WO2010114214A1

WO2010114214A1 - Movable multimedia set-top box and multimedia-reproducing apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO2010114214A1
Application number: PCT/KR2009/007748
Authority: WO
Inventors: 정종민; 강승모; 김용석; 백현주; 김정은; 안은석; 오홍석; 국현
Original assignee: 주식회사 에치에프알
Priority date: 2009-03-31
Filing date: 2009-12-23
Publication date: 2010-10-07
Also published as: KR100935170B1; KR20090130806A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a movable multimedia set-top box and to a multimedia-reproducing apparatus. The present invention provides a movable multimedia set-top box comprising: a connector connected to a user equipment to relay data to be transmitted/received to/from the user equipment; a control unit which controls the user equipment and the setting of a communication protocol, and which controls Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) content received from an external source such that the content is output via the user equipment, and which additionally provides a first function related to the IPTV content; and a storage unit for storing IPTV programs. The present invention can effectively provide convenient functions in addition to the simple conventional function of outputting IPTV content.

Description

Mobile set-top boxes and multimedia playback devices

The present invention relates to a mobile set-top box and a multimedia playback device. More specifically, without using a separate set-top box to watch IPTV, using the built-in set-top box or dongle-type set-top box, upgrade function, menu bar provision function, automatic execution prevention function, application restoration function, no installation The present invention relates to a mobile set-top box and a multimedia playback device capable of providing at least one of a function, a codec restoration function, an IPTV software automatic trigger function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, and a smart agency function.

In recent years, as computer, electronic, and communication technologies have advanced rapidly, various broadcast services using wired and wireless communication networks have been provided. Such broadcast services are being spread as IPTV services that provide broadcast services based on IP.

The conventional IPTV service is a method in which an IPTV service subscriber views IPTV content (data) received from an IPTV network through a set-top box. That is, IPTV content (data) received through IP-based communication between the IPTV network and the set-top box is displayed through a display device such as a TV connected to the set-top box.

In order to provide the IPTV service, a set-top box must be separately installed in the home or office to receive the IPTV service, and the conventional set-top box merely provides a function of outputting IPTV contents. It did not provide additional convenience.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention, without the need to install a separate set-top box to watch the IPTV using the built-in set-top box or dongle-type set-top box upgrade function, menu bar providing function, automatic execution prevention function, Mobile set-top box and multimedia playback that can provide at least one of application restoration, no installation, codec restoration, automatic triggering of IPTV software, advertisement delivery, bug reporting, screen capture prevention, and smart agency The main purpose is to provide a device.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is connected to the user terminal, the connector for relaying data transmitted and received with the user terminal (Connector); A control unit configured to control a communication protocol with the user terminal, control to output IPTV content received from the outside through the user terminal, and further provide a first function related to the IPTV content; And it provides a mobile set-top box comprising a storage unit for storing the IPTV program.

In addition, according to another object of the present invention, the control unit for receiving and outputting IPTV content, providing a second function associated with the IPTV content; And it provides a multimedia playback device comprising a storage unit for storing the IPTV program.

As described above, according to the present invention, an upgrade function, a menu bar providing function, an automatic execution prevention function, an application by using a built-in set top box or a dongle type set top box without installing a separate set top box to watch IPTV are provided. It has the effect of providing at least one or more of a restoration function, a no-installation function, a codec restoration function, an IPTV software automatic triggering function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, and a smart agency function. In addition, according to the present invention, there is an effect of providing not only a function of outputting IPTV content but also an additional convenience function as in the related art.

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system for providing a multimedia service according to the present embodiment;

2 is a block diagram schematically showing a multimedia playback apparatus according to the present embodiment;

3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile set-top box according to the present embodiment;

4 is a flowchart illustrating an upgrade function according to the present embodiment;

5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic execution prevention function according to the present embodiment;

6 is a flowchart illustrating an application restoration function according to the present embodiment;

7 is a flowchart illustrating a no-install function according to the present embodiment;

8 is a flowchart for explaining in detail the necessary codec installation step according to the present embodiment;

9 and 10 are exemplary diagrams for explaining a menu bar providing function according to the present embodiment.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail through exemplary drawings. In adding reference numerals to the components of each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are assigned to the same components as much as possible even though they are shown in different drawings. In addition, in describing the present invention, when it is determined that the detailed description of the related well-known configuration or function may obscure the gist of the present invention, the detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In addition, in describing the component of this invention, terms, such as 1st, 2nd, A, B, (a), (b), can be used. These terms are only for distinguishing the components from other components, and the nature, order or order of the components are not limited by the terms. If a component is described as being "connected", "coupled" or "connected" to another component, that component may be directly connected to or connected to that other component, but there may be another configuration between each component. It is to be understood that the elements may be "connected", "coupled" or "connected".

1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a system for providing a multimedia service according to the present embodiment.

The IPTV program described in the present invention is a program for providing an interactive television service provided using a wired / wireless communication network 120 including an internet network, and has a basic function of allowing a viewer to see only a program he / she wants to watch at a convenient time. It is a program provided. That is, the IPTV program refers to a program for outputting a service providing an information service, video content, and broadcasting to a television receiver using a wired / wireless communication network 120 including an internet network. Since IPTV is a type of digital convergence in that it is a convergence of the Internet and television, the user terminal 112, the mobile set-top box 114, and the wired / wireless communication network 120 must be connected to use the IPTV service. That is, when power is applied to the user terminal 112 to which the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened, the user can be provided with an IPTV service, and even a person who is not familiar with a computer can easily search the Internet using a remote control as well as a movie. You can receive various contents and additional services provided by the Internet such as viewing, home shopping, home banking, online games, and MP3. Such an IPTV service is not different from general cable broadcasting or satellite broadcasting in that it provides broadcasting contents including video, but is characterized in that bidirectionality is added, and the IPTV program described in the present invention is a program providing such an IPTV service. to be. That is, the user can watch a broadcast program that the viewer wants to watch at a convenient time, unlike the general air broadcasting, cable broadcasting or satellite broadcasting through the IPTV program. In addition, the IPTV program of the present invention is preferably mounted in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia player 110. On the other hand, IPTV content described in the present invention refers to a variety of content and additional services provided by the Internet, such as movies, home shopping, home banking, online games, MP3.

The system for providing a multimedia service according to the present embodiment includes a multimedia player 110, a wired / wireless communication network 120, an upgrade server 130, an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) service providing server 140, and a restoration server 150. It includes.

The multimedia playback apparatus 110 disclosed in the present embodiment is a device that provides a playback function for IPTV contents received through a wired or wireless communication network and may be applied to an IPTV service. The multimedia player 110 according to the present embodiment outputs the IPTV contents received through the wired / wireless communication network 120 and performs a function of providing a second function related to the IPTV contents. The second function may include at least one of a menu bar providing function, an application restoring function, a codec restoring function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, a smart agency function, a hidden file function, a user recognition function, and a shopping transaction function. It includes the above functions. On the other hand, the multimedia playback device 110 may be composed of a user terminal 112 and a mobile set-top box 114.

Without departing from the essential features of the present invention, the multimedia playback apparatus 110 receives IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140 through the wired / wireless communication network 120 and performs data processing (a kind of decoding process) of the received IPTV content. Performs a function of displaying the program guide menu on one side of the output IPTV content video screen, and the multimedia player 110 selects a channel included in the program guide menu. The menu bar may include a menu bar including at least one of a menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu, and may correspond to a menu selected by a user's operation or command of the multimedia player 110 among program guide menus. The program performs the function of executing the multimedia playback apparatus 110. When the VOD selection menu of the program guide menu is selected by the multimedia playback device 110, the thematic selection menu, the year selection menu, the director selection menu, the actor selection menu, the production cost selection menu, the audience selection for a specific VOD It performs a function of controlling to display at least one menu of the selection menu and the selection menu by popularity.

The multimedia playback apparatus 110 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the pre-stored IPTV program in the terminal, and if it is determined that there is an application that needs to be restored based on the result of the check, the multimedia regeneration device 110 restores the application. Do this. The multimedia player 110 provides a method of loading IPTV content from a specific path that does not require registration for general use of IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, but installs a codec for outputting IPTV content. If the IPTV contents are terminated, a new codec is installed, and a new codec is deleted.

The multimedia player 110 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting after performing data processing of the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, and based on the result of the check, If there is a codec that has occurred, the function restores the codec in which the error occurred before the error occurs. The multimedia player 110 performs a function of allowing advertisement data previously stored in the terminal or received from the outside to be played with the IPTV content for a preset time. The multimedia player 110 collects information about a bug that occurs when a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program stored in the terminal, and transmits the collected bug information to the IPTV service providing server 140. do.

The multimedia player 110 controls a function such that an image outputting IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 is not stored or copied to an external device by a user's operation or command of the multimedia player 110. To perform. The multimedia reproducing apparatus 110 performs a function of inspecting a wired / wireless communication environment with the interworking IPTV service providing server 140 to indicate whether the IPTV contents can be reproduced. When the multimedia player 110 receives the secured IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140, the multimedia player 110 may access or recognize the secured IPTV content only through an IPTV program stored in the terminal. When the IPTV content is a shopping content and a payment request is input for a product selected by a user's operation or command of the IPTV service providing server 140 among the shopping content, the multimedia player 110 interworks with the e-commerce server to make an electronic payment. Performs a function to perform.

The user terminal 112 refers to a terminal capable of receiving various web page data via the wired / wireless communication network 120 according to a user's key operation, and includes a personal computer (PC), a notebook computer, and a personal portable information terminal (PC). PDA: Personal Digital Assistant) and a mobile communication terminal (Mobile Communication Terminal), etc., a web browser for connecting to the wired and wireless communication network 120, a memory for storing the program, and the operation and control by executing the program Means a terminal provided with a microprocessor for. That is, although the user terminal 112 is generally a personal PC, any terminal can be connected to the wired / wireless communication network 120 and server-client communication is possible, and any communication computing such as a notebook computer, a mobile communication terminal, a PDA, etc. It is a broad concept that includes all of the devices.

The user terminal 112 receives the IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140 through the wired / wireless communication network 120 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention, and the mobile set-top box 114 receives the received IPTV content. The data processing is performed, and the user terminal 112 outputs the processed data and displays a program guide menu on one side of the output IPTV content video screen. Here, the mobile set-top box 114 may perform data processing while storing the IPTV content in the user terminal 112, or may perform data processing after bringing the IPTV content into the mobile set-top box 114. On the other hand, when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the IPTV program including the data processing function stored in the mobile set-top box 114 is uploaded to the user terminal 112 by automatic or user operation, thereby processing the data. May be configured to be performed by the user terminal 112. In addition, the user terminal 112 may appear in the form of a menu bar including at least one of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu included in the program guide menu. The program corresponding to the menu selected by the user's operation or command 112 is executed.

When the VOD selection menu is selected by the user terminal 112 among the outputted program guide menus, the user terminal 112 selects a theme selection menu, a year selection menu, a director selection menu, an actor selection menu, and a production cost for a specific VOD. A function of controlling the display of at least one of a star selection menu, a viewer selection menu, and a popularity selection menu is displayed. According to an embodiment, the user terminal 112 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the pre-stored IPTV program in the terminal, and if it is confirmed that there is an application that needs to be restored based on the check result, Restores the application. The user terminal 112 provides a manner in which IPTV content is loaded from a specific path that does not require registration for general use of IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, but a codec for outputting IPTV content is installed. It checks whether there is a new codec, installs a new codec based on the result of the check, and deletes the newly installed codec when the corresponding IPTV content is terminated.

The user terminal 112 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting the data after the IPTV contents received from the IPTV service providing server 140 by the mobile set-top box 114 is concluded. If there is a codec in which an error occurs based on the result of the check, the function of restoring the codec in which the error occurs before the error occurs is performed. The user terminal 112 performs a function of setting priorities so that the IPTV program stored in the terminal is driven before the program installed in the mobile set-top box 114 to which the IPTV program is stored. The user terminal 112 performs a function of playing advertisement data previously stored in the terminal or received from the outside for a predetermined time with the IPTV content.

When a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program in the terminal, the user terminal 112 collects information on a bug that occurs and transmits the collected bug information to the IPTV service providing server 140. The user terminal 112 stores or copies an image outputting the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 into a storage unit of the mobile set-top box 114 in which a user's operation or command of the user terminal 112 is concluded. Function to control not to The user terminal 112 performs a function of inspecting the wired / wireless communication environment with the mobile set-top box 114 to indicate whether the IPTV contents can be reproduced.

When the user terminal 112 receives the secured IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140, the user terminal 112 performs a function of accessing or recognizing the secured IPTV content only through an IPTV program stored in the terminal. When the IPTV content is shopping content and a payment request is input for a product selected by a user's operation or command of the shopping content, the user terminal 112 performs electronic payment in association with an e-commerce server. Perform the function.

The mobile set-top box 114 disclosed in the present embodiment is a device that provides a playback function for IPTV content received through the wired / wireless communication network 120, and may be applied to an IPTV service and may be an IPTV set-top box. On the other hand, when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, it may be implemented to automatically execute the IPTV program previously stored in the mobile set-top box 114. Meanwhile, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the mobile set-top box 114 may be implemented as a module or a program mounted on the multimedia player 110, and may be implemented as a separate dongle type device, and thus, a user terminal. May be fastened to 112.

The mobile set-top box 114 establishes a communication protocol with the user terminal 112 concluded using the mounted IPTV program, and directly receives IPTV contents from the IPTV service providing server 140 or via the user terminal 112. Receives, performs data processing and transmits to the user terminal 112, causing the user terminal 112 to output the IPTV content, the program guide on one side of the video screen output the IPTV content through the user terminal 112 Display the menu. The mobile set-top box 114 allows the program guide menu to appear in the form of a menu bar including at least one of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. Performs a function of executing a program corresponding to a menu selected by a user's manipulation or command. In addition, when the VOD selection menu of the program guide menu is selected by the user terminal 112, the mobile set-top box 114 selects a theme selection menu, a year selection menu, and a director selection for a specific VOD through the user terminal 112. At least one menu among the menu, the selection menu by actor, the selection menu by production cost, the selection menu by audience, and the selection menu by popularity is performed.

The mobile set-top box 114 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the mounted IPTV program, and if it is determined that there is an application that needs to be restored based on the check result, the mobile set-top box 114 performs a function of restoring the application. do. The mobile set-top box 114 provides a method of loading IPTV content into a user terminal 112 concluded from a specific path that does not require registration for general use of IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, It checks whether a codec for outputting content is installed, installs a new codec based on the verification result, and deletes the newly installed codec when the corresponding IPTV content is terminated.

The mobile set-top box 114 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 through the user terminal 112, and based on the result of the check If there is a codec generated, the function restores the codec in which the error occurred to before the error occurred. When the mobile set-top box 114 is pre-installed on the user terminal 112 to which the mounted IPTV program is concluded, the mobile set-top box 114 performs a function of setting priorities so that the IPTV program pre-installed on the user terminal 112 is driven first. The mobile set-top box 114 performs a function of playing the pre-stored or externally received advertisement data for a predetermined time with the IPTV contents through the user terminal 112 to which the advertisement data is concluded.

The mobile set-top box 114 collects information about a bug that occurs when a bug occurs while executing the mounted IPTV program, and transmits the collected bug information to the IPTV service providing server 140 through the user terminal 112. It performs the function. The mobile set-top box 114 stores or copies an image outputting the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 into a storage unit of the mobile set-top box 114 by an operation or a command by the user of the user terminal 112. Function to control not to

The mobile set-top box 114 performs a function of inspecting the concluded user terminal 112 and the wired / wireless communication environment so as to indicate whether the IPTV content is playable on the user terminal 112. When the mobile set-top box 114 receives the secured IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server, the mobile set-top box 114 performs a function of accessing or recognizing the secured IPTV content only through the mounted IPTV program. In the mobile set-top box 114, when the IPTV content is shopping content and a payment request is input for a product selected by the user terminal 112 among shopping contents, the mobile set-top box 114 interworks with the e-commerce server through the user terminal 112 to perform electronic payment. Perform the function to perform.

The wired / wireless communication network 120 refers to a network capable of transmitting and receiving data using an internet protocol using various wired and wireless communication technologies such as an internet network, an intranet network, a mobile communication network, and a satellite communication network. The wired / wireless communication network 120 is a network connecting the upgrade server 130, the IPTV service providing server 140, the restoration server 150, and the multimedia player 110 to the local area network (LAN) and the wide area network (WAN). It may be a closed network such as an area network, but is preferably an open network such as the Internet. The Internet has many services in the TCP / IP protocol and its upper layers: HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Telnet, File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Domain Name System (DNS), Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP), and SNMP ( The global open computer network architecture that provides the Simple Network Management Protocol (NFS), Network File Service (NFS), and Network Information Service (NIS). Here, since the technology for the wired and wireless communication network 120 is already known technology, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The upgrade server 130 checks whether the IPTV program is fully or partially upgraded to the multimedia playback apparatus 110 or the mobile set-top box 114 via the wired / wireless communication network 120, and performs a full or partial upgrade based on the confirmation result. Perform the function to perform.

The IPTV service providing server 140 transmits IPTV contents to the multimedia playback apparatus 110 or the mobile set-top box 114 via the wired / wireless communication network 120. IPTV service providing server 140 has the same configuration as a conventional Web server (Web Server) in hardware. However, software includes a program module implemented through any language such as C, C ++, Java, Visual Basic, Visual C, and so on to perform various functions. The IPTV service providing server 140 may be implemented in the form of a web server, which is generally connected to an unspecified number of clients and / or other servers through an open computer network such as the Internet, It refers to a computer system that receives a request for performing work of another web server and derives and provides a work result thereof, and a computer software (web server program) installed therefor. However, in addition to the above-described web server program, it should be understood as a broad concept including a series of application programs that run on the web server and, in some cases, various databases built therein. The IPTV service providing server 140 is a web server program that is variously provided according to operating systems such as DOS, Windows, Linux, UNIX, Macintosh, and the like for general server hardware. It may be implemented by using, and representative examples may be a website (Website) used in the Windows environment, Internet Information Server (IIS) and CERN, NCSA, APPACH used in the Unix environment.

In addition, the IPTV service providing server 140 may interwork with an authentication system and a payment system for providing an IPTV service. In addition, the IPTV service providing server 140 classifies membership information and information on IPTV service provision and stores and manages it in a database, which is implemented inside or outside the IPTV service providing server 140. Can be. Such a database refers to a general data structure implemented in a storage system (hard disk or memory) of a computer system using a database management program (DBMS), and can freely search (extract) data, delete data, edit data, and add data. It is a data storage type that can be used, such as relational database management systems (RDBMS) such as Oracle, Infomix, Sybase, DB2, Gemston, Orion, Object-oriented database management system (OODBMS) such as O2 and XML Native Database such as Excelon, Tamino, Sekaiju, etc. can be implemented for the purpose of this embodiment. It has the appropriate fields or elements to achieve its function.

The restoration server 150 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications that configure the IPTV program using the multimedia playback apparatus 110 or the mobile set-top box 114 via the wired / wireless communication network 120, and based on the confirmation result. To restore the application. On the other hand, the restoration server 150 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting the IPTV content to the multimedia playback apparatus 110 or the mobile set-top box 114, and based on the check result, Restore the codec.

In this embodiment, the upgrade server 130 and the restore server 150 are described as being separately configured, but this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present invention belongs Those skilled in the art can modify and modify the upgrade server 130 and the restore server 150 to be included in the IPTV service providing server 140 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

2 is a block diagram schematically showing a multimedia playback apparatus according to the present embodiment.

Multimedia playback apparatus 110 according to the present embodiment may be composed of a separate user terminal 112 and a mobile set-top box 114, in Figure 2 one including a user terminal 112 and a mobile set-top box 114. A schematic block diagram of the device will be described.

The multimedia player 210 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a storage unit 210, a display unit 220, a communication unit 230, and a key input unit 240. Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the multimedia playback apparatus 110 includes only the storage unit 210, the display unit 220, the communication unit 230, the key input unit 240, and the control unit 250. As merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, those skilled in the art to which the present embodiment belongs will variously change the components of the multimedia playback device 110 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Modifications and variations will be applicable.

The storage unit 210 is a storage unit for storing basic software for driving the multimedia player 110, a plurality of software for performing various additional functions, protocol software for processing messages transmitted and received for wired and wireless communication, and the like. The storage unit 210 according to the present embodiment performs a function of storing an IPTV program. Here, the IPTV program refers to a program for controlling to receive and output IPTV content.

The display unit 220 displays an operation state of the multimedia player 110 and is screen display means for outputting information in the form of letters, numbers, images, and images. In addition, the display unit 220 displays messages generated while executing various programs stored in the storage unit 210 under the control of the controller 250. The communication unit 230 is a communication means interworking with the upgrade server 130, the IPTV service providing server 140, and the restoration server 150 through the wired / wireless communication network 120. The key input unit 240 is a key input means for receiving a key or command from a user who uses the multimedia player 110 by providing a button for inputting numbers, letters, symbols, various commands, and the like.

The controller 250 is a control means for controlling the overall operation of the multimedia player 110, and executes various software stored in the storage 210 to perform a function according to a command input from the key inputter 240. The controller 250 controls the overall operation of the multimedia player 110 by controlling each component of the multimedia player 110, and outputs the IPTV content received through the wired / wireless communication network 120, and is related to the IPTV content. Perform a function to provide a second function. The second function may include at least one of a menu bar providing function, an application restoring function, a codec restoring function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, and a smart agency function.

The controller 250 receives the IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140 through the wired / wireless communication network 120 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention, and processes the data of the received IPTV content (a kind of decoding processing). Performs a function of outputting through the display unit 220 and displaying a program guide menu on one side of the output IPTV content image screen, wherein the controller 250 is included in the program guide menu. A program bar is displayed in the form of a menu bar including at least one of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. A program corresponding to a menu selected by an operation or a command of the key input unit 240 among the program guide menus. This performs a function to run.

When the VOD selection menu is selected by the key input unit 240 of the output program guide menu, the controller 250 selects a topic selection menu, a year selection menu, a director selection menu, an actor selection menu, and a production cost for a specific VOD. A function of controlling the display of at least one of a selection menu, a selection menu by audience, and a selection menu by popularity is displayed. The control unit 250 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the pre-stored IPTV program in the storage unit 210, and if it is determined that there is an application that needs to be restored based on the result of the check, restores the corresponding application. It performs the function.

The controller 250 provides a method of loading the IPTV content from a specific path that does not require registration for general use of the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, and whether a codec for outputting the IPTV content is installed. It checks whether or not, installs a new codec based on the check result, and when the IPTV content is terminated, the new codec is deleted. The controller 250 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting after performing data processing of the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, and based on the result of the check, a codec having an error If there is, the function restores the codec in which the error occurred to before the error occurred.

The controller 250 performs a function of allowing the advertisement data previously stored in the storage 210 or received from the outside to be played with the IPTV content for a preset time. The controller 250 collects information about a bug that occurs when a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program previously stored in the storage unit 210, and transmits the collected bug information to the IPTV service providing server 140. To perform. The controller 250 performs a function of controlling that an image outputting IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 is not stored or copied to an external device by an operation or a command through the key input unit 240.

The controller 250 performs a function of inspecting a wired / wireless communication environment with the interworking IPTV service providing server 140 to indicate whether the IPTV contents can be reproduced. When the controller 250 receives the secured IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server 140, the controller 250 performs a function of accessing or recognizing the secured IPTV content only through an IPTV program stored in the storage 210. . If the IPTV content is shopping content and a payment request is input for a product selected by a user's operation or command of the IPTV service providing server 140 among the shopping content, the controller 250 performs electronic payment in association with the e-commerce server. It performs the function.

On the other hand, the second function will be described as follows. The menu bar providing function displays a program guide menu on one side of the video screen on which the IPTV content is output, and the program guide menu includes at least one menu of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. Here, the menu bar providing function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the user terminal 112. In addition, the VOD selection menu may include at least one of a theme selection menu, a year selection menu, a director selection menu, an actor selection menu, a production cost selection menu, an audience selection menu, and a selection menu for a particular VOD. Additionally included. The application restoration function is a function of checking whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the IPTV program, and restoring the corresponding application based on the verification result. Here, the application restoration function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the user terminal 112.

The codec restoration function checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting IPTV content, and restores an error codec based on the result of the check. That is, the codec restoring function includes a module for checking a codec pre-installed on the user terminal 112 and reporting a codec problem, a module for reporting a codec problem, a module for restoring by the user through the Internet, and a user. It may be implemented as a module for restoring using a codec existing in the terminal 112.

The advertisement providing function is a function of playing the advertisement data previously stored in the storage 210 of the user terminal 112 or received from the outside for a predetermined time. The advertisement providing function may be implemented as a module for automatically playing an advertisement existing in the storage unit 210 or an advertisement image transmitted from the IPTV service providing server 140 in the user terminal 112.

When a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program, the bug reporting function collects information on a bug and transmits the information to the IPTV service providing server 140. The bug reporting function may be implemented as a module for identifying the cause of the unexpected termination during the execution of the IPTV program in the user terminal 112, and may be implemented as a module for informing the server through the network of the identified cause. In addition, the bug reporting function may be implemented as a module for measuring network and video quality in addition to reporting an error occurring in the user terminal 112, or may be implemented as a module for measuring and reporting a service quality in use.

The screen capture prevention function is a function of controlling that an image outputting IPTV content is not stored or copied to the storage unit 210 of the user terminal 112. The screen capture prevention function may be implemented as a module to prevent the multimedia information played by the user terminal 112 from being stored or copied to the storage unit 210 of the user terminal 112 or the storage unit of the external device.

The smart agency function is a function that inspects the user terminal 112 and the wired / wireless communication environment and indicates whether IPTV contents can be played back. The smart agency function may be implemented as a module that checks the network environment of the user terminal 112 and the CPU performance of the user terminal 112, and may be implemented as a module indicating whether the selected multimedia is playable automatically or manually.

The hidden file function is a function that allows access or recognition only through an IPTV program when receiving secured IPTV content from the outside. That is, the IPTV content received from the outside is secured by DRM (Digital Rights Management) or CAS (Conditional Access System), and the secured IPTV content can be accessed or recognized only through the IPTV program according to the present embodiment. It can be implemented as a module. In addition, the hidden file function is a function for allocating a large junk file, storing IPTV content received from the outside in a separate manner, and preventing access or recognition of a user who does not use an IPTV program.

The user recognition function is a function of confirming a user based on the recognized recognition information when it is concluded with a new user terminal. In other words, the user recognition function may be implemented as a user identification processing module using an IP, a password, etc., using a MAC address, a serial ID assigned to prevent use by another person. The shopping transaction function may be implemented as a separate shopping transaction module when the IPTV content is shopping content and performs electronic payment in association with an e-commerce server.

3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a mobile set-top box according to the present embodiment.

The mobile set-top box 114 according to the present embodiment may be implemented as a module or a program included in the multimedia player 110, but in FIG. 3, the mobile set-top box 114 is separately implemented to be fastened to the user terminal 112. A schematic block diagram as an apparatus to be operated is described.

The mobile set top box 114 according to the present embodiment includes a connector 310, a set top box controller 320, and a set top box storage 330. Meanwhile, in the present exemplary embodiment, the movable set-top box 114 includes only the connector 310, the set-top box controller 320, and the set-top box storage unit 330, but this illustrates the technical idea of the present invention. As merely described, those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains may apply various modifications and modifications to the components of the mobile set-top box 114 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. .

The connector 310 is coupled to the user terminal 112 and performs a function of transmitting and receiving data from the user terminal 112. Here, the connector 310 may be manufactured in a format that supports a communication scheme such as PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect), Ethernet, Ethernet, FireWire 1394, but preferably, USB (Universal Serial Bus) It is produced in a form. When the connector 310 is manufactured in a USB format, the USB version is preferably manufactured to be compatible with USB 3.0 as well as USB 2.0.

The set-top box controller 320 is a control means for controlling the overall functions of the mobile set-top box 114, controls to set a communication protocol with the user terminal 112, and controls the user terminal 112 to receive IPTV content received from the outside. It controls to output through, and further provides a first function related to the IPTV content. Here, the first function may include an upgrade function, a menu bar providing function, an automatic execution prevention function, an application restoration function, a non-installation function, a codec restoration function, an IPTV software automatic trigger function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, And at least one or more of a smart agency function, a hidden file function, a user recognition function, and a shopping transaction function.

The set-top box controller 320 establishes a communication protocol with the user terminal 112 concluded using an IPTV program stored in the set-top box storage unit 330, and concludes the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140. It transmits to the user terminal 112, causing the user terminal 112 to output the IPTV content, and displays the program guide menu on one side of the video screen output the IPTV content through the user terminal 112. The set-top box controller 320 causes the program guide menu to appear in the form of a menu bar including at least one of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. Performs a function of executing a program corresponding to a menu selected by a user's manipulation or command. When the VOD selection menu of the program guide menu is selected by the user terminal 112, the set-top box controller 320 selects a theme selection menu, a year selection menu, a director selection menu, and a selection menu for a specific VOD through the user terminal 112. It performs a function of controlling at least one menu of the selection menu by actor, the selection menu by production cost, the selection menu by audience, and the selection menu by popularity.

The set-top box controller 320 checks whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the mounted IPTV program, and if it is determined that there is an application that needs to be restored based on the result of the check, the set-top box controller 320 performs a function of restoring the application. do. The set-top box controller 320 provides a method of loading IPTV content to the user terminal 112 from a specific path that does not require registration for general use of the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140, and provides IPTV content. It checks whether a codec for output is installed, installs a new codec based on the result of the check, and deletes the newly installed codec when the corresponding IPTV content is terminated.

The set-top box controller 320 checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140 through the user terminal 112, and based on the result of the check If there is a codec generated, the function restores the codec in which the error occurred to before the error occurred. The set-top box controller 320 performs a function of setting priorities so that the pre-installed IPTV programs are first driven when the IPTV programs previously stored in the set-top box storage unit 330 are pre-installed in the user terminal 112. The set-top box controller 320 performs a function of allowing the advertisement data previously stored or received from the outside to be played for a predetermined time with the IPTV content through the user terminal 112. The set-top box controller 320 collects information about a bug that occurs when a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program previously stored in the set-top box storage unit 330, and collects the bug information collected through the user terminal 112. Performs a function of transmitting to the service providing server 140.

The set-top box controller 320 is not stored or copied to the set-top box storage unit 330 by an operation or a command by the user of the user terminal 112 is the image output the IPTV content received from the IPTV service providing server 140. It performs the function of controlling to prevent. The set-top box controller 320 performs a function of inspecting the wired / wireless communication environment with the user terminal 112 to indicate whether the IPTV content is playable on the user terminal 112. When the set-top box controller 320 receives the secured IPTV content from the IPTV service providing server, the set-top box controller 320 performs a function of accessing or recognizing the secured IPTV content only through the IPTV program. When the IPTV content is shopping content and a payment request is input for a product selected by the user terminal 112, the set-top box control unit 320 interworks with the e-commerce server through the user terminal 112 to perform electronic payment. Perform the function to perform.

The set-top box storage unit 330 stores a IPTV program.

Meanwhile, the first function will be described below. The upgrade function is to check whether the IPTV program is fully or partially upgraded and perform a full or partial upgrade based on the result of the confirmation. Here, the upgrade function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the mobile set-top box 114. The menu bar providing function displays a program guide menu on one side of the video screen on which the IPTV content is output, and the program guide menu includes at least one menu of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search. Here, the menu bar providing function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the mobile set-top box 114. In addition, the VOD selection menu may include at least one of a theme selection menu, a year selection menu, a director selection menu, an actor selection menu, a production cost selection menu, an audience selection menu, and a selection menu for a particular VOD. Additionally included.

When the contents of the virtual CD-ROM are automatically executed by the autorun function and the virtual CD-ROM is automatically executed, the automatic execution prevention function deactivates the automatic execution function for the removable drive and delays the predetermined time. After that, the drive for the virtual CD-ROM is recognized. Here, the automatic execution prevention function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the mobile set-top box 114. The application restoration function is a function of checking whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the IPTV program, and restoring the corresponding application based on the verification result. Here, the application restoration function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the mobile set-top box 114.

The no-install function checks whether a codec for outputting IPTV content is installed, installs a new codec based on the verification result, and deletes the newly installed codec when the IPTV content is terminated. Here, the installation-free function may be implemented as a module and mounted on the mobile set-top box 114. The codec restoration function checks whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting IPTV content, and restores an error codec based on the result of the check. That is, the codec restoring function includes a module for checking a codec pre-installed in the user terminal 112 after the fastening of the mobile set-top box 114, and a module for reporting a codec problem and a problem of the codec. A module for restoring through the Internet and a module for restoring using a codec existing in the mobile set-top box 114 may be implemented. That is, the codec restoration function may restore a broken file without registering if the registered codec is broken. In addition, if the version of the codec is not the latest version, it can be automatically upgraded to the latest version. In order to determine whether the codec is broken, a method of checking whether a file can be read, registered or deleted, and checking a version, a size, a checksum, etc. may be used. In addition, as a codec restoration method, there is a method of copying only one corresponding file and a method of copying / registering both basic files to the user terminal 112. That is, a method of downloading and copying the latest version of the codec from the restoration server 150 and the latest version of the codec in the mobile set-top box 114 can be copied to the user terminal 112.

The automatic trigger function of IPTV software is a function of setting priorities for pre-installed IPTV programs if they are already installed in the user terminal. The IPTV software automatic triggering function may be implemented as a module for automatically driving the previously installed IPTV program when the IPTV program of the mobile set-top box 114 is already installed in the user terminal 112 when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened. have. The advertisement providing function is a function of playing the advertisement data previously stored in the set-top box storage unit 330 or received from the outside for a preset time. The advertisement providing function may be implemented as a module for automatically reproducing an advertisement present in the mobile set-top box 114 or an advertisement image transmitted from a server after the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened.

When a bug occurs while executing an IPTV program, the bug reporting function collects information on a bug and transmits the information to the IPTV service providing server 140. The bug reporting function may be implemented as a module for identifying the cause of unexpected termination during the execution of an IPTV program in the user terminal 112 after the mobile set-top box 114 is concluded, and a module for informing the server through the network of the identified cause. It can be implemented as. In addition, the bug reporting function may be implemented as a module for measuring network and video quality in addition to reporting an error occurring in the user terminal 112, or may be implemented as a module for measuring and reporting a service quality in use. Screen capture prevention function is a function to control the image output IPTV content is not stored or copied to the storage unit 210. The screen capture prevention function may be implemented as a module to prevent the multimedia information played after the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened or stored or copied to the storage 210 of the user terminal 112 or the storage of the external device. have.

The smart agency function is a function that inspects the user terminal 112 and the wired / wireless communication environment and indicates whether IPTV contents can be played back. The smart agency function may be implemented as a module that checks the network environment of the user terminal 112 and the CPU performance of the user terminal 112 when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened, and automatically or manually selects whether the selected multimedia is playable. It can be implemented as a module that represents. On the other hand, the smart agency function may be changed to playable multimedia having the same contents when the user selects the non-playable multimedia as well as playability. The hidden file function is a function that allows access or recognition only through an IPTV program when receiving secured IPTV content from the outside. That is, the IPTV content received from the outside is secured by DRM (Digital Rights Management) or CAS (Conditional Access System), and the secured IPTV content can be accessed or recognized only through the IPTV program according to the present embodiment. It can be implemented as a module.

In addition, when the mobile set-top box 114 is implemented separately in the form of a dongle, it is possible to create a partition inside the mobile set-top box 114 and to store IPTV content secured by a special file system (Hidden File System). Partitions can be implemented such that no specific drive letter (e.g., d :, E :, etc.) is assigned. The user recognition function is a function of confirming a user based on the recognized recognition information when it is concluded with a new user terminal. That is, when the mobile set-top box 114 is separately implemented in a dongle form, a user ID function is used to assign a serial ID to a MAC address to prevent loss or use by others. When fastened to the user terminal, it may be implemented as a module for processing a user identification using an IP, a password, and the like. The shopping transaction function may be implemented as a separate shopping transaction module as a function of performing electronic payment in connection with an e-commerce server when the IPTV content is shopping content.

4 is a flowchart illustrating an upgrade function according to the present embodiment.

When the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the user terminal 112 loads an IPTV program from the mobile set-top box 114 (S410). The user terminal 112 requests a full or partial upgrade check of the IPTV program to the upgrade server 130 via the wired / wireless communication network 120 (S420). That is, when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the IPTV program mounted on the mobile set-top box 114 may be inspected to automatically upgrade the IPTV program stored in the mobile set-top box 114. will be. In this case, the partial upgrade is a method of upgrading only the portion that needs to be upgraded by comparing the version of the client (mobile set-top box) with the server (upgrade server) program version, and the full upgrade is a file regardless of the version of the client (mobile set-top box). Format and upgrade the entire system.

At this time, the server (upgrade server) is based on a partial upgrade, but the server can arbitrarily upgrade the entire. In addition, the user terminal 112 may also request a full upgrade to the server based on a partial upgrade. Here, the upgrade may be performed before or after the IPTV program is started, and an upgrade time point may be selected by the user.

The upgrade server 130 transmits a list to be upgraded to the user terminal 112 (S430). The user terminal 112 requests the first list to the upgrade server 130 (S440). Here, the first list includes an upgrade function, a menu bar providing function, an automatic execution prevention function, an application restoration function, a non-installation function, a codec restoration function, an IPTV software automatic trigger function, an advertisement providing function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, It may be a list including at least one or more of the smart agency functions.

When the upgrade server 130 transmits the file for the first list to the mobile set-top box 114, the mobile set-top box 114 stores (overwrites) the received file (S450). The user terminal 112 requests the second list to the upgrade server 130 (S460). Here, the second list includes an upgrade function, a menu bar provision function, an automatic execution prevention function, an application restoration function, a non-installation function, a codec restoration function, an IPTV software automatic trigger function, an advertisement provision function, a bug reporting function, a screen capture prevention function, It may be a list including at least one or more of the smart agency functions.

When the upgrade server 130 transmits the file for the second list to the mobile set-top box 114, the mobile set-top box 114 stores (overwrites) the received file (S470). The user terminal 112 requests the third list to the upgrade server 130 (S480). Here, the third list includes the upgrade function, menu bar provision function, automatic execution prevention function, application restoration function, no installation function, codec restoration function, IPTV software automatic trigger function, advertisement providing function, bug reporting function, screen capture prevention function and It may be a list including at least one or more of the smart agency functions. When the upgrade server 130 transmits the file for the third list to the mobile set-top box 114, the mobile set-top box 114 stores (overwrites) the received file (S490).

In FIG. 4, the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 sequentially execute steps S410 to S490. However, these are merely illustrative examples of the technical idea of the present embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 may be executed by changing the order described in FIG. 4 within one or more of the essential characteristics of the present embodiment, or may be one of steps S410 to S490. Since the above steps may be variously modified and modified to be executed in parallel, FIG. 4 is not limited to the time series order. As described above, the upgrade function according to the present embodiment described in FIG. 4 may be implemented in a program and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the upgrade function of FIG. 4 is preferably implemented in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia player 110.

The computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the upgrade function according to the present embodiment includes all kinds of recording devices for storing data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of such computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment may be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

5 is a flowchart illustrating an automatic execution prevention function according to the present embodiment.

When the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the user terminal 112 transmits a command for recognizing the virtual CD-ROM to the external device controller (S510). The user terminal 112 performs an automatic execution prevention command for the virtual CD-ROM (S520). That is, when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the automatic terminal is automatically executed when the virtual CD-ROM is recognized by adjusting the order in the section where the user terminal is enumerated. ) Disables the autorun feature for the virtual CD-ROM.

The external device controller performs a delay operation in operation S530. In addition, the external device controller delays the enumeration time of an area other than the virtual CD-ROM area of the mobile set-top box 114 so that it does not execute when there is an autorun virus in another area. The user terminal 112 transmits a command for recognizing a drive for the virtual CD-ROM to the external device controller (S540). The user terminal 112 performs an automatic execution prevention release command for the virtual CD-ROM (S550).

In FIG. 5, the user terminal 112 sequentially executes steps S510 to S550, but this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and the general knowledge in the technical field to which the present embodiment belongs. Those who have a variety of modifications and variations, such as by changing the order described in Figure 5 or executing one or more steps of steps S510 to S550 in parallel without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment 5 is not limited to the time-series order. In addition, the automatic execution prevention function of Figure 5 is preferably implemented in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited to this may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia playback device 110.

As described above, the automatic execution prevention function according to the present embodiment described in FIG. 5 may be implemented in a program and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. The computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the automatic execution prevention function according to the present embodiment includes all kinds of recording devices that store data that can be read by a computer system. Examples of such computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment may be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an application restoration function according to the present embodiment.

When the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the user terminal 112 loads an IPTV program from the mobile set-top box 114 (S610). The user terminal 112 loads a checksum (CheckSum) from the mobile set-top box 114 (S620). Here, the checksum is merely one embodiment for checking whether there is a changed application, and a person having ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains has a range other than the checksum without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. You can check whether an application exists in a variety of ways.

The user terminal 112 checks whether there is a changed application through calculation and comparison using a checksum (S630). Here, the checking whether the changed application is present is basically performed by the mobile set-top box 114 when the mobile terminal 110 is fastened with the user terminal 112, but may be implemented to be arbitrarily set by the user as needed. The user terminal 112 requests the restoration server 150 for an application requiring restoration based on the check in operation S630 (S640).

The restore server 150 restores the application that needs to be restored to the mobile set-top box 114 (S650). Here, the restoration server 150 may use a method of copying a file suitable for a file system and a method of copying an image at a low level.

On the other hand, the file or image to be restored may be previously copied to the storage area of the mobile set-top box 114, or may be downloaded from the restoration server 150. On the other hand, the method of restoring an application is basically a method of firstly restoring a module that is upgraded to the latest version and then upgrading the entire module using the module. It may be.

In FIG. 6, the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 sequentially execute steps S610 to S650, but this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and this embodiment belongs to the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 may be executed by changing the order described in FIG. 6 without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment, or may be one of steps S610 to S650. Since the above steps may be variously modified and modified by performing the above steps in parallel, FIG. 6 is not limited to the time series order. As described above, the application restoration function according to the present embodiment described in FIG. 6 may be implemented in a program and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the application restoration function of FIG. 6 is preferably implemented in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia playback device 110.

The computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing an application restoration function according to the present embodiment includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of such computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment may be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

7 is a flowchart illustrating a no-install function according to the present embodiment.

There are two ways to use the no-installation function, which is to register files necessary for execution and use them universally, and to execute without installation without any registration procedure because the necessary files are in the same directory. If you want to use in a universal way, when the mobile set-top box 114 is fastened to the user terminal 112, the user terminal 112 loads the IPTV program from the mobile set-top box 114 (S710). Here, the mobile set-top box 114 may load only necessary files into the user terminal 112 without installing any files in the user terminal 112. On the other hand, the mobile set-top box 114 may install some of the necessary files in the user terminal 112, but does not copy the core files required for execution. Here, the core file may be a codec file or a driving file.

The method of not copying the core file copies the file in the set-top box storage unit 330 of the mobile set-top box 114 to the user terminal 112 when the mobile set-top box 114 is initially fastened, but the key file or function is removable. Leaving the set-top box 114 refers to a method of approaching and using the set-top box storage unit 330 of the mobile set-top box 114 at each fastening.

The mobile set-top box 114 checks the codec installed in the user terminal 112 among the codecs necessary for playing the IPTV content (S720). The mobile set-top box 114 installs codecs that are not installed in the user terminal 112 among the necessary codecs based on the test result of step S720 in the user terminal 112 (S730). The user terminal 112 drives play for reproducing IPTV content (S740). That is, the user terminal 112 can play the IPTV content using the newly installed codec.

If the corresponding IPTV content is terminated, the user terminal 112 ends the process (S750). The mobile set-top box 114 deletes the installed codec from the user terminal 112 (S760). That is, all files existing in the set-top box storage unit 330 of the mobile set-top box 114 are loaded only into the storage unit 210 of the user terminal 112, and the storage unit 210 or the registry of the user terminal 112 is stored. After registering only the information necessary for the removable set-top box 114, the registered information is deleted and returned to the same state as before execution.

In FIG. 7, the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 sequentially execute steps S710 to S760, but this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment, and this embodiment belongs. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 may be executed by changing the order described in FIG. 7 or without departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment. Since the above steps may be variously modified and modified to be executed in parallel, FIG. 7 is not limited to the time series order. As described above, the installation-free function according to the present embodiment described in FIG. 7 may be implemented in a program and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the installation-less function of FIG. 7 is preferably implemented in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited thereto, and may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia playback device 110.

The computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the no-installation function according to the present embodiment includes all kinds of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of such computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment may be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

8 is a flowchart for explaining in detail a necessary codec installation step according to the present embodiment.

The mobile set-top box 114 checks whether a codec for playing a specific IPTV content is installed in the user terminal 112 (S810). As a result of checking in step S810, when a codec for playing a specific IPTV content is installed in the user terminal 112, the mobile set-top box 114 checks whether the installed codec is valid (S820). That is, the mobile set-top box 114 does not install a new codec when the codec installed in the user terminal 112 is valid.

If the codec for playing the specific IPTV content is not installed in the user terminal 112 as a result of checking in step S810, or if the codec installed in the user terminal 112 is not valid as a result of checking in step S820, the required codec is used. It is installed in the user terminal 112 (S830).

In FIG. 8, although the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 sequentially execute steps S810 to S830, this is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present embodiment and belongs to the present embodiment. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the mobile set-top box 114 and the user terminal 112 may be executed by changing the order described in FIG. 8 within a range not departing from the essential characteristics of the present embodiment, or one of steps S810 to S830. Since the above steps may be applied to various modifications and variations by performing the above steps in parallel, FIG. 8 is not limited to the time series order. As described above, the method for specifically describing the necessary codec installation step according to the present embodiment described in FIG. 8 may be implemented in a program and recorded in a computer-readable recording medium. In addition, the necessary codec installation function of FIG. 8 is preferably implemented in the mobile set-top box 114, but is not necessarily limited thereto and may be implemented in the user terminal 112 and the multimedia playback device 110.

The computer-readable recording medium having recorded thereon a program for implementing the method for specifically explaining the required codec installation step according to the present embodiment includes all kinds of recording devices storing data that can be read by a computer system. do. Examples of such computer-readable recording media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage, and the like, and are implemented in the form of a carrier wave (for example, transmission over the Internet). It includes being. The computer readable recording medium can also be distributed over network coupled computer systems so that the computer readable code is stored and executed in a distributed fashion. Also, functional programs, codes, and code segments for implementing the present embodiment may be easily inferred by programmers in the art to which the present embodiment belongs.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a program guide menu may be overlapped and displayed on one side of a video screen for playing IPTV content. Here, the program guide menu may include at least one menu selected from a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. That is, the video screen is arranged on the back side and the program guide menu is output on the front side.

The display of the program guide menu may receive information from the IPTV service providing server 140 and display the information on the basis thereof, and may receive all displayable information from the IPTV service providing server 140. It also provides Alpha Blending and Chroma Key functions to display this. On the other hand, the size of the program guide menu may be implemented in such a size as to cover the entire screen, but preferably implemented in such a size as to cover only the lower portion of the video screen as shown in FIG. The program guide menu has a depth structure, and the first depth may be a VOD, a channel, a live service, an additional service, and a search. Here, the second depth of the VOD may be a menu by theme, year, director, actor, production cost, audience, or popularity. That is, when the user selects a VOD selection menu from the program guide menu, as shown in FIG. 10, a selection menu by theme, a selection menu by year, a selection menu by director, a selection menu by actor, and a selection by production cost as shown in FIG. 10. At least one menu among a menu, a selection menu by audience, and a selection menu by popularity may be additionally displayed.

In the above description, all elements constituting the embodiments of the present invention are described as being combined or operating in combination, but the present invention is not necessarily limited to the embodiments. In other words, within the scope of the present invention, all of the components may be selectively operated in combination with one or more. In addition, although all of the components may be implemented in one independent hardware, each or all of the components may be selectively combined to perform some or all functions combined in one or a plurality of hardware. It may be implemented as a computer program having a. Codes and code segments constituting the computer program may be easily inferred by those skilled in the art. Such a computer program may be stored in a computer readable storage medium and read and executed by a computer, thereby implementing embodiments of the present invention. The storage medium of the computer program may include a magnetic recording medium, an optical recording medium, a carrier wave medium, and the like.

In addition, the terms "comprise", "comprise" or "having" described above mean that the corresponding component may be included, unless otherwise stated, and thus excludes other components. It should be construed that it may further include other components instead. All terms, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meanings as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art unless otherwise defined. Terms commonly used, such as terms defined in a dictionary, should be interpreted to coincide with the contextual meaning of the related art, and shall not be construed in an ideal or excessively formal sense unless explicitly defined in the present invention.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may make various modifications and changes without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention but to describe the present invention, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The protection scope of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the equivalent scope should be interpreted as being included in the scope of the present invention.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application claims priority under Patent Application No. 10-2009-0027499, filed in Korea on March 31, 2009, pursuant to Article 119 (a) (35 USC § 119 (a)). All content is incorporated by reference in this patent application. In addition, if this patent application claims priority for the same reason as above for a country other than the United States, all the contents thereof are incorporated into this patent application by reference.

Claims

A connector coupled to a user terminal to relay data transmitted and received with the user terminal;

Control to establish a communication protocol with the concluded user terminal, control to output IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) content received from the outside through the concluded user terminal, and further provide a first function related to the IPTV content A control unit; And

Storage unit to store IPTV program

Removable set-top box comprising a.
The method of claim 1,

The first function is,

Upgrade function, menu bar provision function, automatic execution prevention function, application restoration function, no installation function, codec restoration function, IPTV software automatic trigger function, advertisement provision function, bug reporting function, screen capture prevention function, smart agency function, hidden file A mobile set-top box comprising at least one of a function, a user recognition function and a shopping transaction function.
The method of claim 2,

The upgrade function,

A mobile set-top box characterized in that it is a function of checking whether the IPTV program is upgraded in whole or in part, and performing a full or partial upgrade based on the confirmation result.
The method of claim 2,

The menu bar providing function,

A program guide menu is displayed on one side of the video screen on which the IPTV content is output, wherein the program guide menu includes at least one menu of a channel selection menu, a VOD selection menu, an additional service menu, and a search menu. Set Top Box.
The method of claim 4, wherein

The VOD selection menu,

It further includes at least one menu of the selection menu by theme, the selection menu by year, the selection menu by director, the selection menu by actor, the selection menu by production cost, the selection menu by audience and the selection menu by popularity. Removable set-top box.
The method of claim 2,

The automatic execution prevention function,

When the virtual CD-ROM is recognized and the contents of the virtual CD-ROM are automatically executed by the automatic execution function, the automatic execution function for the removable drive is deactivated, the predetermined time is delayed, and the virtual Removable set-top box, characterized in that the drive for the CD-ROM recognition.
The method of claim 2,

The application restore function,

The mobile set-top box, characterized in that for checking whether there is an application that needs to be restored among the applications constituting the IPTV program, and restores the application based on the result of the check.
The method of claim 2,

The installation function is

Provides a method of loading from a specific path that does not require registration for general use, checks whether a codec for outputting the IPTV content is installed, installs a new codec based on the verification result, Removable set-top box, characterized in that the function to delete the newly installed codec when the IPTV content is terminated.
The method of claim 2,

The codec restoration function,

And a function of confirming whether there is an error codec among the codecs for outputting the IPTV content, and restoring the error codec based on the result of the check.
The method of claim 2,

The IPTV software automatic trigger function,

If the IPTV program is pre-installed in the user terminal, a mobile set-top box, characterized in that for setting the priority so that the pre-installed IPTV program is driven first.
The method of claim 2,

The advertisement providing function,

And a function of playing the advertisement data previously stored in the storage unit or received from the outside for a predetermined time.
The method of claim 2,

The bug reporting function,

When a bug occurs while performing the IPTV program, a mobile set-top box, characterized in that the collection of information on the bug occurs and transmits to the IPTV service providing server.
The method of claim 2,

The screen capture prevention function,

And a function of controlling not to store or copy the image outputting the IPTV content to the storage unit.
The method of claim 2,

The smart agency function,

And a function of inspecting the user terminal and the wired / wireless communication environment to indicate whether the IPTV contents can be played back.
The method of claim 2,

The hidden file function,

Receiving secured IPTV content from the outside, the mobile set-top box, characterized in that the function to be accessed or recognized only through the IPTV program.
The method of claim 2,

The user recognition function,

The mobile set-top box when the new user terminal is fastened, characterized in that the function of verifying the user based on the given recognition information.
The method of claim 2,

The shopping transaction function,

If the IPTV content is shopping content, a mobile set-top box, characterized in that the function to perform the electronic payment in conjunction with the e-commerce server.
The method of claim 1,

The connector,

A portable set-top box characterized in that it is produced in one of Universal Serial Bus (USB), Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI), Ethernet, and FireWire (1394).
A control unit which receives and outputs IPTV contents, and provides a second function related to the IPTV contents; And

Storage unit to store IPTV program

Multimedia playback apparatus comprising a.
The method of claim 19,

The second function is,

Include at least one of menu bar provision function, application restoration function, codec restoration function, advertisement provision function, bug reporting function, screen capture prevention function, smart agency function, hidden file function, user recognition function, and shopping transaction function. Multimedia playback device.