WO2010024646A2

WO2010024646A2 - A digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content in a digital broadcasting receiver

Info

Publication number: WO2010024646A2
Application number: PCT/KR2009/004902
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ho Taek Hong; Jin Pil Kim; Joon Hui Lee
Original assignee: Lg Electronics Inc.
Priority date: 2008-09-01
Filing date: 2009-09-01
Publication date: 2010-03-04
Also published as: KR20100026658A; WO2010024646A3

Abstract

A digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content are disclosed. A network interface receives an update message including update information on a content from a service provider. A controller extracts update information from the update message received by the network interface and determines an update status based upon the extracted update information, thereby performing an update on the content. And, a user interface displays the update information. Herein, the update message may include content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.

Description

A DIGITAL BROADCASTING RECEIVER AND A METHOD FOR UPDATING BROADCASTING CONTENT IN A DIGITAL BROADCASTING RECEIVER

The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content in a digital broadcasting receiver and, more particularly, a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content using an internet protocol.

The related art broadcasting receiver transmits content produced by a broadcasting company through radio wave transmission means, such as terrestrial, cable, or satellite broadcasting. And, the user is provided with broadcasting services by viewing such content through a receiver that can respectively receive such transmission means.

However, as the digital-based digital broadcasting technology has been developed and widely used, as opposed to the conventional analog broadcasting, a variety of content services, such as real-time broadcasting, CoD (Contents on Demand), games, news programs, may be provided to the users by using an internet network connected to each household, in addition to the convention radio wave transmission means or wired cable transmission means.

IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) may be given as an example of providing content service using the internet network. The IPTV refers to transmitting diverse information services, moving picture content, and broadcast programs using the internet network, thereby providing such content to the users' receivers. The internet network may be realized in various types of IP (Internet Protocol)-based networks, such as an optical cable network, a coaxial cable network, a FTTH (Fiber To The Home) network, a telephone network, a wireless network, and so on.

In case of the services using the above-described internet network, unlike in the general terrestrial broadcasting, a bi-directional characteristic may be added, thereby enabling the user to view a desired content service at a desired and convenient time.

An object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on providing a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content that can provide broadcasting content update information.

Another object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on providing a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content that can provide broadcasting content update information in real-time.

Another object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on providing a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content that can reduce network load in receiving the broadcasting content update information.

A further object of the present invention devised to solve the problem lies on providing a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content that can provide broadcasting content update information when required.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, according to an aspect of the present invention, a method for updating broadcasting content in a digital broadcast receiver according to the present invention includes receiving an update message including update information on a content; extracting update information from the received update message; and displaying the update information. Herein, the update message may include at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.

Preferably, the update message may be transmitted in a unicast method.

Preferably, the method for updating broadcasting content may further include requesting an update message for a stored content. Also, the requesting an update message includes requesting an update message for each content ID included in the download content list including content ID information and content version information on the stored content.

Preferably, the update message may be transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method. Herein, the method for updating broadcasting content may further include determining whether or not a content ID included in the update message is included in the download content list, and, in the displaying the update information, if the content ID is included in the download content list, the update information may be displayed.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, according to another aspect of the present invention, a method for updating broadcasting content according to the present invention includes updating a content and creating an update message on the updated content; and transmitting the update message. Herein, the update message may include at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.

Preferably, the method for updating broadcasting content may further include searching for a digital broadcasting receiver having downloaded the content, and, in the transmitting the update message, the update message may be transmitted to the searched digital broadcasting receiver using a unicast method. Furthermore, in the searching for a digital broadcasting receiver, searching may be performed based on a download receiver list, the download receiver list including at least one of content ID information and content version information of the downloaded content, and receiver ID information of the digital broadcasting receiver having downloaded the content.

Preferably, in the transmitting the update message, the created update message may be transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method.

Preferably, the method for updating broadcasting content may further include receiving a request on the update message from a digital broadcasting receiver, and, in the transmitting the update message, the update message may be transmitted to the digital broadcasting receiver.

In order to achieve the object of the present invention, according to a further aspect of the present invention, a digital broadcasting receiver according to the present invention includes a network interface configured to receive an update message including update information on a content from a service provider; a controller configured to extract update information from the received update message, and configured to determine an update status based on the extracted update information, control performing an update on the content; and a user interface configured to display the update information. Herein, the update message may include at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.

Preferably, the update message may be transmitted in a unicast method.

Preferably, the digital broadcasting receiver according to the present invention may further include a database configured to store a download list including content ID information and content version information on a downloaded content.

Preferably, the update message may be transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method.

Preferably, the service control manager may compare content ID information and content version information included in the update message with content ID information and content version information included in the download content list, determine whether or not an update on the content is required.

Preferably, the service control manager may request the service provider for the update message for each content ID included in the download content list.

Based upon the digital broadcasting receiver and the method for updating broadcasting content according to the present invention, update information on the broadcasting content may be provided to the user.

Additionally, the update information on the broadcasting content may be provided in real-time or when required.

Particularly, content that has already been downloaded in a content download service (CDS) may be continuously supported, so as to provide most recent broadcasting content services to the user and to provide high quality broadcasting content services. And, by servicing paid update services, the broadcasting service provider may continuously gain profit from such services.

Figure 1 illustrates a general view of an IPTV system according to an embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 2a and Figure 2b respectively illustrate general views of a multicast method and a unicast method,

Figure 3 illustrates a hierarchical structure for a content download service (CDS) of IPTV,

Figure 4 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for downloading broadcasting content according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 6 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 7 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for downloading broadcasting content according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 9 illustrates a configuration of an update message according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 10 illustrates the update message configuration of Figure 9 written in an XML schema,

Figure 11 illustrates a block view showing a structure of an IPTV receiver according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 12 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 13 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention,

Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, and

Figure 15 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the present invention are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the technical spirit and the fundamental structure and operation of the present invention will not be limited to the description of the present invention.

In addition, although the terms used in the present invention are selected from generally known and used terms, some of the terms mentioned in the description of the present invention have been selected by the applicant at his or her discretion, the detailed meanings of which are described in relevant parts of the description herein. Furthermore, it is required that terms used in the present invention should be defined, not simply by the actual terms used but by the meaning of each term lying within and also based upon the overall content of the description of the present invention.

The IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) system, which is an example of a system that can provide diverse content using the internet network, may be broadly divided into a network and a client.

A server of the IPTV may be configured of servers in charge of performing a variety of functions, such as an information server on Service Discovery, an information service on Selection, a Streaming server, a Contents Guide information server, a client information server, a payment server, and so on.

Among the above-mentioned servers, the streaming server transmits stored moving picture data, which are encoded in MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group)2, MPEG4, and so on, to the user through the network. An RTP (Real-Time Transport Protocol), an RTCP (RTP Control Protocol), and so on, may be used as the protocol for the transmission.

When using a RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol), the playback of a moving picture stream may be controlled to a certain extent by using a function referred to as a network Trick Play, such as Pause, Replay, Stop, and so on. The above-mentioned protocols are merely exemplary and, therefore, other real-time transport protocols may be used depending upon the realized embodiment of the present invention.

The Contents Guide information server is a server providing information on the diverse contents that are being provided. As information corresponding to Electronic Program Guide information, the Contents Guide information includes diverse information on the contents. The Contents Guide information server stores Contents Guide information data and provides the stored data to the receiver.

Among the above-mentioned servers, the information server on Service Discovery and Selection provides the receiver with access information and playback information on servers that provide diverse contents services, such as broadcast programs, COD (Contents on Demand), games, and so on.

The network system is configured of an internet-based network and gateways. An optical network, a coaxial network, an FTTH (Fiber To The Home) network, a telephone network, a wireless network, and so on, may be used in an IP basis as the internet-based network. And, the gateway may perform not only general data transport (or delivery), but also multicast group management using protocols, such as an IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol), and QoS (Quality of Service) management.

The IPTV receiver refers to a receiver that can receive data being transmitted through an internet network and provide the received data to the user. Examples of the receiver include an IPTV Settop, a Homenet Gateway, an IPTV embedded TV, and so on.

In case of a hybrid type IPTV system, diverse conventional broadcasting contents as well as diverse internet contents may be provided. More specifically, diverse broadcasting contents, such as terrestrial broadcast programs, cable broadcast programs, satellite broadcast programs, and private broadcast programs, diverse internet moving picture contents, and other data contents apart from moving pictures may be provided to the user. And, the contents may be provided in real-time and may also be provided on-demand based upon a user request.

Figure 1 illustrates a general view of an IPTV system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the aspect of providing contents service, the IPTV system may be divided into a Content Provider (CP), a Service Provider (SP), a Network Provider (NP), and a user.

The Content Provider produces and provides divers contents. As shown in Figure 1, Content Providers may include a terrestrial broadcaster, a cable SO (System Operator) or MSO (Multiple System Operator), satellite broadcaster, an Internet broadcaster, and so on.

The Service Provider service-packetizes the contents provided by the Contents Provider, as described above, and provides the processed contents. For example, the Service provider of Figure 1 packetizes a first terrestrial broadcast program, a second terrestrial broadcast program, a cable MSP, a satellite broadcast program, diverse internet broadcast programs, and so on, and provides the packetized programs to the user.

The Service Provider uses a unicast or multicast method in order to provide a service to the user. Figure 2a and Figure 2b respectively illustrate general views of a multicast method and a unicast method. The unicast method transmits data in a 1:1 correspondence between one broadcaster and one receiver. For example, in case of the unicast method, when the receiver requests for data to the server, the server transmits data to the receiver based upon the request. The multicast method corresponds to a method transmitting data to multiple receivers in a specific group. For example, the server may simultaneously transmit data to multiple pre-registered receivers. An IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) protocol may be used for the multicast registration.

The Network Provider provides a network for providing the service to the user. The user may also build a Home Network End User (HNED) so as to be provided with the service.

As a means for protecting contents being transmitted from IPTV system, as described above, Conditional Access, Content Protection, and so on may be used. As an example for performing the above-mentioned Conditional Access and Content Protection, a CableCARD method, a DCAS (Downloadable Conditional Access System) method may be used.

Figure 3 illustrates a hierarchical structure for a content download service (CDS) of IPTV.

Referring to Figure 3, the service provider transmits CDS-specific Data Contents to the IPTV receiver by using the transport protocol. The transmitted CDS-specific Data Contents are stored in the storage of the IPTV. Herein, a FLUTE (File Delivery over Uni-directional Transport) loaded on the ALC/LCT on the IP/UDP may be used as the transport protocol, and a DVB-STP, a DVB data/object carousel, an FTP (File Transfer Protocol), an HTTP (hypertext transfer protocol), and so on may also be used as the transport protocol. And, other transport protocols may also be used as the above-mentioned protocols.

When using the FLUTE as the transport protocol, the presence or absence of a CDS service may be notified to the IPTV receiver through a Service Discovery and Selection (SD&S), and details on the contents may be discovered (or found) through TV Anytime format metadata.

The CDS-specific Data Contents may include various types of contents, such as A/V contents, data contents, game contents, and so on. However, the CDS-specific Data Contents may be updated within the service for a variety of reasons. For example, contents downloaded to the IPTV receiver may be updated for reasons of providing high-definition contents for A/V contents, reinforcing (or supplementing) the content of the data contents, updating bug patch and sub-contents for game contents, and so on. When the CDS-specific Data Contents are updated, the IPTV receiver should notify the update status and update details in real-time so as to provide the user with the most recent data contents, thereby providing more enhanced services. However, in case of the data contents that have already been downloaded, it is difficult for the IPTV receiver to notify the update status and update details in real-time. In order to resolve this problem, the present invention provides an IPTV receiver and method for providing update status and update details in real-time on already-downloaded contents.

Figure 4 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the service provider may transmit an update message including update information to the IPTV receiver in a unicast method. More specifically, the service provider may provide the update message in a push mode. In order to provide each IPTV receiver with such update message, the service provider may manage a Download Receiver List for verifying the update status and update details of each IPTV receiver.

For example, the Download Receiver List may include a content ID, a content version, and a receiver ID. In case the contents have been updated, the service provider searches the IPTV receiver that has downloaded the updated content from the Download Receiver List, thereby transmitting the update message to the searched (or discovered) IPTV receiver. More specifically, based upon the contents IP of the updated contents, the service provider searched for the receiver ID of the receiver that has downloaded the corresponding contents from the Download Receiver List, thereby transmitting the update message to the IPTV receiver having the searched receiver ID.

The service provider may use an HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol) for transmitting the update message to each IPTV receiver in a unicast method. The service provider may use HTTP to transmit the update message to an address of the IPTV receiver mapped to the receiver ID, which has been searched from the Download Receiver List. HTTP corresponds to an example of a protocol for transmitting an update message. Herein, the service provider may transmit update messages through unicast-supporting protocols, such as SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol), NNTP (Network News Transfer Protocol), and so on.

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for downloading broadcasting content according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 5, the IPTV receiver downloads a broadcasting content (S500). When the download is completed, the service provider records the content ID, and content version, and receiver ID of the downloaded broadcasting content (S510). Then, based upon the recorded content ID, and content version, and receiver ID, the service provider updates the Download Receiver List (S520). Herein, in case the recorded content ID, and content version, and receiver ID do not exist in the already-existing Download Receiver List, the service provider may store the recorded content ID, and content version, and receiver ID in the Download Receiver List. Furthermore, in case the recorded content ID, and content version, and receiver ID exist in the already-existing Download Receiver List, the service provider may update the already-existing content version to the recorded content version.

Figure 6 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, the service provider may transmit the update message including update information to the IPTV receiver in a broadcast or multicast method. In case a specific broadcasting content is updated, the service provider may transmit an update message either to the entire IPTV receiver in a broadcast method or to the IPTV receiver belonging to a specific group in a multicast method. Herein, in order to transmit an update message in a broadcast or multicast method, the service provider may use a broadcast-supporting or multicast-supporting protocol, such as SAP (Service Advertising Protocol), mcast, and so on.

The IPTV receiver receives the update message transmitted from the service provider, and, based upon the received update message, in order to determine whether or not an already-downloaded Content has been updated, the IPTV receiver may manage a Download Content List. Herein, the Download content List may include content ID and content version. More specifically, the IPTV receiver may determine whether the content ID of the updated broadcasting content, which is included in the received update message, is included in the Download content List, so as to decide whether or not to update the corresponding content. In case the content ID of the updated broadcasting content, which is included in the received update message, is included in the Download Content List, the IPTV receiver decides that the broadcasting content having the corresponding content ID requires updating. In case the content ID of the updated broadcasting content, which is included in the received update message, is not included in the Download Content List, the IPTV receiver decides that the broadcasting content having the corresponding content ID does not require updating.

Figure 7 illustrates method for providing broadcasting content update information to an IPTV receiver according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 7, the IPTV receiver may request an update message including the update information to the service provider. More specifically, IPTV receiver may receive the update information in a polling mode. In this case, the service provider may include an Update Info Server providing broadcasting content update information. Herein, the IPTV receiver may request for an update message to the service provider by using HTTP, GET/POST, and SOAP.

The IPTV receiver may request for an update message to the Update Info Server of the service provider at a specific point. For example, when the IPTV receiver periodically uses the stored broadcasting content, or when the user uses the corresponding broadcasting content, the IPTV receiver may request for an update message to the Update Info Server of the service provider. Also, when the PTV receiver is turned On/Off, or when the user requests update verification, the IPTV receiver may request for an update message to the Update Info Server of the service provider. When the Update Info Server receives the request from the IPTV receiver, the Update Info Server may transmit the update message including the update information to the IPTV receiver.

In order to request an update message transmitted from the service provider and to determine the update status of an already-downloaded content based upon the received update message, the IPTV receiver may manage a Download Content List. Herein, the Download Content List may include a content ID and a content version. The IPTV receiver performs a query on the corresponding content ID included in the Download Content List, so as to request the service provider for the update information on the corresponding content. Also, the IPTV receiver may determine whether or not to update the content by comparing the content version of the updated broadcasting content included in the received update message with the corresponding content version included in the Download Content List. If the compared version is different or corresponds to a higher version, the IPTV receiver may determine that the corresponding content requires updating.

The IPTV receiver may request the service provider for update information on the corresponding content by performing a query on the corresponding content ID and content version included in the Download Content List. In this case, the service provider may determine whether or not to update the content by comparing the content version included in the update message associated with the corresponding content ID with the content version transmitted by the IPTV receiver during the query. If the compared version is different or corresponds to a higher version, the service provider transmits an update message of the corresponding content to the IPTV receiver. Accordingly, the IPTV receiver no longer needs to separately determine whether or not to update the corresponding content.

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for downloading broadcasting content according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 8, the IPTV receiver downloads a broadcasting content (S800). When the download is completed, the IPTV receiver records the content ID and content version of the downloaded broadcasting content (S810). Then, the IPTV receiver updates the Download Content List based on the recorded content ID and content version (S820). Herein, in case the recorded content ID of the broadcasting content does not exist in the already-existing Download Content List, the IPTV receiver may store the recorded content ID and content version in the Download Content List. And, in case the recorded content ID exists in the already-existing Download Content List, the IPTV receiver may update the already-existing content version to the recorded content version.

When the IPTV receiver processes the received update message and decides that the stored content requires updating, the IPTV receiver may display the update information to the user. Also, the IPTV receiver may decide whether or not to download the updated content and when to download the updated content either directly or based upon the user’s request. Herein, when turned On/Off, or when requested by the user, or when not used by the user, the IPTV receiver may download the updated content. Furthermore, based upon the update type included in the update message, the IPTV receiver may update the content by newly downloading the entire broadcasting content, or update the content by downloading only portions of the content being partially updated, or locally update the content by down downloading a patch.

Figure 9 illustrates a configuration of an update message according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. And, Figure 10 illustrates the update message configuration of Figure 9 written in an XML schema.

Referring to Figure 9 and Figure 10, the update message may include a ‘CRID’ element, an ‘IMI’ element, a ‘version’ element, an ‘UpdateType’ element, an ‘UpdateDescription’ element, an ‘UpdateHistory’ element, and a ‘Locator’ element. Herein, the elements included in the above-described update message are merely exemplary. Necessary elements may be further included, and unnecessary elements may also be excluded.

As a content ID, the ‘CRID’ element has a unique value for each content. The ‘IMI’ element corresponds to an Instance Metadata ID indicating actual individual instances during which the content is produced (or created) and transmitted. Herein, the ‘IMI’ element has a unique value within the value of the ‘CRID’ element. As a version number indicating the update history of the instances for each content, the ‘version’ element also has a unique value within the value of the ‘CRID’ element and the value of the ‘IMI’ element.

When the content is updated, the ‘UpdateType’ element indicates the respective update type. In order to do so, the ‘UpdateType’ element may have any one of the ‘NewInstance’, ‘UpdateOnly’, and ‘MinorPatch’ values. Herein, the ‘NewInstance’ indicates a case when an instance for the corresponding content ID is added. For example, this indicates a case when, subsequent to the SD version for the corresponding content, the service provider provides the HD version for the same content. ‘UpdateOnly’ indicates when simple content is corrected. And, ‘MinorPatch’ indicates when a patch for the content, such as a game, is being provided. Herein, apart from the above-described ‘NewInstance’, ‘UpdateOnly’, and ‘MinorPatch’, the ‘UpdateType’ element may selectively or additionally have a different value when required, such as a value indicating a forced or non-forced update. Furthermore, ‘NewInstance’, ‘UpdateOnly’, and ‘MinorPatch’ are merely exemplary and may, therefore, be changed to other terms and then used.

The ‘UpdateDescription’ element notifies details on what the corresponding update is about. One update may include multiple update items. And, in this case, the ‘UpdateDescription’ element may include multiple ‘UpdateItem’ elements as sub-elements. Herein, each ‘UpdateItem’ element notifies details on the corresponding update item.

The ‘UpdateHistory’ element notifies past update history prior to the current update and includes an ‘OldUpdateDescription’ element as a sub-element. The details on the update performed in the past are each included in the ‘OldUpdateDescription’ element. Also, the ‘OldUpdateDescription’ element includes an ‘UpdateDecription’ element as the sub-element and also includes a ‘Version’ attribute indicating the version number. Herein, the ‘Version’ attribute notifies the details on the update corresponding to the above-mentioned version number.

The ‘Locator’ element indicates a location where the updated content or patch data can be received. For example, the ‘Locator’ element may be configured of an “Acquisition link” to a “General URL” or a Session Description Protocol (SDP). Herein, the “General URL” and the “Acquisition link” are merely exemplary. Therefore, the ‘Locator’ element will not be limited to the given example and may, therefore, be configured of values indicating locations of a different format.

Additionally, depending upon whether or not the update is charged or in case the update is charged, the update message may further include an element indicating the charging fee information, such as the payment fee.

Figure 11 illustrates a block view showing a structure of an IPTV receiver according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 11, the IPTV receiver 1100 may be provided with a separate tuner for receiving terrestrial broadcasting, cable broadcasting, satellite broadcasting, and so on. However, in the present invention, the processing of a content being transmitted through an internet network will be described in detail for simplicity.

The IPTV receiver 1100 includes a network interface 1102, a TCP/IP manager 1104, a service delivery manager 1106, a demultiplexer 1108, a data decoder 1110, a decoder 1112, a display unit 1116, an application manager 1118, an SI & metadata database 1122, a service discovery manager 1124, a service control manager 1126, a metadata manager 1128, and a content database 1130.

The network interface 1102 receives packets being received from the network and, then, transmits packets to the network. More specifically, the network interface 1102 receives content and an update message from the service provider through the network.

The TCP/IP manager 1104 manages packet delivery from the source to the destination of the packet being received to the IPTV receiver 1100 and the packet being transmitted from the IPTV receiver 1100. Also, the TCP/IP manager 1104 divides the received packet so as to correspond to an appropriate protocol, thereby outputting the divided packet to the service delivery manager 1106, the service discovery manager 1124, the service control manager 1126, and the metadata manager 1128. For example, when receiving the update message, the TCP/IP manager 1104 may output the received update message to the service control manager 1126. Also, the TCP/IP manager 1104 may deliver a message requesting the update message outputted from the service control manager 1126 to the service provider.

The service delivery manager 1106 controls the service data that are being received. For example, when controlling real-time streaming data, the RTP/RTCP (Real-Time Transport Protocol/RTP Control Protocol) may be used. When transmitting the real-time streaming data by using the RTP, the service delivery manager 1106 parses the received data packet in accordance with the RTP and transmits the parsed data to the demultiplexer 1108, or stores the received data packet to the content database 1130 based upon the control of the service manager 1120. Thereafter, by using the RTCP, the network receiving information is fed-back to the service-providing server.

The demultiplexer 1108 demultiplexes the received packet to audio, video, and PSI (Program Specific Information) data, thereby transmitting the processed data to the decoder 1112 and the data decoder 1110, respectively.

The data decoder 1110 decodes service information, such as the PSI (Program Specific Information). More specifically, the data decoder 1110 receives and decodes the PSI section, the PSIP (Program and Service Information Protocol) section or DVB-SI (Service Information) section demultiplexed by the demultiplexer 1108.

Furthermore, the data decoder 1110 decodes the received sections, so as to create a database on the service information, and the database on the service information is stored in the SI & metadata database 1122.

The decoder 1112 decodes the video data and audio data received from the demultiplexer 1108. In order to do so, the decoder 1112 includes an audio decoder 1113 and a video decoder 1114. The audio data decoded by the audio decoder 1113 are provided to the user through a speaker (not shown), and the video data decoded by the video decoder 1114 are provided to the user through the display unit 1116.

The application manager 1118 manages the overall status of the IPTV receiver 1100 and provides a user interface and, also, manages other managers. In order to do so, the application manager 1118 includes a user interface manager 1119 and a service manager 1120.

The user interface manager 1119 provides user-specific GUI (Graphic User Interface) by using an OSD (On Screen Display), so as to receive a key input from the user, thereby performing the receiver operations based upon the received input. For example, when receiving a key input on channel selection from the user, the key input signal is transmitted to the service manager 1120. Also, when a key input on an update request for a specific content or when a key input on an update information request for a specific content is received from the user, the key input signal is transmitted to the service manager 1120.

The service manager 1120 controls the service delivery manager 1106, the service discovery manager 1124, the service control manager 1126, and the metadata manager 1128, and also controls a service-associated manager, such as an IG-OITF client. When the service manager 1120 receives a key input on an update request or a key input on an update information request for a specific content from the user interface manager 1119, the service manager 1120 controls the service control manager 1126 so as to perform the update, or controls the service control manager 1126 so as to request an update message on a specific content to the service provider.

Furthermore, the service manager 1120 creates a Channel Map and uses the Channel Map in accordance with the key input received from the user interface manager 1119, so as to select the channel. Thereafter, the service manager 1120 receives service information of a channel from the data decoder 1110, thereby setting-up an audio/video PID (Packet Identifier) of the selected channel.

The service discovery manager 1124 provides information required for selecting a service provider that provides services. When receiving a signal on the channel selection from the service manager 1120, the service discovery manager 1124 uses the information to find the service.

The service control manager 1126 is in charge of selecting and controlling services. For example, when the user selects a Live Broadcasting service, which corresponds to the conventional broadcasting method, the service control manager 1126 uses the IGMP or the RTSP. And, when the user selects a service such as a VOD (Video On Demand), the service control manager 1126 uses the RTSP. Thus, the service control manager 1126 can perform service selection and control. The RTSP protocol may provide a trick mode on real-time streaming. Additionally, the service control manager 1126 uses an IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) and an SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) so as to initialize and manage the session passing through the IMC gateway. Herein, the above-mentioned protocols are merely exemplary, and other protocols may be used depending upon the embodiment of the present invention.

Furthermore, depending upon the control of the service manager 1120, the service control manager 1126 requests the service provider for an update message on a specific content. Thereafter, the service control manager 1126 receives and manages an update message from the TCP/IP manager 1104, thereby determining, based upon the received update message, whether or not the content stored in the content database 1130 is required to be updated. When the service control manager 1125 determines that an update is required, the user interface manager 1119 notifies the user of the need to update the specific content through the OSD. Subsequently, the service control manager 1125 updates the content based upon the update message received in accordance with the control of the service manager 1120.

Herein, in order to determine the need to update a content, the service control manager 1126 may use the Download Content List described in Figure 6 and Figure 7. The Download Content List may be stored in the SI & metadata database 1122, and the service control manager 1126 may the Download Content List during the content downloading process, as described in Figure 8.

In another example, instead of the service control manager 1126, the service manager 1120 may directly determine whether or not the content stored in the content database 1130 needs to be updated based upon the update message. In this case, the service control manager 1126 transmits the update message received from the TCP/IP manager 1104 to the service control manager 1126. Furthermore, in order to determine the need to update a content, the service manager 1120 may use the Download Content List described in Figure 6 and Figure 7.

The metadata manager 1128 manages the service-associated metadata and stores the metadata to the SI & metadata database 1122.

The SI & metadata database 1122 stores information required for selecting the service information decoded by the data decoder 1110, the metadata managed by the metadata manager 1128, and the service provider provided by the service discovery manager 1124. Furthermore, the SI & metadata database 1122 may store set-up data with respect to the system.

Each of the SI & metadata database 1122 and the content database 1130 may be realized by using a NonVolatile RAM (NVRAM) or a flash memory, and may also be realized in two regions logically divided within the same storage region.

Figure 12 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 12, the service provider updates the content (S1200). Then, the service provider creates an update message (S1210). The service provider then searches for the IPTV receiver that has downloaded the updated content from the Download Receiver List (S1220). Herein, the Download Receiver List is generated from and managed by the service provider. And, the Download Receiver List may include a content ID and content version of the download content as well as a receiver ID of the IPTV receiver that has downloaded the corresponding content.

The service provider detects a list of receiver IDs of the IPTV receiver searched from the Download Receiver List (S1230). The service provider transmits the created update message to each IPTV receiver included in the detected receiver ID list (S1240). Herein, the service provide transmits the update message to each IPTV receiver using the unicast method.

The IPTV receiver receives the update message transmitted from the service provider (S1250). And, the IPTV receiver extracts the update information from the received update message, thereby displaying the extracted information on the screen, so as to notify the update information to the user (S1260). Herein, the IPTV receiver may simultaneously display the message selecting whether or not to perform content update to the user.

Subsequently, the IPTV receiver determines whether or not to perform the updating process (S1270). Herein, the IPTV receiver may determine whether or not to perform updating based upon the update information. More specifically, when the update is forced within the update message, the IPTV receiver may determine that the update should be performed regardless of the user’s decision. Alternatively, the IPTV receiver may determine to perform updating based upon the user’s request.

When it is determined to perform updating, the IPTV receiver downloads the updated content or patch data from the service provider based upon the update information included in the update message, so as to update the corresponding content (S1280). Thereafter, once the update is completed, the service provider updates the Download Receiver List (S1290). Herein, the service provider searches for a corresponding item from the Download Receiver List, based upon the content ID of the updated content and the receiver ID of the IPTV receiver performing the update, so as to correct the content version of the corresponding item to the content version of the updated content, thereby being capable of updating the Download Receiver List.

Figure 13 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 13, the service provider updates the content (S1300). Then, the service provider creates an update message (S1310). The service provider then transmits the created update message to the IPTV receiver (S1320). Herein, the service provider may transmit the update message to the entire IPTV receiver using the broadcast method, or may transmit the update message to the IPTV receiver belonging to a specific group using the multicast method.

The IPTV receiver receives the update message transmitted from the service provider (S1330). Subsequently, the IPTV receiver searches for a content ID included in the update message from the Download Content List (S1340). Herein, the Download Content List is generated from and managed by the service provider. And, the Download Content List may include a content ID and content version of the content downloaded from the service provider.

The IPTV receiver verifies whether or not the content ID of the content included in the update message exists (S1350). And, the IPTV receiver extracts the update information from the received update message, thereby displaying the extracted information on the screen, so as to notify the update information to the user (S1360). Herein, the IPTV receiver may simultaneously display the message selecting whether or not to perform content update to the user.

Subsequently, the IPTV receiver determines whether or not to perform the updating process (S1370). Herein, the IPTV receiver may determine whether or not to perform updating based upon the update information. More specifically, when the update is forced within the update message, the IPTV receiver may determine that the update should be performed regardless of the user’s decision. Alternatively, the IPTV receiver may determine to perform updating based upon the user’s request.

When it is determined to perform updating, the IPTV receiver download the updated content or patch data from the service provider based upon the update information included in the update message, so as to update the corresponding content (S1380). Thereafter, once the update is completed, the IPTV receiver updates the Download Content List (S1390). Herein, the IPTV receiver searches for a corresponding item from the Download Content List, based upon the content ID of the updated content, so as to correct the content version of the corresponding item to the content version of the updated content, thereby being capable of updating the Download Content List.

Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart showing process steps of a method for updating broadcasting content according to yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 14, the service provider updates the content (S1400). Then, the service provider creates an update message (S1410). The IPTV receiver requests transmission of the update message to the service provider (S1420). Herein, the IPTV receiver may perform a query on the update of a specific content included in the Download Content List, thereby requesting the transmission of the update message. Also, the IPTV receiver may perform a query on the update of each of contents included in the Download Content List, thereby requesting the transmission of the update message. The Download Content List is generated from and managed by the service provider. And, the Download Content List may include a content ID and content version of the content downloaded from the service provider. Also, the IPTV receiver may periodically send a request for transmitting an update message or send a request for transmitting an update message when the receiver is turned On/Off. Also, the request for transmitting an update message may also be sent when using the content or when requested by the user.

The service provider verifies whether the content for which the update message transmission has been requested is updated (S1430). Herein, the service provider may receive the content ID and content version from the IPTV along with the request for the update message transmission. Then, the content version received from the IPTV is compared with the content version included in the update message of the corresponding content, so that the update of the content can be verified.

If the content has been verified, the service provider transits the created update message to the IPTV receiver (S1440). The IPTV receiver receives the update message transmitted from the service provider (S1450). The IPTV receiver extracts the update information from the received update message, thereby displaying the extracted information on the screen, so as to notify the update information to the user (S1460). Herein, the IPTV receiver may simultaneously display the message selecting whether or not to perform content update to the user.

Subsequently, the IPTV receiver determines whether or not to perform the updating process (S1470). Herein, the IPTV receiver may determine whether or not to perform updating based upon the update information. More specifically, when the update is forced within the update message, the IPTV receiver may determine that the update should be performed regardless of the user’s decision. Alternatively, the IPTV receiver may determine to perform updating based upon the user’s request.

When it is determined to perform updating, the IPTV receiver download the updated content or patch data from the service provider based upon the update information included in the update message, so as to update the corresponding content (S1480). Thereafter, once the update is completed, the IPTV receiver updates the Download Content List (S1490). Herein, the IPTV receiver searches for a corresponding item from the Download Content List, based upon the content ID of the updated content, so as to correct the content version of the corresponding item to the content version of the updated content, thereby being capable of updating the Download Content List.

Referring to Figure 15, the service provider updates the content (S1500). Then, the service provider creates an update message (S1510). The IPTV receiver requests transmission of the update message to the service provider (S1520). Herein, the IPTV receiver may perform a query on the update of a specific content included in the Download Content List, thereby requesting the transmission of the update message. Also, the IPTV receiver may perform a query on the update of each of contents included in the Download Content List, thereby requesting the transmission of the update message. The Download Content List is generated from and managed by the service provider. And, the Download Content List may include a content ID and content version of the content downloaded from the service provider. Also, the IPTV receiver may periodically send a request for transmitting an update message or send a request for transmitting an update message when the receiver is turned On/Off. Also, the request for transmitting an update message may also be sent when using the content or when requested by the user.

The service provider transmits the created update message to the IPTV receiver (S1530). The IPTV receiver receives the update message transmitted from the service provider (S1540). The IPTV receiver verifies whether the content for which the update message transmission has been requested is updated (S1550). Herein, the IPTV receiver compares the content version included in the received update message with the content version of the corresponding content included in the Download Content List, thereby being able to verify whether the content has been updated.

If the content has been verified, the IPTV receiver extracts the update information from the received update message, thereby displaying the extracted information on the screen, so as to notify the update information to the user (S1560). Herein, the IPTV receiver may simultaneously display the message selecting whether or not to perform content update to the user.

Subsequently, the IPTV receiver determines whether or not to perform the updating process (S1570). Herein, the IPTV receiver may determine whether or not to perform updating based upon the update information. More specifically, when the update is forced within the update message, the IPTV receiver may determine that the update should be performed regardless of the user’s decision. Alternatively, the IPTV receiver may determine to perform updating based upon the user’s request.

When it is determined to perform updating, the IPTV receiver download the updated content or patch data from the service provider based upon the update information included in the update message, so as to update the corresponding content (S1580). Thereafter, once the update is completed, the IPTV receiver updates the Download Content List (S1590). Herein, the IPTV receiver searches for a corresponding item from the Download Content List, based upon the content ID of the updated content, so as to correct the content version of the corresponding item to the content version of the updated content, thereby being capable of updating the Download Content List.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention will not be limited to the above-described embodiments of the present invention, and that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the technical and essential spirit or scope of the invention.

The present invention relates to a digital broadcasting receiver and a method for updating broadcasting content, which may be used, in the digital broadcasting industry, for downloading and updating broadcasting content provided by a service provider.

Claims

A method for updating broadcasting content in a digital broadcast receiver, comprising:

receiving an update message including update information on a content;

extracting update information from the received update message; and

displaying the update information.
The method of claim 1, wherein the update message includes at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.
The method of claim 1, wherein the update message is transmitted in a unicast method.
The method of claim 1, further comprising:

requesting an update message for a stored content.
The method of claim 4, wherein the requesting an update message includes requesting an update message for each content ID included in the download content list including content ID information and content version information on the stored content.
The method of claim 1, wherein the update message is transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method.
The method of claim 6, further comprising:

determining whether or not a content ID included in the update message is included in the download content list, and

wherein, in the displaying the update information, if the content ID is included in the download content list, the update information is displayed.
A digital broadcasting receiver, comprising:

a network interface configured to receive an update message including update information on a content from a service provider;

a controller configured to extract update information from the received update message, and determine an update status based on the extracted update information, control performing an update on the content; and

a user interface configured to display the update information.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 8, wherein the update message includes at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 8, wherein the update message is transmitted in a unicast method.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 8, further comprising:

a database configured to store a download list including content ID information and content version information on a downloaded content.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 11, wherein the update message is transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 12, wherein the controller compares content ID information and content version information included in the update message with content ID information and content version information included in the download content list, determines whether or not an update on the content is required.
The digital broadcasting receiver of claim 11, wherein the controller requests the service provider for the update message for each content ID included in the download content list.
A method for updating broadcasting content, comprising:

updating a content and creating an update message on the updated content; and

transmitting the update message.
The method of claim 15, wherein the update message includes at least one of content ID information, instance metadata ID information, content version information, update type information, and update address information.
The method of claim 15, further comprising:

searching for a digital broadcasting receiver having downloaded the content, and

wherein, in the transmitting the update message, the update message is transmitted to the searched digital broadcasting receiver using a unicast method.
The method of claim 17, wherein, in the searching for a digital broadcasting receiver, searching is performed based on a download receiver list, the download receiver list including at least one of content ID information and content version information of the downloaded content, and receiver ID information of the digital broadcasting receiver having downloaded the content.
The method of claim 15, wherein, in the transmitting the update message, the created update message is transmitted by using any one of a broadcast method and a multicast method.
The method of claim 15, further comprising:

receiving a request on the update message from a digital broadcasting receiver, and

wherein, in the transmitting the update message, the update message is transmitted to the digital broadcasting receiver.