converter 364, and a format editor 366.

Reference will now be made in detail to the respective constituent components.

The network connection unit 310 transmits/receives data to/from the user terminal 200 and the Web site 100, and member registration data or log-in data input at communication access of the user terminal 200 and multimedia contents uploaded by a format conversion request are transferred to the network connection unit 310. Also, the network connection unit 310 receives multimedia contents provided by the Web site 100, and delivers multimedia content information to be provided to the multimedia player 400. The member authentication unit 320 is a means for authenticating if a user or a Web site is a member of the content server 300. The member authentication unit 320 includes the Web site authenticator 322 for authenticating Web sites that have been opened for providing multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information and have signed a membership contract, and the user authenticator 324 for authenticating users who have subscribed to membership in order to upload UCC and PR service information created or possessed by them or submit a request for format conversion and to be provided with multimedia content information.

The information DB 330 is a means for storing member information and multimedia content information. The information DB 330 includes the content information DB 332 for storing multimedia content information based on commodity information and PR information provided by the Web site 100, and the Web site information DB 334 for storing information on Web sites that have signed a membership contract for providing multimedia contents. In particular, the content information DB 332 may store the identity number of a certain image included in various contents provided by the Web site 100, That is, when a user selects (specifies) a specific image from a moving picture played back in the playback active window 430 by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, such an identity number may be used to extract information (e.g. commodity information, service information, etc.) regarding the specific image through the identity number corresponding to the value of the relevant image.

The information DB 330 also includes the user information DB 336 for storing information on users who have subscribed to membership in order to be provided with various multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information, and the UCC information DB 338 for storing UCC commodity information and PR service information created, provided and uploaded by users themselves. For reference, in another embodiment, the information on users, stored in the user information DB 336, may be used as information for submitting a request to convert the formats of multimedia contents created or provided by users. Also, the UCC information DB 338 may store multimedia contents that have been subjected to format conversion requested by users. The content processing unit 340 is a means for processing data in such a manner as to provide the user terminal 200 with multimedia content information based on commodity information and PR service information provided by Web sites that have signed a membership contract. The content processing unit 340 includes the data separator for classifying multimedia contents, provided by the Web site 100 and stored in the content information DB 332, according to data attributes (audio, video, moving picture, graphic, etc.), and the data filter 344 for sorting out contents with given form and substance by applying defined provisions to multimedia contents classified according to data attributes by the data separator 342. The content processing unit 340 also includes the data converter 346 for subjecting contents sorted out by the data filter 344 to digital data processing, thereby converting the contents into data transmittable to the user terminal 200, and the data processor 348 for checking the speed at which data is transmitted to the user terminal 200 through a network and comparing the checked speed with reference speed to thereby determine the data transmission scheme of data converted by the data converter 346. With regard to this, the data transmission scheme determined by the data processor 348 is preferably any one of a streaming scheme and a download scheme. Thus, in the case of transmitting data in the streaming scheme, real-time commodity information and PR service information can be provided in real time.

The application program driving unit 350 controls the operation and driving of the multimedia player 400 loaded in the user terminal 200, and provides the user terminal 200 with information on specific contents in real time through a messenger or chatting, based on a control command signal requested by a user. Also, if a user selects (specifies) a specific image from a moving picture (or multimedia contents) played back in the playback active window 430 by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, the application program driving unit 350 can receive the input value of the specified image, extract commodity information corresponding to the value of the relevant image from the content information DB 332, and provide the user terminal 200 with the extracted information. Subsequently, the user may purchase the corresponding commodity through the relevant information.

FIG. 4 illustrates a method for providing multimedia contents according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

First of all, the content server 300 receives Web site information input by the plurality of Web sites 100 that create and provide multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information, such as marketing information, market information, product-related information, marketing seminar materials, and other economy-related materials, and enters into a membership contract with the respective Web sites (S401). Here, the input Web site information is information necessary for authentication, including a Web site name, an address, a phone number, a business registration number, etc., and such information is stored in the Web site information DB 334.

The content server 300 also receives multimedia contents provided by the plurality of Web sites that have signed a membership contract, and stores the multimedia contents in the content information DB 332 (S411). Also, the content server 300 receives user information input by a plurality of users who desire to subscribe to membership, and performs a membership subscription procedure for the respective users. Here, the input user information includes a name, an address, a phone number, an identification number, etc., and such information is stored in the user information DB 336 (S421). A user who has subscribed to membership may upload UCC commodity information and PR service information created or possessed by him/her to thereby store them in the UCC information DB 338.

In addition, the content server 300 provides a service for a downloading multimedia player application program, and a user who has subscribed to membership downloads the multimedia player application program provided by the content server 300 and then executes the downloaded program in his/her user terminal 200 (S431).

If the multimedia player application program is executed in the user terminal 200 in this way, the user terminal 200 has communication access to the content server 300 while a Web browser runs through the application program driving unit 350, and thus the corresponding program can be executed directly on the multimedia player (S441). For reference, the multimedia player 400 is a player that is implemented by a window in a second desktop environment separate from a frist desktop environment within the user terminal 200 when the application program is loaded in the user terminal 200.

That is, if a Web browser runs by executing the application program, each user has communication access to the content server 300 according to a communication environment (wired/wireless Internet network) set in the user terminal 200, and once communication access to the content server 300 is established, the relevant user terminal 200 is provided with user log-in screen data output from the content server 300 through the multimedia player 400. Also, log-in data (i.e. ID and password) input by each user through a log- in screen displayed on the main screen is output to the content server 300. The output log-in data is compared with data in the user information DB 336 where member information is stored at the time of subscription to membership to thereby determine if the relevant user is a registered user, and then membership authentication is performed to have access to the content server 300 (S451). If the user is determined to be an authorized user, and thus the user terminal 200 gain access to the content server 300, the content server 300 conducts data processing in the content processing unit 340 such that multimedia contents, such as marketing information, market information, product-related information, marketing seminar materials, and other economy- related materials, can be provided to the user terminal 200 (S461). Prior to the next step (S471), reference will now be made to a data processing procedure conducted in the content processing unit 340, with reference to FIG. 5.

FIG. 5 illustrates data processing according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5, data processing conducted in the data processing unit 340 begins with classifying multimedia contents stored in the content information DB 332 into audio, video, a moving picture, a text, a graphic, etc. according to data attributes through the data separator 342 (S501). Also, the data filter 344 sorts out contents with given form and substance by applying defined provisions to the contents classified according to data attributes through the data separator 342 (S511). With regard to this, the defined provisons is preferably applied in such a manner that separate examiners examine the contents, but may be applied in such a manner that other users who have viewed the relevant contents give marks for the contents or for the user who has uploaded the relevant contents. In the latter, if the marks are less than a threshold value, then the relevant contents are automatically deleted. Thus, since contents violating the defined provisions are removed, riskful multimedia contents, such as UCC commodity information and PR service information that a user personally creates and provides through upload to the content server 300, can be self-checked and removed, which improves the reliability of the content server 300.

For contents sorted out by the data filter 344, the data converter 346 converts them into a communication protocol transmittable to the user terminal 200 by subjecting image contents to image digital data processing and subjecting text and graphic contents to digital data processing (S521).

Also, the speed at which data is transmitted to the user terminal 200 through a network is checked using the data processor 348, and the checked speed is compared with reference speed to thereby determine the data transmission scheme of data converted by the data converter 346 (S531).

With regard to this, the data transmission scheme determined by the data processor 348 is preferably any one of a streaming scheme and a download scheme. The reference speed is preferably defined by a difference between a time when image data is transmitted and a time when the image data is plated back.

Thus, if the checked speed is determined to be equal to or greater than the reference speed (S541), data transmission is determined to be amicable, and content data converted in the streaming scheme is transmitted to the user terminal 200, so that the remaining part of the content data is continuously transmitted while the multimedia player plays back a part of the content data (S551). However, if the checked speed is less than the reference speed (S541), content data converted in the download scheme is transmitted to the user terminal 200 because disconnection may occur when the content data is transmitted in the streaming scheme, so that the multimedia player plays back the content data after the transmission of the content data is completed (S561). For reference, content data may also be transmitted in various combinations of the two scheme. In this way, by transmitting image data in the streaming scheme, multimedia contents according to TV home shopping information or product-related information provided by the Web site 100 can be provided in real time.

Once data processing is completed through the content processing unit 340, as mentioned above, the application program driving unit 350 provides the multimedia player 400 with data processed by the content processing unit 340. Also, the application program driving unit 350 controls the operation and driving the multimedia player 400 loaded in the user terminal 200, detects information regarding specific contents from the content information DB 332, based on a control command signal requested by a user, and provides the user terminal 200 with the detected information (S471).

In particular, if a user selects a specific image from a moving picture played back in the playback active window 430 by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, the application program driving unit 350 can receive the input value of the specified image, extract commodity information corresponding to the value of the relevant image from the content information DB 332, and provide the user terminal 200 with the extracted information. Thus, the user may purchase the commodity or contents related to the displayed image.

FIG. 6 illustrates a content server according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the content server 300 may further include a format driving unit 360 including a format analyser 362, a format converter 364, and a format editor 366.

Above all, the format driving unit 360 includes the format analyser 362 for analysing the format type (JPG, GIF, BMP, MPEG, ASF, WMA, MPEGl, MPEG2, DV codec, etc.) of multimedia contents for which format conversion is requested through upload from the user terminal 200, and the format converter for converting the multimedia contents by using spatial resolution, a frame rate, a scan type, an aspect ratio, and the like conforming to the requested format, based on the format type analyzed by the format analyser 362. The format driving unit 360 also includes the format editor 366 for subjecting the multimedia contents to image edition according to format conversion rules. Reference will now be made to a method for providing a format conversion service for multimedia contents by using the constituent components in FIG. 6, with reference to FIG. 7. For reference, the following description will be given in connection with the procedures in FIGS. 4 and 5, and thus a repetitive description will be omitted.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for providing a format conversion service for multimedia contents according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. In step S461 of FIG. 4, an authorized user uploads multimedia contents, such as UCC commodity information and PR service information created or possessed by him/her, to the content server 300 to thereby store them in the UCC information DB 338. For multimedia contents sorted out by the data filter 344 via steps S501 and S511 of FIG. 5, the user submits a request for format conversion by clicking the format conversion request button when or after he/she uploads the multimedia contents (S701). Next, if the request for format conversion is submitted, the format analyser 362 analyzes the format type (JPG, GIF, BMP, MPEG, ASF, WMA, MPEGl, MPEG2, DV codec, etc.) of the relevant multimedia contents uploaded by the user and stored in the UCC information DB 338 (S711).

Subsequently, the format converter 364 converts the format of the multimedia contents by using spatial resolution, a frame rate, a scan type, an aspect ratio, etc. conforming to the format requested by the user, based on the analyzed format type (S721).

Thereafter, the format editor 366 conducts image edition for the multimedia contents converted by the format converter 364, in which a color coordinate correction function, a color difference conversion function, a gamma correction function, a geometry correction function, an image quality adjustment function, etc. are adjusted according to format conversion rules (S731).

Subsequently, steps following step S521 are performed. The application program driving unit 350 notifies the user terminal 200 of the multimedia contents requested by the user or of completion of the requested format conversion in real time by using a real-time information provision pop-up window linked with the multimedia player, and plays back the multimedia contents in the multimedia player at the request of the user.

Thus, after the user requests the content server 300 to convert he format of multimedia contents created or possessed by him/her into a desired format, he/she can use his/her user terminal 200 for carrying out another work separate from processing according to the format conversion. Afterward, the user receives a notification of completion of the format conversion from the content server 300 through the real-time information provision pop-up window linked with the multimedia player, so that he/she can easily format-convert multimedia contents created or possessed by him/her, and use them in conformity to the format of his/her moving picture blog and image site or a specifically provided player.

A method for driving and controling the multimedia player by a user will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 8.

FIG. 8 illustrates a purchase window of a multimedia player according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The content server 300 runs the multimedia player 400 in an authorized user terminal 200 through the application program driving unit 350.

Then, the menu selection window 410 in the intial screen can display multimedia contents based on multimedia content information stored in the content information DB 332 or uploaded UCC commodity information or PR service information created or possessed by a user while arranging configuration menus according to main titles so that the user can select any one of the configuration menus. Also, the page information window 420 displays text or graphic information as a subtitle of the multimedia contents corresponding to a configuration menu arbitrarily selected from among the configuration menus arranged in the menu selection window 410.

With regard to this, the initial screen image of the page information window 420 preferably uploads text or graphic information stored in the content information DB 332 in units of given periods of time, and displays the latest text or graphic information. Preferably, the playback active window 430 is also defined in such a manner as to upload and display the latest moving picture information stored in the content information DB 332 or display the basic initial screen (still image or moving picture). The menu selection window 410 consists of fixed configuration menus, and may include product, TV home shopping, e-TV home shopping, marketing, bulletin board, etc. Also, broadcast, entertainment, database, community may be further included in the menu selection window 410.

Thus, a user views the multimedia player 400 with the above-mentioned initial screen in his/her terminal 200, and then selects a main title in the menu selection window 410 by using an external input device connected to the terminal 200.

Then, the application program driving unit 350 retrieves a plurality of contents corresponding to the selected main title in the content information DB 332, and displays the retrieved contents as text or graphic information in the page information window 420. Also, if the user clicks at least one of subtitles displayed in the page information window, multimedia contents, that is, commodity information and PR service information corresponding to the relevant sub-contents stored in the content information DB 332, such as marketing information, market information, product-related information, marketing seminar materials, and other economy-related materials, are provided. When the provided multimedia contents contains music, a movie, video, etc. based on commodity information and PR service information, moving picture content data is played back in the playback active window 430. Subsequently, the user may submit a purchase request to the content server 300 by clicking the purchase button 425 in order to purchase a commodity provided in the playback active window 430 and the page information window 420.

In particular, if the user selects a specific image from a moving picture played back in the playback active window 430 by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software in the middle of viewing certain broadcast (drama, show program, or the like) through the playback active window 430, a commodity, an advertisement, and image information related to the image can be displayed in the page information window 420. That is, the application program driving unit 350 receives the input value of the image, extract commodity information corresponding to the value of the relevant image from the content information DB 332, and displays the extracted commodity information in the page information window 420. Thus, the user can submits a purchase request to the content server 300 by clicking the purchase button 425.

If the purchase request is transmitted through the user terminal 200 in this way, the application program driving unit 350 take proceedings for purchasing the requested commodity by providing the relevant user information stored in the user information DB 336 to the Web site 100 that has created or provided the relevant commodity information. With regard to this, it is possible to make a sample purchase or bulk purchase of the commodity presented in the multimedia player through responses to commodity purchase and queries, interworking with a logistic company, and interworking with a credit card and on-line payment system. For reference, the commodity purchase procedure uses well-known technology according to commercial transactions, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 9 illustrates a UCC screen image of a multimedia player.

A user who has subscribed to membership may upload UCC commodity information and PR service information created or possessed by him/her to thereby store them in the UCC information DB 338. That is, as illustrated in FIG.

9, the user may upload his/her created UCC moving picture by clicking the UCC upload button 412.

With regard to this, when the user clicks the format conversion request button 414 in order to submit a request for format conversion through upload of multimedia contents created or possessed by him/her, the format type (JPG, GIF,

BMP, MPEG, ASF, WMA, etc.) of the relevant multimedia contents uploaded and stored in the UCC information DB 338 is analyzed, and the format of the multimedia contents is converted into the format requested by the user, based on spatial resolution, a frame rate, a scan type, and an aspect ratio according to the analyzed format type. Also, the format-converted multimedia contents are subjected Io image edition including color coordinate correction, color difference conversion, gamma correction, geometry correction, and image quality adjustment pursuant to format conversion rules.

The multimedia contents converted into the format requested by the user in this way are provided in real time through a messenger or a real-time information provision pop-up window employing a chatting scheme, linked with the multimedia player. As such, the content server 300 may transmit the format-converted multimedia contents to the multimedia player running in the user terminal. However, dissimilar to this, the content server 300 may also provide a text message informing the user of completion of the format conversion of the relevant multimedia contents through the messenger or real- time information provision pop-up window employing a chatting scheme, linked with the multimedia player.

If the user selects the UCC search button 416, the content server 300 displays a UCC bulletin board 418 containing UCCs listed according to numbers, titles, writer information, and format types in the page information window 420. The user then selects any one of UCCs listed in the UCC bulletin board and plays back the selected one in the playback active window 430 or the page information window 420, thereby confirming multimedia contents subjected to format conversion. Also, the user downloads the confirmed multimedia contents to his/her terminal 200, and uses them later on. Additionally, the user uploads or plays back the format-converted multimedia contents in conformity to the format of his/her moving picture blog and image site or a specifically provided player. In the foregoing, format conversion of multimedia contents has been mainly described in conjunction with a UCC moving picture to be uploaded. However, the format conversion function provided through the multimedia player and the content server of the present invention is not always limited thereto, and it is obvious that the format conversion function may be used for converting the format of a common computer image/video file.

Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to the attached drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the essential features and the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the embodiments described above are not limitative, but only illustrative.

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim 1]

A system for providing multimedia contents, the system comprising: a user terminal for displaying contents of commodity information or PR service information input as a multimedia player provided therein for providing multimedia content information runs; and a content server for providing the user terminal with a service for downloading a multimedia player application program, storing contents of commodity information or PR service information created and provided by Web sites, and then providing the stored information through the multimedia player based on a request signal from a user or an execution signal of an autorun program.

[Claim 2]

The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multimedia player comprises an application that is loaded in a form of an application program, is implemented by a window in a second desktop environment separate from a first desktop environment within the user terminal, and supports a function of providing or uploading multimedia contents in real time.

[Claim 3]

The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the multimedia player comprises: a playback active window for playing back media contents including commodity information and PR service information stored in the user terminal; a menu selection window for enabling a user to select desired multimedia contents by displaying configuration menus in which a plurality of multimedia contents supported by the content server are arranged according to titles thereof, at least one of the configuration menus including a UCC (User Created Content) -related menu; a page information window for displaying various text or graphic information among the plurality of multimedia contents; a upload request button for submitting a request to upload UCC commodity information and PR service information created and provided by a user; and a purchase button for submitting a request to purchase a commodity provided in the playback active window and the page information window, the purchase button being formed around the commodity.

[Claim 4]

The system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the multimedia player further comprises a format conversion request button for submitting a request for format conversion through upload of multimedia contents.

[Claim 5]

The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the content server comprises^ a network connection unit for transmitting/receiving data to/from the user terminal and the Web site, receiving input data input at communication access of the user terminal and multimedia contents provided by the Web site, and delivering multimedia content information to be provided to the multimedia player; a member authentication unit for authenticating if the user or the Web site is a member of the content server; an information DB for storing member information and multimedia content information; a content processing unit for processing data in such a manner as to provide the user terminal with multimedia content information based on commodity information and PR service information provided by the Web site; and an application program driving unit for controlling an operation and driving of the multimedia player loaded in the user terminal 200, and providing the user terminal with information on specific contents, based on a control command signal requested by the user.

[Claim 6]

The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the member authentication unit comprises: a Web site authenticator for authenticating Web sites that have been opened for providing multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information and have signed a membership contract; and a user authenticator for authenticating users who have subscribed to membership in order to upload UCC contents created by the users and to be provided with multimedia content information.

[Claim 7]

The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the content processing unit comprises: a data separator for classifying multimedia contents stored in the content server according to data attributes; a data filter for sorting out contents by applying defined provisions to the multimedia contents classified according to data attributes; a data converter for subjecting the sorted contents to digital data processing, thereby converting the contents into data transmittable to the user terminal; and a data processor for checking speed at which data is transmitted to the user terminal through a network and comparing the checked speed with reference speed to thereby determine a data transmission scheme of the converted data.

[Claim 8) The system as claimed in claim 7, wherein the data attributes includes audio, video, a moving picture, a text, a graphic.

[Claim 9]

The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the data transmission scheme comprises at least one of a streaming scheme and a download scheme.

[Claim 10]

The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the content server further comprises a format driving unit for converting a format of uploaded multimedia contents into a format requested by a user, based on a request signal from the user or an execution signal of an embedded autorun program, and the format driving unit comprises : a format analyser for analysing a format type of multimedia contents for which format conversion is requested through upload from the user terminal; a format converter for format-converting the multimedia contents by using at least one of spatial resolution, a frame rate, a scan type, and an aspect ratio conforming to the requested format, based on the format type analyzed by the format analyser; and a format editor for subjecting the multimedia contents converted by the format converter to image edition according to format conversion rules.

[Claim 11] The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the information DB comprises^ a content information DB for storing multimedia content information based on commodity information and PR information provided by the Web site, a Web site information DB for storing information on Web sites that have signed a membership contract for providing multimedia contents; a user DB for storing information on users who have subscribed to membership; and a UCC information DB for storing at least one of a UCC created, provided and uploaded in person by a user and multimedia contents obtained by converting a format of an uploaded UCC into a format requested by a user.

[Claim 12]

The system as claimed in claim 11, wherein if a user selects a specific image from a moving picture played back in the playback active window by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, the application program driving unit receives an input value of the specific image, extracts commodity information corresponding to the value of the relevant image from the content information DB, and provides the user terminal with the extracted information.

[Claim 13]

A method for providing multimedia contents, the method comprising the steps of: (a) receiving input multimedia contents based on commodity information and PR service information provided by a Web site that have signed a membership contract, and storing the multimedia contents;

(b) providing a service for downloading a multimedia player application program to a user terminal that has subscribed to membership, and running a multimedia player in the user terminal to thereby have communication access to the user terminal;

(c) performing data processing such that the stored multimedia contents can be provided to the user terminal; and (d) providing the multimedia contents subjected to the data processing to the multimedia player running in the user terminal.

[Claim 14]

The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein step (a) comprises the step of (al) receiving input UCC commodity information and PR service information uploaded by a user, and step (al) comprises the steps of^; clicking an upload request button to thereby submit an upload request to a content server by a user; providing the user terminal with an upload window, including an attachment file window for attaching a UCC file and a tile writing window for writing a UCC title, through the multimedia player; and inputting the UCC commodity information and PR service information created or possessed by the user, and storing the input information.

[Claim 15]

The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein step (c) comprises the steps of: classifying the stored multimedia contents according to data attributes corresponding to at least one of audio, video, a moving picture, a text, and a graphic; sorting out contents by applying defined provisions to the multimedia contents classified according to data attributes; subjecting the sorted contents to digital data processing, thereby converting the contents into a communication protocol transmittable to the user terminal; and checking speed at which data is transmitted to the accessed user terminal through a network in order to transmit content data, and comparing the checked speed with reference speed; and if, as the result of the checking, the checked speed is determined to be equal to or greater than the reference speed, transmitting the converted content data to the user terminal in a streaming scheme; and if, as a result of the checking, the checked speed is determined to be less than the reference speed, transmitting the converted content data to the user terminal in a download scheme.

[Claim 16] The method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising the step of, if a user selects a specific image from a moving picture played back through the multimedia player by using a mouse, a keyboard, or certain control software, receiving an input value of the specific image, extracting commodity information corresponding to the value of the relevant image, and providing the user terminal with the extracted information.

[Claim 17 ] A method for providing multimedia contents, the method comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a user terminal with a service for a downloading multimedia player application program, and running a multimedia player in the user terminal to thereby have communication access to the user terminal;

(b) receiving upload multimedia contents, created or possessed by a user, through the multimedia player, and converting a format of the upload multimedia contents into a requested format; and

(c) providing the format-converted multimedia contents to the multimedia player running in the user terminal.

[Claim 18]

The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein step (c) comprises the step of providing the multimedia player running in the user terminal with a notification of completion of format conversion of the multimedia contents.

[Claim 19]

The method as claimed in claim 17, wherein step (b) comprises the steps of; (bl) clicking a format conversion request button to thereby input a format conversion request signal into a content server by a user;

(b2) providing the user terminal with an attachment file window for attaching a UCC file, a tile writing window for writing a UCC title, and a format conversion window including format types for format conversion through the multimedia player;

(b3) uploading multimedia contents created or possessed by the user through the format conversion window, and storing the uploaded multimedia contents; and (b4) analyzing a format type of the stored multimedia contents, and converting a format of the multimedia contents into a format requested by the user, based on the analyzed format type.

[Claim 20]

The method as claimed in claim 18, wherein step (b4) comprises the steps of: analysing the format type of the uploaded and stored multimedia contents; format-converting the multimedia contents by using at least one of spatial resolution, a frame rate, a scan type, and an aspect ratio, based on the analyzed format type; subjecting the converted multimedia contents to image edition according to format conversion rules by adjusting at least one of a color coordinate correction function, a color difference conversion function, a gamma correction function, a geometry correction function, and an image quality adjustment function; and conducting digital data processing for the multimedia contents subjected to the image edition to thereby convert the multimedia contents into a communication protocol transmittable to the user terminal.