WO2007086674A1

WO2007086674A1 - Television program reserving system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2007086674A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/000408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Young Zoo Rhee
Original assignee: Alticast Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2006-01-24
Filing date: 2007-01-24
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: KR20070077576A; KR100760244B1

Abstract

Television program reserving system and method are provided. A program can be reserved on an internet content having program information, and EPG information from all broadcasting systems are provided to a client as a web service. Accordingly, it is convenient and efficient for a client to reserve a desired program.

Description

TELEVISION PROGRAM RESERVING SYSTEM AND

METHOD

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to television program reserving system and method and, more particularly, to television program reserving system and method in which electrical program guides (EPGs) of broadcasting systems are provided to clients as a web service and a television program can be reserved on an internet content having program information.

Background Art

[2] In a conventional digital broadcasting, a broadcasting system provides its EPG, and a client selects a desired broadcasting program through the EPG and watches it.

[3] As a method for obtaining the EPG, there are two typical methods: a method

("former method") for using a set top box and a method ("later method") for using a web site of a platform operator or a program information providing site.

[4] However, in case of the former method, since there is a limitation to a broadcasting transmission bandwidth, the broadcasting systems provide just a small amount of EPG information, e.g., one-day, two-day or three-day EPG information, and thus it does not satisfy a client. That is, there is a problem in that a large amount of EPG information can not be transmitted unless a bandwidth of the broadcasting system is enough.

[5] In addition, it is inconvenient and takes a long time to find and reserve a desired program through the EPG since a conventional set top box is low in performance.

[6] On the other hand, in case of the later method, a large amount of EPG information is provided through the Internet, but a client can just see program information but can not reserve a desired program, whereby it does not help in a client's position.

[7] An internet content provided through a portal site contains program information, and a client who has read program information through the internet content may desire to reserve the program. In this instance, a client should use a set top box to manually reserve it.

Disclosure of Invention

Technical Problem

[8] The present invention is directed to television program reserving system and method in which a television program is reserved on a web through an internet content having program information.

[9] The present invention is also directed to television program reserving system and method in which program information and channel information are provided to one EPG information management system server from one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing servers, and a client can read program information of broadcasting systems to which he/she registers to reserve a desired program thanks to one EPG information management system server.

Technical Solution

[10] One aspect of the present invention provides a television program reserving system, comprising: a client terminal which has access to an internet through a web browser; an internet content providing server which provides an internet content on a web and transmits reservation information to an EPG information management system server when a client reserves a program on the internet content having program information; and the EPG information management system server which provides the client with information received from an EPG data providing server and a broadcasting system EPG information providing server, receives the reservation information from the internet content providing server to register and store reservation data to constitute a database, and retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information; wherein the client terminal periodically request the reservation information and stores the reservation information.

[11] Another aspect of the present invention provides a television program reserving system, comprising: a client terminal which has access to an internet through a web browser; an EPG information management system server which combines information received from an EPG data providing server and a broadcasting system EPG information providing server to be provided to a client, registers reservation data to constitute a database when a client select a program to reserve through the client terminal, and retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information; wherein the client terminal periodically request the reservation information and stores the reservation information, so that information reserved through the internet is transmitted to and stored in the client terminal to thereby achieve data linking.

[12] The EPG information management server receives channel data from one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing server to constitute a database for each broadcasting system and provides the client with the channel data.

[13] The internet content providing server comprises a web server which allows access of the client terminal to thereby provide the internet content; a database server which manages internet content data and client data; and a core server which is interworked with the EPG information management system to display the internet content data having broadcasting information, and transmits reservation information containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID, and a program ID to the EPG information management system when a program is reserve through the internet content.

[14] The EPG information management system server comprises a web server which allows access of the client terminal to provide program information; a database server which manages reservation data containing a client ID, a program ID, a channel ID, a program start time, and a program end time, client data, program data, channel data, and content provider (PP) data; and a core server which retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information.

[15] The client terminal comprises a terminal controller which periodically requests transmission of the reservation information; and a storage medium which stores the reservation information.

[16] The EPG information management system server comprises a web server which allows access of the client terminal to provide program information; a database server which manages reservation data containing a client ID, a program ID, a broadcasting system ID, a channel ID, a program start time, and a program end time, client data, broadcasting system (SO) data, program data, channel data, and content provider (PP) data; and a core server which retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information.

[17] One aspect of the present invention provides a television program reserving method, comprising: an internet service accessing step for, at a client terminal, accessing an internet service provided by an internet content provider through a web browser to log in; an internet content retrieving step for retrieving an internet content having program information; a program reserving step for reserving a program and transmitting reservation information to an EPG information management system server; a database constituting step for, at the EPG information management system server, registering reservation data for the reservation information to constitute a database; a reservation information requesting step for, at the client terminal, periodically requesting the EPG information management system server to transmit reserved program information; a reservation information transmitting step for extracting the reservation information from a database server and transmitting the reservation information to the client terminal in response to the client terminal's request; and a reservation information storing step for storing the reservation information in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[ 18] Another aspect of the present invention provides a television program reserving method, comprising: an internet service accessing step for, at a client terminal, accessing an internet service provided by a platform provider through a web browser to log in; a program retrieving step for retrieving EPG information of a registered broadcasting system through channel information provided by one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing server and program information provided by an EPG data server; a reservation data registering step for selecting a program retrieved by the retrieving result to register reservation data; a database constituting step for storing the reservation data to constitute a database; a reservation information requesting step for, at the client terminal, periodically requesting transmission of reserved program information; a reservation information transmitting step for extracting the reservation information from a database server and transmitting the reservation information to the client terminal in response to the client terminal's request; and a reservation information storing step for storing the reservation information in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[19] The program reserving step further comprises a step for performing one of a VOD replay function, a VOD purchase function, a VOD purchase reserving function, and a VOD record reserving function in case of having a PVR function.

[20] The program reserving step further comprises a step for providing internet content data in which a program ID is contained in the internet content through data linking; and a step for, at a core server of an internet content server, transmitting reservation information containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID and a program ID to an EPG information management system server when a client reserves a program through the internet content.

[21] The database constituting step comprises a step for, at the core server of the EPG information management system server, retrieving channel data mapped with a broadcasting system ID and a program ID from the reservation information to register reservation data containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID, a channel ID, and a program ID; and a step for storing the reservation data in a database server to constitute a database.

[22] The television program reserving method further comprises a step for, at a controller of the client terminal, examines a storage medium to check a reserved program.

[23] The television program reserving method further comprises a reserved program executing step for executing a reserved program at a reserved time stored in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[24] The database constituting step further comprises a step for storing and managing program data provided from an EPG data providing server, channel data provided from an EPG information providing server, broadcasting system data, reservation data selected by a client, and content provider (PP) data. [25] The reservation information requesting step further comprises a step for storing a reservation information request period in a storage medium of the client terminal; and a step for requesting an EPG information management system server to transmit the reservation information at the stored reservation information request period designated by a terminal controller.

[26] The reservation information transmitting step comprises retrieving a database server to check whether there is the reservation information according to the reservation information transmission request; extracting reservation data mapped with a client ID of a client who requests the reservation information from the database server; and transmitting the extracted reservation data to the client terminal. Advantageous Effects

[27] As described above, according to the television program reserving system and method of the present invention, a program reservation can be made a web through the internet content having the program information. One EPG information management system server is provided with the EPG information from each broadcasting system, the client can efficiently read the EPG and reserve a desired program, and the reservation information is transmitted to the client terminal. Accordingly, it is convenient and efficient to reserve a desired program. Brief Description of the Drawings

[28] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a television program reserving system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[29] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a television program reservation system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[30] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a television program reserving method according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[31] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a program reserving method according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[32] FIG. 5 shows internet content data according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[33] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic linking method of an EPG information management system server and an internet content server according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[34] FIGs. 7 and 8 show an internet content according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[35] FIG. 9 shows program data according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[36] FIG. 10 shows channel data according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[37] FlG. 11 shows reservation data according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention;

[38] FlG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure for transmitting reservation information according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[39] * Description of Major Symbol in the above Figures

[40] 2 : internet content server 3 : EPG information management system server

[41] 22, 32 : Core server 23,33 : Database server

[42] 41 : Terminal controller 42 : Storage medium

Mode for the Invention

[43] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail. However, the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments disclosed below, but can be implemented in various types. Therefore, the present exemplary embodiments are provided for complete disclosure of the present invention and to fully inform the scope of the present invention to those ordinarily skilled in the art.

[44] FlG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a television program reserving system according to a first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[45] Referring to FlG. 1, the television program reserving system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a client web browser 1, an internet content server 2, an EPG information management system server 3, and a client terminal 4.

[46] The internet content server 2 is an internet service system which provides an internet content in various forms such as a portal, news and a blog. The internet content server 2 comprises a web server 21 which allows a client to access through the web browser 1, a database server 23 which manages internet content data and client data, and a core server 22 which displays internet content data 232 containing a program identification code ("ID") transmitted from the EPG information management system 3 and transmits reservation information containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID, and a program ID to the EPG information management system server 3 in order to reserve a program through the internet content.

[47] The EPG information management system server 3 is a system through which a platform operator provides program and channel information in the form of a web service. The EPG information management system server 3 comprises a web server 31, a core server 32 and a database server 33. The web server 31 allows a client to access through the web browser 1. The database server 33 manages program data 331, PP data 332 and channel data 333 which are transmitted from an EPG data providing server and a broadcasting system EPG providing server and reservation data 334 and client data 335 which are registered when a client selects a program to reserve. The core server 32 registers the reservation data 334 for a client's reservation information transmitted from the internet content server 2, and extracts the reservation information from the database server 33 and transmits it to the client terminal 3 when the client terminal 4 requests transmission of the reservation information.

[48] Here, in case where the channel information is received from one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing server and then transmitted to a client, the database server 33 may further contain and manage broadcasting data 336.

[49] The client terminal 4 comprises a terminal controller 41 which periodically performs an addressing operation to request the EPG information management system server 2 to transmit the program reservation information and a storage medium 42 which stores the received reservation information.

[50] The client terminal 4 may comprise a television or a DMB phone which has a built- in set top box which provides a two-way digital broadcasting.

[51] In case of adding functions such as a video on demand (VOD) replay function, a

VOD purchase function, and a VOD purchase reservation function, the internet content server 2 receives VOD information from a web VOD server of a VOD provider, and thus the database server 33 contains VOD data.

[52] The storage medium 42 may comprise a random access memory (RAM) or a nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM). If a volatile memory is used as the storage medium 42, the storage medium 42 may further contain a NVRAM such as a flash memory for the sake of backup of important information.

[53] The storage medium 42 may store both the reservation information through the

EPG information transmitted from the broadcasting system to the set top box in the conventional art and the reservation information through the internet according to the present invention.

[54] The terminal controller 41 also controls the whole system of the client terminal 4, executes applications, and extracts and displays reserved information.

[55] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a television program reservation system according to a second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[56] Referring to FIG. 2, the television program reservation system according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention comprises a web browser 1, an EPG information management system server 3, and a client terminal 4.

[57] In the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when a client accesses the internet content server 2 and reserves a desire program on the internet content having the program information, the reservation information is transmitted to the EPG information management system server 3, and the core server 32 of the EPG in- formation management system server 3 registers and manages the reservation data 334 and transmits them to the client terminal 4. On the other hand, in the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a client directly accesses the EPG information management system server 3 to receive the program data from the EPG data providing server and the channel data from each broadcasting system EPG providing server and to then read the EPG of the broadcasting system at which a client is enrolled, and when a client reserves a desired program, the core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 registers the reservation data 334, manages a database and transmits the reservation information to the client terminal 4. The other system configuration is identical to that in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[58] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a television program reserving method according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[59] Referring to FIG. 3, an internet content provider stores the internet contents which are to be provided to clients in the database server, manages the internet contents, and provides them to the clients as a web service.

[60] The client accesses the web service provided by the internet content provider through the internet and logs in (Sl 10).

[61] When the client logs in, produced are information such as a client ID, a terminal ID

(e.g., DMB phone number or SO ID + smart card ID), a broadcasting ID, a VOD ID, information as to whether to make a reservation for watching a desired program, information as to whether to make a reservation for recording a desired program, and a web portal provider ID.

[62] The client accesses the internet through the client terminal 4 which can access the internet by using the web browser 1. Here, the client terminal 4 can access the EPG information management system server 3 through an internet access using a modem and a PSTN network, a wire line internet access using a dedicated line or an ISDN, or a wireless internet access such as a cellular network, a PCS network, a microwave network, or a satellite communication network.

[63] The web server 21 checks the client ID when the client inputs the client ID and a password to log in. The client ID is related to the client terminal 4, and all client terminals have an inherent ID. Thus, the web server 21 can perform a function for designating the client terminal 4. The client ID is shared with the EPG information management system server 3.

[64] Also, when the EPG information management system server 3 receives the channel data from one or more broadcasting system EPG providing server, a broadcasting ID is inputted when logging in for interworking with the EPG information management system. [65] The client data 231 containing the client ID and the broadcasting ID are registered when the client requests an EPG reservation service linked with the internet contents and are stored and managed in the database server 23.

[66] After logging in, the client retrieves the internet content through the web server 21 in the web service provided by the internet content provider and reads it. Among the internet contents, the internet contents related to the EPG are linked with the EPG of the EPG information management system server.

[67] A method for linking the internet contents with the EPG is described later in detail.

[68] The internet content linked with the EPG contains broadcasting information (S 120).

The broadcasting information contains a PPID and a program ID.

[69] If the client reserves a desired program on the internet content linked with the EPG

(e.g., clicks a reservation button), the core server 22 of the internet content server 2 produces the reservation information containing the broadcasting ID, the client ID and the broadcasting system ID through a predetermined management program and transmits them to the EPG information management system server 3 (S 130).

[70] In addition to a reservation of a desired program on the internet content, functions such as a VOD purchase function, a VOD purchase reservation function, and a VOD replay function can be added when there is a corresponding VOD. The client terminal 4 having a PVR function can make a reservation for recoding a desired program. In order to add the above functions, the internet content contains a VOD ID in addition to the broadcasting information. The VOD ID contains VOD play time information and VOD purchase information in the form of a code.

[71] The system is configured such that the internet content server and a web VOD server are linked to receive the VOD information, and the database server further contains the VOD data.

[72] A discrete storage medium provided by a VOD provider can be designated in order to provide a function for replaying a VOD in real time, only the client ID and the VOD ID are produced in the internet content, and a VOD replay can be performed by using a web VOD.

[73] The core server 32 checks the reservation information transmitted to the EPG information management system server 3 to register the reservation data 234, and stores them in the reservation database (S 140).

[74] If there is not program to reserve, the client logs out to stop enjoying the internet service.

[75] The client ID is used to identify the client terminal, the broadcasting system ID is used to identify the broadcasting system, the program ID is used to identify the reserved program, and the channel ID is used to identify a channel of the reserved program. [76] The client terminal 4 periodically address to the EPG information management system server 3 to request the client's reservation information, and the core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 retrieves the database server 33 to check whether there is the reservation information for the client 4 in response to the reservation information transmission request (S 150).

[77] All client terminals have an inherent ID card which is linked with the client ID. The core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 checks whether there is the client ID in the database server 33, mapped with the client terminal 4 which requests the reservation information or not, extracts the reservation data 334 and transmits them to the client terminal 4 through a return path (S 160).

[78] The reservation information request and the reservation information can be transmitted through a widely used protocol such as TCP/IP, HTTP or STP.

[79] When the reservation information is stored in the storage medium 42 of the client terminal 4, the terminal controller 41 checks the reservation information in the storage medium 42 to play the reserved program at a reserved time through a receiver 5, which is performed in a typical method.

[80] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a program reserving method according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[81] Program-related data provided from the program provider PP to the client are provided through the EPG data providing server, and the EPG information (i.e., channel information) is provided from each broadcasting system EPG providing server and stored in the database server 23. Here, the platform provider is referred to as a company which constitutes a platform to provide information.

[82] The channel information provided from each broadcasting system EPG information providing server may be databasized to be individually managed for each broadcasting system. The database server may further contain and manage the broadcasting system data containing the broadcasting system ID.

[83] The platform provider provides information received from the EPG data providing server and each broadcasting system EPG providing server through the internet in the form of a web service.

[84] In the conventional art, since a different platform provider provides the internet service for each broadcasting system, the client accesses the internet service operated by the platform operator related to the corresponding broadcasting system to read the program information of the corresponding broadcasting system. However, in the present invention, one platform provider receives the EPG information (channel information) provided from each broadcasting system and databasizes them to provide the internet service, and thus the client can efficiently read all program information of each broadcasting system at a time and can reserve a desired program on the internet. [85] Here, the broadcasting system means a satellite broadcasting system, a local cable broadcasting system and a terrestrial broadcasting system which provide a digital broadcasting.

[86] The channel information provided from each broadcasting system are stored and managed as the channel data 333 in the database server 33, and the core server 32 displays and provides the channel information through the web browser.

[87] The client accesses the internet service provided by the platform provider through the internet and logs in (S210).

[88] The web server 21 checks the client ID when the client inputs the client ID and the password to log in. The client ID is related to the client terminal, and all client terminals have an inherent ID. Thus, the web server 21 can perform a function for designating the client terminal. The broadcasting ID is registered to be linked with the client ID.

[89] After logging in, the client navigates the internet service provided by the platform provider through the web server 21 to search for a desired program (S220). A method for searching for a desired program may be performed by using information such as a program name, a broadcasting channel, a program director, a program actor, a program producing company, and a program synopsis.

[90] When the client finds a desired program, he/she selects the corresponding program.

When the program is selected, the core server 32 registers the reservation data 334 containing the client ID, the broadcasting system ID, the program ID, the channel ID, a program start time, and a program end time (S230). The registered reservation data 334 is stored to constitute a database and is managed by the database server 33 (S240).

[91] Steps 250 to 270 are substantially identical to steps 150 to 170 in the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and description on those is omitted.

[92] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention are described below in more detail.

[93]

[94] <Embodiment 1>

[95] In order to reserve a desired program on the internet content, the EPG should be linked with the internet content. Thus, the internet content should contain the program information in addition to the content information.

[96] FIG. 5 shows internet content data according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[97] Referring to HG. 5, "232214" denotes an internet content ID, "Jisung Park, Arsenal,

December 4, ten o'clock" is a keyword registered by an internet content operator, and "1024" denotes a program ID mapped with the keyword. The internet content data may contain various information such as a content title, content details, an image, and an advertisement.

[98] A method for linking the internet content with the EPG includes a manual linking method and an automatic linking method.

[99] First, the manual linking method is a method that the internet content operator personally inputs the EPG into the internet content by using a predetermined tool. For example, the broadcasting information containing the PPID and the program ID may be inserted into the internet content data through a web plug-in solution using a language such as Java script, active X, Php, and Jsp.

[100] FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an automatic linking method of the EPG information management system server and the internet content server according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[101] Referring to FIG. 6, the automatic linking method is performed such that the content operator registers a program-related keyword and maps the keyword of the internet content with the EPG.

[102] For example, if the keyword of the internet content is "Jisung Park, Manchester united, Arsenal, January 4, 2005, five o'clock" the core server 22 of the internet content server 2 requests the EPG information management system server 3 to search for the keyword of the corresponding program data by using a typical protocol.

[103] The core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 searches for a keyword of the program data 331 mapped with the requested keyword by using a management program to extract the corresponding program ID (e.g., 1204) and transmits it to the internet content server 2.

[104] The core server 22 of the internet content server 2 registers the received broadcasting information in a data field of the internet content to link data, thereby completing preparation for a program reservation.

[105] The keyword search may be periodically performed by the management program of the core server 22 or may be performed whenever a new content is registered.

[106] FIGs. 7 and 8 show the internet content according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[107] Referring to FIG. 7, the internet content has the program information linked therewith, and a reservation button is produced on the internet content. If the client clicks the "reservation" button, the core server 22 produces the reservation information and transmits it to the EPG information management system server 3.

[108] Referring to FIG. 8, when the client clicks the "reservation" button, a small window containing "reservation/recording rereservation/VOD replay/VOD purchase/VOD purchase reservation/attribute" is displayed. In addition to a reservation of a desired program on the internet content, the VOD replay function, the VOD purchase function, and the VOD purchase reservation function may be provided, and in case of the client terminal having a PVR function, the recording reservation can be performed as well.

[109] Also, the client can check whether a program reservation is made or not through the web browser when he/she has reserved a desired program on the internet content.

[110] When the internet content is linked with the program information and the client reserves a desired program through the internet content, the core server 22 transmits the reservation information containing the client ID, the broadcasting ID and the program ID to the EPG information management system server 3.

[Ill] The core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 registers and stores the received reservation information in the database server to constitute and manage a DB for the reservation data 334.

[112] A procedure that the reservation data 334 registered to the EPG information management system server 3 is transmitted to the client terminal4 will be described later with reference to Embodiment 3.

[113]

[114] <Embodiment 2>

[115] The EPG total management system server 3 is provided with program data and PP data provided by the EPG data provider from the EPG data providing server and is provided with the channel information from each broadcasting system.

[116] The data are transmitted in an XML form and are inputted by an automatic transferring method using a demon and a file uploading method using a web page.

[117] The automatic transferring method using a demon is a method that data can be transferred periodically by the EPG data provider or the broadcasting system or immediately when a change occurs in the program information. A program of the EPG data provider provides the EPG total management system server with data by a method such as a web service, http/https, ftp, or socket.

[118] The file uploading method using the web page is a method that the EPG data provider produces an EPG information file and transfers it through a file uploading page provided by the EPG total management system server.

[119] The program data 231 to be transmitted contains the PPID, the program ID, a program title, a program description, the program start time, the program end time, and other program-related information.

[120] Here, the PPID denotes a program content provider ID, and the program-related information may contain all information related to a program such as an age suitable for watching a program, an actor, a director, and a synopsis.

[121] FIG. 9 shows the program data 331 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 5, "500" denotes the PPID, "10000234" denotes the program ID, "dragon ball" denotes the program title, "Sonogong's adventure to find dragon ball denotes the program description, "20021231010000" denotes the program start time, and "20021231010000" denotes the program end time. The program data may further contain other program-related information.

[122] The PP data may contain the PPID, a PP name (name of content provider), a PP description (description on content provider), and other PP-related data.

[123] Meanwhile, the channel data 333 are transmitted from the EPG providing server, and the transmitted channel data may contain the channel ID, the PPID, a channel number, a channel name, a channel description, and other channel-related information. The other channel-related information may contain channel package information.

[124] FIG. 10 shows the channel data 333 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[125] Referring to HG. 10, "300" denotes the broadcasting system ID (SOID), "210" denotes the channel ID, "500" denotes the PPID, "655" denotes the channel ID, "Tooniverse" denotes the channel name, "channel for kids" denotes the channel description, and other channel-related information may be contained in the channel data.

[126] The program data 331, the channel data 333 and the broadcasting system data 335 are stored to constitute a database.

[127] The client searches for, selects and reserves a desired program through the web browser. When the client selects a program to reserve, the reservation data 334 are registered.

[128] The reservation data 335 may contain the broadcasting system ID, the client ID, the program ID, the channel ID, the program start time, and the program end time. In order to extract and transmit the reservation information, the broadcasting system ID, the client ID and the program ID are information which must be contained.

[129] FIG. 11 shows the reservation data 334 according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[130] Referring to HG. 11, "CS0003333" denotes the client ID, "300" denotes the broadcasting system ID, " 10000234" denotes the program ID, "655" denotes the channel ID, "20021231010000" denotes the program start time, and " 20021231020000" denotes the program end time. The reservation data 334 may further contain other reservation-related information.

[131] When the reservation data 334 are registered, the database server stores to constitute and manage a database.

[132]

[133] <Embodiment 3>

[ 134] -Procedure for requesting and transmitting reservation information-

[135] The client terminal 4 periodically requests the EPG total management system server

3 to transmit and update the reservation information. A period for requesting the reservation information can be set freely. The client terminal 4 stores a time for the reservation information request period in the storage medium 42, and the management program of the terminal controller 41 transmits a request for a reservation information update to the EPG total management system server 3 with reference to an update period. The EPG information management system server 3 receives the reservation information transmission request from the client terminal 4 and checks whether there is reservation information for the client terminal 4 or not to transmit a response. The reservation information transmission request and response can be performed by using a typical method such as TCP/IP socket or http/https.

[136] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a procedure for transmitting the reservation information according to the exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

[137] The terminal controller 41 of the client terminal 4 transmits the reservation information request in a "REQ_RESERV ATION (Client ID)" form. Here, the client K) can be replaced with the terminal ID.

[138] Example) REQ_RESERVATION (CS000333)

[139] When there is the reservation information request, the core server 32 of the EPG information management system server 3 retrieves the database server 33 to check whether there is the reservation information for the client terminal 4.

[140] The reservation information is stored and managed in the database server 23 in a "REQ_RESERV ATION (program reservation list)" form. Here, the program reservation list is configured in the form of reservation data 1, reservation 2, reservation 3,

[141] Example) REQ_RESERVATION ((CS000333, 300, 10000234, 655,

200212310000, 200212310 239999), ..., (

[142] CS000333, 200, 10000267, 610, 20021231050000, 200212310553000), ...)

[143] Referring to FIG. 12, when the client terminal 4 requests the reservation information transmission, the reservation database 334 of the database server 33 is retrieved to find out whether there is reservation information corresponding to the client code "CS000333" or not. If there is a corresponding client ID, the corresponding reservation data 334 is extracted and then transmitted to the client terminal 4.

[144] The reservation information transmitted by the above described procedure is stored in the storage medium 42 of the client terminal 4, so that a program reservation is completed. Thus, data are shared between the EPG information management system server 3 and the client terminal 4, so that reservation efficiency is improved.

[145] While the invention has been shown and described with reference to certain exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

[1] A television program reserving system, comprising: a client terminal which has access to an internet through a web browser; an internet content providing server which provides an internet content on a web and transmits reservation information to an EPG information management system server when a client reserves a program on the internet content having program information; and the EPG information management system server which provides the client with information received from an EPG data providing server and a broadcasting system EPG information providing server, receives the reservation information from the internet content providing server to register and store reservation data to constitute a database, and retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information; wherein the client terminal periodically request the reservation information and stores the reservation information.

[2] A television program reserving system, comprising: a client terminal which has access to an internet through a web browser; an EPG information management system server which combines information received from an EPG data providing server and a broadcasting system EPG information providing server to be provided to a client, registers reservation data to constitute a database when a client select a program to reserve through the client terminal, and retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information; wherein the client terminal periodically request the reservation information and stores the reservation information, so that information reserved through the internet is transmitted to and stored in the client terminal to thereby achieve data linking.

[3] The television program reserving system of claim 1, wherein the EPG information management server receives channel data from one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing server to constitute a database for each broadcasting system and provides the client with the channel data.

[4] The television program reserving system of claim 1, wherein the internet content providing server comprises: a web server which allows access of the client terminal to thereby provide the internet content; a database server which manages internet content data and client data; and a core server which is interworked with the EPG information management system to display the internet content data having broadcasting information, and transmits reservation information containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID, and a program ID to the EPG information management system when a program is reserve through the internet content.

[5] The television program reserving system of claim 1, wherein the EPG information management system server comprises: a web server which allows access of the client terminal to provide program information; a database server which manages reservation data containing a client ID, a program ID, a channel ID, a program start time, and a program end time, client data, program data, channel data, and content provider (PP) data; and a core server which retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information.

[6] The television program reserving system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the client terminal comprises a terminal controller which periodically requests transmission of the reservation information; and a storage medium which stores the reservation information.

[7] The television program reserving system of claim 2 or 3, wherein the EPG information management system server comprises a web server which allows access of the client terminal to provide program information; a database server which manages reservation data containing a client ID, a program ID, a broadcasting system ID, a channel ID, a program start time, and a program end time, client data, broadcasting system (SO) data, program data, channel data, and content provider (PP) data; and a core server which retrieves the database to extract the reservation data and transmit the reservation data to the client terminal when the client terminal requests the reservation information.

[8] A television program reserving method, comprising: an internet service accessing step for, at a client terminal, accessing an internet service provided by an internet content provider through a web browser to log in; an internet content retrieving step for retrieving an internet content having program information; a program reserving step for reserving a program and transmitting reservation in- formation to an EPG information management system server; a database constituting step for, at the EPG information management system server, registering reservation data for the reservation information to constitute a database; a reservation information requesting step for, at the client terminal, periodically requesting the EPG information management system server to transmit reserved program information; a reservation information transmitting step for extracting the reservation information from a database server and transmitting the reservation information to the client terminal in response to the client terminal's request; and a reservation information storing step for storing the reservation information in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[9] A television program reserving method, comprising: an internet service accessing step for, at a client terminal, accessing an internet service provided by a platform provider through a web browser to log in; a program retrieving step for retrieving EPG information of a registered broadcasting system through channel information provided by one or more broadcasting system EPG information providing server and program information provided by an EPG data server; a reservation data registering step for selecting a program retrieved by the retrieving result to register reservation data; a database constituting step for storing the reservation data to constitute a database; a reservation information requesting step for, at the client terminal, periodically requesting transmission of reserved program information; a reservation information transmitting step for extracting the reservation information from a database server and transmitting the reservation information to the client terminal in response to the client terminal's request; and a reservation information storing step for storing the reservation information in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[10] The television program reserving method of claim 8, wherein the program reserving step further comprises a step for performing one of a VOD replay function, a VOD purchase function, a VOD purchase reserving function, and a VOD record reserving function in case of having a PVR function.

[11] The television program reserving method of claim 8, wherein the program reserving step further comprises a step for providing internet content data in which a program ID is contained in the internet content through data linking; and a step for, at a core server of an internet content server, transmitting reservation information containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID and a program ID to an EPG information management system server when a client reserves a program through the internet content.

[12] The television program reserving method of claim 8, wherein the database constituting step comprises a step for, at the core server of the EPG information management system server, retrieving channel data mapped with a broadcasting system ID and a program ID from the reservation information to register reservation data containing a client ID, a broadcasting system ID, a channel ID, and a program ID; and a step for storing the reservation data in a database server to constitute a database.

[13] The television program reserving method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising, a step for, at a controller of the client terminal, examines a storage medium to check a reserved program.

[14] The television program reserving method of claim 8 or 9, further comprising, a reserved program executing step for executing a reserved program at a reserved time stored in a storage medium of the client terminal.

[15] The television program reserving method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the database constituting step further comprises a step for storing and managing program data provided from an EPG data providing server, channel data provided from an EPG information providing server, broadcasting system data, reservation data selected by a client, and content provider (PP) data.

[16] The television program reserving method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the reservation information requesting step further comprises a step for storing a reservation information request period in a storage medium of the client terminal; and a step for requesting an EPG information management system server to transmit the reservation information at the stored reservation information request period designated by a terminal controller.

[17] The television program reserving method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the reservation information transmitting step comprises retrieving a database server to check whether there is the reservation information according to the reservation information transmission request; extracting reservation data mapped with a client ID of a client who requests the reservation information from the database server; and transmitting the extracted reservation data to the client terminal.