Display apparatus for controlling playback of content

Abstract

To provide a display device for controlling reproduction of content in conjunction with a server.SOLUTION: According to an aspect of an exemplary embodiment, there is provided a display apparatus including a user input interface configured to receive a play request for specific content from a remote controller, a processor configured to acquire a content identifier (ID) of the specific content, a previous accumulated play time of the specific content, and a play time point of the specific content based on the play request, and a display configured to display the specific content, wherein the processor is configured to determine whether a refund for a purchase of the specific content is available, and store the accumulated play time and a current play time point at a specific time interval when it is determined that the refund for the purchase is available.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a display device that controls the reproduction of content, and more particularly to a display device that controls the reproduction of content by determining whether purchased content is refundable. [Related Technology] This application claims priority under Article 4 of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2024-0101099 (filing date: July 30, 2024; DAS code: BDF8), and the present invention is based on the disclosures in that Korean patent application. For reference, the contents of the specification, claims, and drawings of that Korean patent application are incorporated herein by reference. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, digital TV services using wired or wireless communication networks have become commonplace, and digital TV services can provide a variety of services that could not be provided by conventional analog broadcasting services.

[0003] For example, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) and smart TV services, which are types of digital TV services, provide interactivity that allows users to actively select the type of program they want to watch, the viewing time, and so on.

[0004] Based on this interactivity, IPTV and Smart TV services can also provide various additional services, such as internet search, home shopping, and online games. As such, a wide variety of content has been produced and provided in recent years. Therefore, it is possible to obtain information about what type of content is being played on the display device being viewed by the user. In addition, the importance of a content recommendation service that identifies content preferred by the user on the display device being viewed and recommends content is gaining attention.

[0005] Furthermore, as display devices have become more popular, it is becoming more common for each household to own several display devices. The types of content preferred by each display device vary depending on the location where the device is installed, the user, etc. Furthermore, services that identify the content preferred by each display device and recommend content are becoming increasingly important. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention aims to solve the above and other problems, and provides a display device that controls the playback of content in cooperation with a server.

[0007] The present invention provides a display device that determines whether purchased content is refundable and controls content playback, and a control server that manages the display device.

[0008] The present invention provides an application that allows individual purchase of content, and stores information related to content refunds and playback in a device, and utilizes this information to provide content services.

[0009] The present invention provides content services by utilizing viewing information from each device including a display device, rather than from a server. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] [One aspect of the present invention] In one aspect of the present invention, the following invention is proposed. [Claim 1] A display device that controls playback of content, a user input interface for receiving a request to play specific content from a remote control device; a processor for obtaining a content identifier (ID) of the specific content, a previous cumulative playback time of the specific content, and a playback time point of the specific content based on the playback request; a display configured to play and display the specific content; The processor: determining whether a refund is available for the purchase of the particular content; If it is determined that the purchase is refundable, the cumulative playback time and the current playback time are stored at specific time intervals; If it is determined that the purchase cannot be refunded, the display device stores the current playback point for a specific time interval. [Claim 2] the processor executes a first application program and a second application program that manages a playback history of specific content; When the processor receives a request to play the specific content, it requests information about the specific content from the second application program; The display device of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving the information about the cumulative play time and the current time of the specific content from the second application program. [Claim 3] Upon receiving the information from the second application program, the processor transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a control server; The display device according to claim 2, wherein the control server transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a content server that stores the specific content. [Claim 4] When the processor receives the playback request, it requests first information about the specific content from the second application program; The display device of claim 2, further comprising: receiving the first information relating to the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program. [Claim 5] When the processor receives the first information from the second application program, the processor transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a control server; receiving the specific content from a content server storing the specific content via the control server from a point in time after the current playback point; The display device according to claim 4, wherein the display is controlled so that the received specific content is played back on the display from a point in time after the current playback point in time. [Claim 6] When the processor determines that the purchase of the specific content is refundable, the processor stores the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point through the second application program; determining whether the stored cumulative playback time exceeds a threshold time; 6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time is transmitted to the control server. [Claim 7] When the processor receives a response from the control server indicating that the second information has been received, the processor determines that a refund for the purchase is not possible; The display device of claim 6, further comprising: causing the second application program to store a current playback point, which is updated at specific time intervals, based on a response that the second information has been received. [Claim 8] The processor: When the total number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect exceeds a first threshold, the threshold time of the response delay time is controlled to be shortened; If the number of users connecting to or attempting to connect to the control server exceeds a first threshold and no response is received within the shortened threshold time, re-establishing a connection to a second control server; If the sum of the number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect is less than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, a connection reset is performed to the control server again; 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein, upon receiving a second response indicating that the connection re-establishment has been successfully performed, the display device again determines whether the accumulated playback time stored by the second application program exceeds a threshold time. [Claim 9] The processor: transmitting second information to a control server that the cumulative playback time has exceeded a threshold time in the reset connection state; receiving a response from the control server indicating that second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded a threshold time has been successfully received; The display device of claim 8, further comprising: causing the second application program to store a current playback point, which is updated at specific time intervals, based on a response that the second information has been received. [Claim 10] The processor: receiving a first request for a content list related to played content from the remote control device; transmitting a second request for the content playback history to the second application program; receiving a response regarding the last access time for each piece of content from the second application program; The display device according to claim 7 , wherein the reproduced content is arranged according to the last connection time. [Claim 11] The processor displays, on the display, the content list regarding the played content sorted in descending order of the last connection time; 11. The display device according to claim 10, wherein when any of the contents belonging to the content list is selected, it is determined whether or not the selected content is eligible for a refund based on the cumulative playback time of the selected content. [Claim 12] The processor: If it is determined that the selected content is eligible for refund, the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored at specific time intervals; The display device of claim 11, wherein if it is determined that the selected content is not eligible for refund, the display device stores the current playing time for a specific time interval. [Claim 13] The processor: receiving a request to pause playback of specific content from the remote control device; receiving information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program; When transmitting the request to stop streaming of the specific content, information regarding the cumulative playback time is also transmitted to the control server; 4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, in a state where the reproduction of the specific content is paused, it is determined whether or not a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible. [Claim 14] The processor: When it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible while the playback of the specific content is paused, the accumulated viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored; When it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible while the playback of the specific content is paused, the current playback time of the specific content is stored; 14. The display device of claim 13, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a refund for purchase is possible does not exceed a threshold time while playback of the specific content is paused, the display device stores the cumulative playback time, current playback time, and last connection time of the specific content. [Claim 15] The processor: receiving a request from the remote control device to resume playback of a specific content; receiving information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program; When transmitting a streaming request for the specific content, information regarding the cumulative playback time is also transmitted to the control server; 4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein, in a state where the pause of the playback of the specific content is resumed, it is determined whether or not a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible. [Claim 16] The processor: When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that the purchase of the specific content is refundable, the cumulative viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored at specific time intervals; When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that the purchase of the specific content is not refundable, the current playback time of the specific content is stored at the specific time interval; 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein when the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a refund for purchase is possible does not exceed a threshold time, the display device stores the cumulative playback time, current playback time, and last connection time of the specific content at the specific time interval. [Claim 17] The processor: receiving content recommendation information from the content server via the control server; receiving a request to play a specific content in the content list according to the content recommendation information; determining whether a playback time based on a current playback time point during which the specific content is being played on the display device exceeds a first threshold time; 7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein when the playback time exceeds the first threshold time, a dialog box is displayed on the display, asking whether or not to agree to purchase the specific content being played. [Claim 18] The processor: If a content purchase request agreeing to purchase the specific content is not received, the display is controlled to stop playing the specific content, and a streaming stop request is transmitted to the content server via the control server; When the content purchase request agreeing to purchase the specific content is received, the specific content is controlled so that it is played back from a point in time after the first threshold time; storing the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at the specific time interval; 18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time is transmitted to the control server. [Specific Embodiments] To achieve the above and other objects, a display device for controlling content playback according to the present invention includes a user input interface for receiving a playback request for specific content from a remote control device, a processor for acquiring a content identifier (ID) of the specific content, a cumulative playback time of the specific content, and a playback time point of the specific content based on the playback request, and a display configured to play and display the specific content. The processor determines whether a refund is available for a purchase of the specific content, and if a refund is available for the purchase, stores the cumulative playback time and the current playback time at specific time intervals. If a refund is not available for the purchase, the processor may store the current playback time at specific time intervals.

[0011] In one embodiment, the processor may execute a first application program and a second application program that manages a playback history of a specific content. When the processor receives a playback request for the specific content, the processor may request information about the specific content from the second application program. The processor may receive the information about the cumulative playback time and the current time of the specific content from the second application program.

[0012] In one embodiment, upon receiving the information from the second application program, the processor may transmit a request for streaming the specific content to a control server, and the control server may transmit the request for streaming the specific content to a content server that stores the specific content.

[0013] In one embodiment, when the processor receives the playback request, the processor may request first information about the specific content from the second application program, and may receive the first information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content from the second application program.

[0014] In one embodiment, when the processor receives the first information from the second application program, the processor may transmit a request to stream the specific content to a control server. The processor may receive the specific content from a content server that stores the specific content via the control server, from a time point after the current playback time point. The processor may control the display so that the received specific content from a time point after the current playback time point is played on the display.

[0015] In one embodiment, when the processor determines that a refund is possible for the purchase of the specific content, the processor may store the cumulative playback time and the current playback time using the second application program. The processor may determine whether the stored cumulative playback time exceeds a threshold time. When the processor determines that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, the processor may transmit second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time to the control server.

[0016] In one embodiment, the processor may determine that a refund for the purchase is not possible upon receiving a response from the control server that the second information has been received. The processor may cause the second application program to save a current playback point that is updated at specific time intervals based on the response that the second information has been received.

[0017] In one embodiment, the processor may control the response delay time so that the threshold time is shortened when the sum of the number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect exceeds a first threshold. The processor may perform connection re-establishment with a second control server when a response is not received within the shortened threshold time after the number of users connected to and attempting to connect to the control server exceeds the first threshold. The processor may perform connection re-establishment with the control server again when the sum of the number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect is less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold. When the processor receives a second response indicating that the connection re-establishment has been successfully performed, the processor may again determine whether the cumulative playback time stored by the second application program has exceeded the threshold time.

[0018] In one embodiment, the processor may transmit second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded a threshold time to a control server in the reset connection state. The processor may receive a response from the control server indicating that the second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time has been successfully received. The processor may cause the second application program to store a current playback time, which is updated at specific time intervals, based on the response indicating that the second information has been received.

[0019] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a first request for a content list of played content from the remote control device. The processor may transmit a second request for a content playback history to the second application program. The processor may receive a response from the second application program regarding a last connection time for each piece of content. The processor may sort the played content according to the last connection time.

[0020] In one embodiment, the processor may display the content list on the display, sorting the played content in ascending order of last connection time. When any content in the content list is selected, the processor may determine whether the selected content is eligible for a refund based on the cumulative playback time of the selected content.

[0021] In one embodiment, if the processor determines that the selected content is eligible for refund, the processor may store the cumulative play time, the current play time, and the last connection time at specific time intervals. If the processor determines that the selected content is not eligible for refund, the processor may store the current play time at specific time intervals.

[0022] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a request to pause playback of the specific content from the remote control device. The processor may receive information regarding the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content from the second application program. When transmitting a request to stop streaming of the specific content, the processor may transmit information regarding the cumulative playback time to the control server. The processor may determine whether a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available while playback of the specific content is paused.

[0023] In one embodiment, when the processor determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available while playback of the specific content is paused, it may store the cumulative viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time. When the processor determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not available while playback of the specific content is paused, it may store the current playback time of the specific content. When the processor determines that the cumulative playback time of the specific content that is available for a refund for the purchase does not exceed a threshold time while playback of the specific content is paused, it may store the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time of the specific content.

[0024] In one embodiment, the processor may receive a request to resume pause of playback of the specific content from the remote control device. The processor may receive information regarding the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content from the second application program. When transmitting a request to stream the specific content, the processor may transmit the request to the control server including information regarding the cumulative playback time. The processor may determine whether a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available when the pause of playback of the specific content is resumed.

[0025] In one embodiment, when the processor determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available after the pause of the playback of the specific content is resumed, the processor may store the cumulative viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time at specific time intervals. When the processor determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not available after the pause of the playback of the specific content is resumed, the processor may store the current playback time of the specific content at the specific time intervals. When the processor determines that the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a refund for the purchase is available does not exceed a threshold time after the pause of the playback of the specific content is resumed, the processor may store the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time of the specific content at the specific time intervals. [Effects of the Invention]

[0026] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that controls the reproduction of content in cooperation with a server.

[0027] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that determines whether purchased content is refundable and controls content playback, and a control server that manages the display device.

[0028] According to the present invention, in an application that allows individual purchase of content, information relating to refunds and playback of content can be stored in a device, and content services can be provided by utilizing this information.

[0029] According to the present invention, content services can be provided by utilizing viewing information not from a server but from each device including a display device.

[0030] According to the present invention, instead of periodically communicating with the server, results are sent to the server only at specific times, thereby reducing network traffic.

[0031] According to the present invention, when a user later views content again, the content can be replayed and viewed from the last playback portion viewed on another device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a display device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a content server according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a content providing system based on content playback time according to the present invention. [Figure 5] 1. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen on the display of the display device of FIG. 1 when a second application program is executed. [Figure 6] 3 is a flowchart of a connection time alignment based content providing method in response to a content playlist request according to the present invention. [Figure 7] 3 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a content providing system based on content playback time according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8]1 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system that stores other parameters in response to a pause request and performs adaptive control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system that stores other parameters in response to a pause release request and performs adaptive control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a content playback control method for content playback and refund depending on whether or not a content purchase is agreed upon, according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 1 is a flowchart illustrating a content playback control method for content playback and refund depending on whether or not a content purchase is agreed upon, according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] The technical terms used in this specification are merely used to describe specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, singular expressions used in this specification include plural expressions unless otherwise specified. The suffixes "module" and "section" for components used in the following description are given or mixed to facilitate the preparation of the specification and do not have any significance or utility in themselves.

[0034] In the present invention, the terms "composed of" or "including" (including; comprising; constructing; constructing; setting; including; containing; containing) should not be interpreted as necessarily including all of the various components or steps described in the specification, but rather as including some of the components or steps, or as including other components or steps.

[0035] Furthermore, when describing the technology disclosed in this specification, if it is determined that a specific description of related publicly known technology would obscure the gist of the technology disclosed in this specification, that detailed description will be omitted.

[0036] Furthermore, the accompanying drawings are merely intended to aid in understanding the embodiments disclosed in this specification, and are not intended to limit the technical ideas disclosed in this specification, but should be understood to include any modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, it goes without saying that not only the embodiments described below, but also combinations thereof are modifications, equivalents, or alternatives within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

[0037] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a display device according to one embodiment of the present invention;

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the display device 100 includes a broadcast receiving unit 130, an external device interface unit 135, a storage unit 140, a user input interface unit 150, a processor 170, a wireless communication unit 173, an audio acquisition unit 175, a display unit 180, an audio output unit 185, and a power supply unit 190.

[0039] The broadcast receiving unit 130 includes a tuner unit 131 , a demodulation unit 132 , and a network interface unit 133 .

[0040] The tuner unit 131 selects a specific broadcast channel in response to a channel selection command, and receives a broadcast signal of the selected specific broadcast channel.

[0041] The demodulation unit 132 separates the received broadcast signal into a video signal, an audio signal, and a data signal related to the broadcast program, and restores the separated video signal, audio signal, and data signal into a form that can be output.

[0042] The network interface unit 133 provides an interface for connecting the display device 100 to a wired / wireless network including the Internet. The network interface unit 133 transmits and receives data to and from other users or other electronic devices via the connected network or another network linked to the connected network.

[0043] The network interface unit 133 connects to a predetermined web page via the connected network or another network linked to the connected network. That is, it connects to a predetermined web page via the network and transmits and receives data to and from the server.

[0044] The network interface unit 133 also receives content or data provided by a content provider or a network operator. That is, the network interface unit 133 receives content and information related thereto, such as movies, advertisements, games, VOD, and broadcast signals, provided by the content provider or the network operator via a network.

[0045] The network interface unit 133 also receives firmware update information and update files provided by a network operator, and transmits the data to the Internet, a content provider, or a network operator.

[0046] The network interface unit 133 selects and receives a desired application from applications that are open to the public via a network.

[0047] The external device interface unit 135 receives an application or a list of applications in a nearby external device and transmits it to the processor 170 or the storage unit 140 .

[0048] The external device interface unit 135 provides a connection path between the display device 100 and an external device. The external device interface unit 135 receives at least one of video and audio output from an external device connected to the display device 100 wirelessly or via a wire, and transmits the video and audio to the processor 170. The external device interface unit 135 includes a plurality of external input terminals. The plurality of external input terminals include an RGB terminal, at least one HDMI (registered trademark) (High Definition Multimedia Interface) terminal, and a component terminal.

[0049] A video signal from an external device input via the external device interface unit 135 is output by the display unit 180. An audio signal from an external device input via the external device interface unit 135 is output by the audio output unit 185.

[0050] External devices that can be connected to the external device interface unit 135 include a set-top box, a Blu-ray player, a DVD player, a game console, a sound bar, a smartphone, a PC, a USB memory, and a home theater, but these are merely examples.

[0051] In addition, a part of the content data stored in the display device 100 is transmitted to a user or an electronic device selected from other users or other electronic devices registered in advance in the display device 100.

[0052] The storage unit 140 stores programs for signal processing and control within the processor 170, and stores processed video, audio, or data signals.

[0053] The storage unit 140 also functions to temporarily store video, audio or data signals input from the external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit 133, and stores information about a predetermined image using a channel storage function.

[0054] The storage unit 140 stores the application or application list input from the external device interface unit 135 or the network interface unit 133 .

[0055] The display device 100 plays content files (moving image files, still image files, music files, document files, application files, etc.) stored in the storage unit 140 and provides them to the user.

[0056] The user input interface unit 150 transmits a signal input by the user to the processor 170 or transmits a signal from the processor 170 to the user. For example, the user input interface unit 150 receives and processes control signals such as power on / off, channel selection, and screen setting from the remote control device 200 through various communication methods such as Bluetooth, WB (Ultra-Wideband), ZigBee, RF (Radio Frequency) communication, and IR (Infrared) communication, or processes the control signals from the processor 170 to be transmitted to the remote control device 200.

[0057] The user input interface unit 150 also transmits to the processor 170 control signals input through local keys (not shown) such as a power key, a channel key, a volume key, and a setting value.

[0058] The video signal processed by processor 170 is input to display unit 180, where an image corresponding to the video signal is displayed. The video signal processed by processor 170 is also input to an external output device via external device interface unit 135.

[0059] The audio signal processed by the processor 170 is output as audio to the audio output unit 185. The audio signal processed by the processor 170 is also input to an external output device via the external device interface unit 135.

[0060] In addition, the processor 170 controls the overall operation of the display device 100 .

[0061] In addition, the processor 170 controls the display device 100 according to a user command input via the user input interface unit 150 or an internal program. The processor 170 connects to a network to allow a user to download an application or application list desired by the user into the display device 100. The processor 170 is configured to execute at least one application program to control the display device 100. When the first application program 10 is executed, it determines whether a particular content can be purchased, played, refunded, or resold based on the viewing history and playback time of the particular content. When the second application program 20 is executed, it stores and manages information related to the playback history and playback time of the particular content.

[0062] The processor 170 causes the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185 to output the channel information selected by the user along with the processed video or audio signal.

[0063] In addition, the processor 170 controls the display unit 180 or the audio output unit 185 to output a video signal or an audio signal from an external device, such as a camera or camcorder, input via the external device interface unit 135 in response to an external device video playback command received via the user input interface unit 150.

[0064] Meanwhile, the processor 170 controls the display unit 180 to display an image, for example, a broadcast image input via the tuner unit 131, an externally input image input via the external device interface unit 135, an image input via the network interface unit, or an image stored in the storage unit 140, so that the image is displayed on the display unit 180. In this case, the image displayed on the display unit 180 may be a still image or a moving image, and may be a 2D image or a 3D image.

[0065] In addition, the processor 170 controls the playback of content stored in the display device 100, received broadcast content, or externally input content, and the content may be in various forms such as broadcast video, externally input video, audio files, still images, connected web screens, document files, etc.

[0066] The wireless communication unit 173 communicates with an external device via wired or wireless communication. The wireless communication unit 173 performs short-range communication with the external device. To this end, the wireless communication unit 173 uses Bluetooth (registered trademark) TMThe display device 100 supports short-range communication using at least one of the following technologies: Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-Wideband (UWB), ZigBee, Near Field Communication (NFC), Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi), Wi-Fi Direct, and Wireless Universal Serial Bus (Wireless USB). The wireless communication unit 173 supports wireless communication between the display device 100 and a wireless communication system, between the display device 100 and another display device 100, or between the display device 100 and a network in which the display device 100 (or an external server) is located, via a short-range wireless communication network. The short-range wireless communication network may be a wireless personal area network.

[0067] Here, the other display device 100 is a wearable device capable of exchanging data with (or linking with) the display device 100 according to the present invention, such as a mobile terminal such as a smartwatch, smart glasses, a head mounted display (HMD), or a smartphone. The wireless communication unit 173 detects (or recognizes) a wearable device capable of communicating with the display device 100 in the vicinity of the display device 100. Furthermore, if the detected wearable device is a device authenticated to communicate with the display device 100 according to the present invention, the processor 170 transmits at least a portion of the data processed by the display device 100 to the wearable device via the wireless communication unit 173. Thus, a user of the wearable device can use the data processed by the display device 100 on the wearable device.

[0068] The audio acquisition unit 175 acquires audio. The audio acquisition unit 175 includes at least one microphone (not shown), and acquires audio around the display device 100 by means of the microphone (not shown).

[0069] The display unit 180 converts the video signal, data signal, OSD signal processed by the processor 170, and the video signal and data signal received from the external device interface unit 135 into R, G, and B signals, respectively, and generates driving signals.

[0070] Meanwhile, the display device 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merely one embodiment of the present invention, and some of the components shown in the figure may be integrated, added, or omitted depending on the specifications of the display device 100 that is actually realized.

[0071] That is, two or more components may be integrated into one component, or one component may be divided into two or more components, as necessary. Furthermore, the functions performed by each block are for the purpose of explaining the embodiments of the present invention, and the specific operations and devices thereof do not limit the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a content server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0073] The content server 300 provides a recommendation service that recommends content that is preferred by a viewer using the display device 100 .

[0074] The content server 300 includes a communication interface 310 , a memory 320 , and a processor 330 .

[0075] The content server 300 transmits and receives data to and from at least one display device 100 via a communication interface 310 by wired or wireless communication.

[0076] The memory 320 includes a content information database 321. The content information database 321 stores information about content played on each device. For example, the content information database 321 stores content playback information, content setting information, or application installation information in association with the identification information of each device.

[0077] When the processor 330 receives a content recommendation request from the display device 100 or an external device, it recommends content optimized for each device based on the data stored in the content information database 321 .

[0078] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0079] The content providing system 1000 includes at least one display device 100 , at least one remote control device 200 , and a content server 300 .

[0080] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the processor 170 of the display device 100 plays back the content.

[0081] Processor 170 also generates content playback information related to the played content, and content setting information related to the picture quality, volume, and presence or absence of preferred channels that are set when playing back the content.

[0082] The content playback information includes at least one of content identification information, content genre information, content playback start time information, content playback end time information, and content total playback time information related to the played content.

[0083] The content setting information includes at least one of picture quality information and volume information set for the content when the content is played back, and preferred channel information regarding whether the user has registered a channel that provides the content as a preferred channel.

[0084] The processor 170 transmits the device identification information of the display device 100, the generated content playback information, and the generated content setting information to the content server 300 via the communication interface. The device identification information is unique identification information for distinguishing the display device 100 from other devices.

[0085] The content server 300 stores the content playback information and content setting information received from the display device 100 in the content information database 321 in association with the device identification information.

[0086] On the other hand, a content recommendation command is input to the processor 170 via the user input interface unit 150 or the voice acquisition unit 175 .

[0087] When a content recommendation command is input, the processor 170 transmits the device identification information of the display device 100 and a content recommendation request to the content server 300 via the communication interface.

[0088] The communication interface 310 of the content server 300 receives the device identification information and the content recommendation request from the display device 100 .

[0089] The processor 330 of the content server 300 acquires content playback information and content setting information related to the display device 100 from the content information database 321 based on the device identification information.

[0090] The processor 330 generates content recommendation information and recommendation setting information for the display device 100 based on the content playback information and the content setting information. The content recommendation information includes recommended content identification information and recommended content genre information of at least one recommended content. The recommendation setting information also includes recommended image quality setting information and preferred channel information.

[0091] The processor 330 transmits the content recommendation information and the recommendation setting information to the display device 100 via the communication interface 310 .

[0092] The processor 170 receives content recommendation information and recommendation setting information from the content server 300 via the communication interface.

[0093] The processor 170 displays at least one recommended content based on the received content recommendation information. When a command to play the recommended content is input via the user input interface unit 150 or the voice acquisition unit 175, the processor 170 sets the image quality of the recommended content to be played based on the received recommendation setting information and plays it back.

[0094] The image quality of the recommended content is set and played back, and when a change to a preferred channel is input from the user, the channel is changed to the preferred channel based on the preferred channel information.

[0095] Meanwhile, the display device 100 mirrors the content being played to an external device. The external device may be another display device or a mobile device. In this case, the mirrored content is viewed by the external device. Therefore, viewing information about the mirrored content needs to be basic data for recommending content to the external device.

[0096] Meanwhile, when the display device 100 performs a mirroring operation on an external device, the display device 100 receives a control command for controlling the display device 100 from the external device. The control command includes a content change command for changing the content being played from a first content to a second content. Upon receiving the content change command, the display device 100 plays the content to be changed. In this case, the display device 100 needs to transmit content playback information about the changed content to the content server 300 as information for recommending content to the external device.

[0097] An operation process of a content provision system based on content playback time according to the present invention will now be described. In this regard, FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the operation process of a content provision system based on content playback time according to the present invention. In this regard, an object of the present invention is to provide a display device that controls content playback in cooperation with a server. An object of the present invention is to provide a display device that determines whether purchased content is refundable and controls content playback, and a control server that manages the display device. An object of the present invention is to provide a content service by storing information related to content refunds and playback in a device in an application that allows individual content purchases and utilizing the information. An object of the present invention is to provide a content service by utilizing viewing information in each device, including a display device, rather than in a server.

[0098] A content providing system based on content playback time according to the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. In this regard, the content providing system according to the present invention is configured to include a display device 100, a remote control device 200, a content server 300, and a control server 400. The display device 100 is configured to include a wireless communication unit 173, a processor 170, and a display unit 180.

[0099] The processor 170 controls the display device 100 according to a user command input via the user input interface unit 150 or an internal program. The processor 170 connects to a network to allow a user to download an application or application list desired by the user into the display device 100. The processor 170 is configured to execute at least one application program to control the display device 100. When the first application program 10 is executed, it determines whether a particular content can be purchased, played, refunded, or resold based on the viewing history and playback time of the particular content. When the second application program 20 is executed, it stores and manages information related to the playback history and playback time of the particular content.

[0100] The first application program 10 is configured as an application program that is a software platform, but is not limited to this and may be modified as appropriate. The second application program 20 is configured as webOS, which is the OS of the display device, but is not limited to this and may be modified as appropriate.

[0101] The display unit 180 is configured to play and display the specific content from the playback point of the specific content onward. Meanwhile, Fig. 5 is a diagram showing a screen in which the second application program is executed on the display of the display device of Fig. 1.

[0102] 5, when a second application program such as webOS is executed, a recent image or a representative image is displayed in a first region R1, which is an upper region of the display unit 180. Meanwhile, icons associated with multiple application programs are displayed in a third region R3, which is a lower region of the first region R1 of the display unit 180. Additionally, multiple information display windows are displayed in a second region R2 between the first region R1 and the third region R3 of the display unit 180. The multiple information display windows displayed in the second region R2 include recent input, sponsored content, a TV guide, a home dashboard, and a user guide.

[0103] A display device that manages content playback in a content providing system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. As described above, the display device 100 is configured to include a wireless communication unit 173, a processor 170, and a display unit 180.

[0104] The wireless communication unit 173 receives a request to play back the specific content from the remote control device 200 (S10). Therefore, the first application program 10 receives the request to play back the specific content transmitted from the remote control device 200 via the wireless communication unit 173 (S10).

[0105] The processor 170 acquires the content identifier (ID) of the specific content, the cumulative playback time of the specific content, and the playback time point of the specific content based on the playback request. In this regard, the first application program 10 requests information recorded in the device (display device) from the second application program 20 (S20). The second application program 20 acquires the cumulative playback time of the specific content and the current playback time point of the specific content, and transmits them to the first application program 10 (S30).

[0106] As described above, the processor 170 is configured to execute the first application program 10 and the second application program 20 that manages the playback history of specific content. When the processor 170 receives a playback request for the specific content, it requests first information about the specific content from the second application program 20 (S20). The processor 170 receives first information about the cumulative playback time and the most recent playback point of the specific content from the second application program 20 (S30).

[0107] When the processor 170 receives the first information from the second application program 20, it transmits a streaming request for the specific content to the control server 400 (S40). When transmitting the streaming request for the specific content, the processor 170 includes information about the current playback time. When transmitting the streaming request for the specific content, the processor 170 includes information about the cumulative playback time. This allows the control server 400 and the content server 300 to recognize that the user who has logged in to the display device 100 can request a refund for the specific content.

[0108] The processor 170 receives the specific content from the content server 300 that stores the specific content from a time point after the most recent playback time point via the control server 400. The processor 170 controls the display unit 180 so that the specific content received from a time point after the most recent playback time point is played on the display unit 180. In this regard, upon receiving a streaming request, the content server 300 transmits the streaming of the specific content to the first application program 10 of the display device 100 via the control server 400 (S50).

[0109] Therefore, the content server 300 can provide the specific content to the display device 100 through a network connection with the control server 400 without directly connecting to the display device 100 via a network. Therefore, the content server 300 can reduce network congestion caused by simultaneous connections with multiple display devices. The first application program 10, which has received the streaming of the specific content, controls the display unit 180 to play the video of the specific content (S60).

[0110] The processor 170 determines whether a refund is available for the purchase of a specific content (S110). If it determines that a refund is available for the purchase of a specific content, the processor 170 stores the cumulative viewing time and the current playback time at specific time intervals (S120). The first application program 10 transmits the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals (ΔT1) (e.g., 1 second) to the second application program 20 and stores them (S120).

[0111] By storing the cumulative playback time of a specific content along with the current playback time of the specific content, if the cumulative playback time of the specific content is less than the threshold time, a refund for the specific content is possible. The specific time interval (△T1) is changed as appropriate depending on the type of the specific content, the interface type between the first and second application programs, congestion of information transmission, etc.

[0112] Meanwhile, in determining whether a refund is possible for the purchase of a specific content (S110), it is first determined whether the specific content is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase. Among the content programs provided by the display device 100, it is first determined whether the content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase. Whether the content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase is determined based on the content identifier (contentId). If it is determined that the content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase, it is also determined in step S110 whether the cumulative playback time is equal to or less than the threshold time.

[0113] If it is determined that a refund is possible for the purchase of the specific content, the processor 170 causes the second application program 20 to store the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals (S120). Thus, when the specific content is played, a playback history of the specific content is stored in the device every second. In this regard, the playback history of the specific content includes the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content. When a specific time or a specific condition is met, information about the playback of the specific content is transmitted to the control server 400. For example, when a specific time or a specific condition is met regarding the cumulative playback time, the processor 170 notifies the control server 400 that the purchased specific content is not eligible for a refund.

[0114] If the control server 400 is notified that the purchased specific content is not eligible for refund, the cumulative playback time is not stored in the device, and only the current playback time of the specific content is stored in the device. Furthermore, if playback of the specific content is stopped, information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content is not stored in the device.

[0115] Meanwhile, the content ID, cumulative playback time, and current playback time of a specific content are stored at specific time intervals by the second application program 20 (S120). As shown in Table 1, the content ID (contentID), cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime), and current playback time (curPlayingTime) are stored as part of content playback information (contentPlayinfo).

[0116] [Table 1]

[0117] As shown in Table 1, the cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime) and the current playback time (curPlayingTime) are both set to 0, but the current playback time increases by 1 second every second. The cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime) reflects the total time spent previously playing a particular content and the time spent playing a particular content on other devices.

[0118] Processor 170 determines whether the cumulative playback time stored by second application program 20 exceeds a threshold time (e.g., 15 minutes) (S130). The threshold time is not limited to 15 minutes and may be changed as appropriate. For example, the threshold time may be changed depending on the content's viewing rate, popularity, video composition of the content, a rank based on the user's content usage fee, etc.

[0119] If it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals (S160). The first application program 10 causes the second application program 20 to store the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals (ΔT2) (e.g., 1 second).

[0120] The specific time interval (ΔT2) may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of specific content, the interface type between the first and second application programs, congestion of information transmission, etc. If a refund for a specific content is not possible, the cumulative playback time serving as the basis for refund is not further stored, and only the current playback time is stored, thereby reducing the time required for storing and accessing the content in the memory of the storage unit 140.

[0121] The specific time (ΔT2) interval for saving the current playback point (S160) may be the same as or different from the specific time (ΔT1) interval for saving the cumulative playback time and current playback point of a specific content (S120). The specific time (ΔT2) interval for saving the current playback point (S160) is set according to a playback option for playing from a previous frame when resuming playback after pausing. Depending on the playback option, the specific time (ΔT2) interval for saving the current playback point (S160) is set to an interval shorter than one second. Therefore, the specific time (ΔT2) interval for saving the current playback point (S160) is set shorter than the specific time (ΔT1) interval for saving the cumulative playback time and current playback point (S120).

[0122] On the other hand, if it is determined that the cumulative playback time does not exceed the threshold time, the processor 170 stores the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals through the second application program 20 (S120). If it is determined that the cumulative playback time exceeds the threshold time, the processor 170 transmits second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time to the control server 400. Thus, upon receiving the second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time from the processor 170, the control server 400 recognizes that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible.

[0123] The processor 170 receives a response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information, which indicates that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, has been successfully received (S150). By receiving the response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information has been successfully received (S150), the processor 170 determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible. Based on the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content, which is updated at specific time intervals, in the second application program 20 (S160).

[0124] Meanwhile, in the content providing system according to the present invention, content is provided based on a connection time order in response to a content playlist request. When a user selects and plays specific content from a content playlist provided based on the connection time order, the specific content being played is determined to be eligible for refund as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4, and related information is stored in different manners accordingly.

[0125] In this regard, Fig. 6 is a flowchart of a content providing method based on connection time alignment in response to a content playlist request according to the present invention. A content providing method based on connection time alignment in response to a content playlist request and an electronic device 100 that performs the method will be described with reference to Figs.

[0126] The processor 170 receives a first request for a content list related to played content from the remote control device 200 (S101). The processor 170 transmits a second request for a content playback history to the second application program 20 (S102). The processor 170 receives a response related to the last access time of each content from the second application program 20 (S103). The processor 170 sorts the played content according to the last access time of each content (S104). As shown in Table 2, the content ID (contentID), cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime), current playback time (curPlayingTime), and last access time (lastAccessTime) are stored in the content playback information (contentPlayinfo). In response to the content playback history request (S102), the content playback information including the last access time (lastAccessTime) is transmitted.

[0127] [Table 2]

[0128] As shown in Table 2, the cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime), current playback time (curPlayingTime), and last access time (lastAccessTime) are all set to 0, but the current playback time and last access time are increased by 1 second every second. The cumulative playback time (accPlayingTime) reflects the total time spent previously playing a particular content and the time spent playing a particular content on other devices.

[0129] Processor 170 displays a content list of the played content items sorted in descending order of the latest connection time on display unit 180 (S105). When any content item in the content list is selected, processor 170 determines whether the selected content item is eligible for a refund based on the cumulative playback time of the selected content item (S110).

[0130] In the process of determining whether a content is eligible for refund (S110), processor 170 first determines whether a particular content is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase. It first determines whether a content program provided by display device 100 is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase. In relation to this, in step S103, it identifies whether a content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase for each piece of content based on a response regarding the last connection time for each piece of content. Whether a content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase is determined based on the content identifier (contentId). If it is determined that a content program is set to be refundable within a threshold time after purchase, it also determines in step S110 whether the cumulative play time is equal to or less than a threshold time or exceeds a threshold time.

[0131] On the other hand, if the cumulative playback time of the selected content exceeds the threshold time, processor 170 determines that the selected content is eligible for a refund. In this regard, step S110 may be performed separately as in step S110 and step S130 of FIG. 4, or may be performed at the same time as in FIG. 6, as appropriate.

[0132] If it is determined that the content selected from the playlist is eligible for refund, the processor 170 transmits and stores the cumulative playback time, current playback time, and last connection time at specific time intervals to the second application program 20 (S120). On the other hand, if it is determined that the content selected from the playlist is not eligible for refund, the processor 170 transmits and stores the current playback time at specific time intervals to the second application program 20 (S160).

[0133] On the other hand, if a response that the second information has been received is not received from the control server 400, the processor 170 must again determine whether a refund is possible for the purchase of the specific content. In this regard, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the content provision system based on content playback time according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0134] 1 to 7, the processor 170 determines whether or not a response indicating that the second information has been received has been received from the control server 400 (S151). If a response indicating that the second information has been received successfully is received, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of specific content, which is updated at specific time intervals, in the second application program 20 (S160). If a response indicating that the second information has been received successfully is not received, the processor 170 resets the connection with the control server 400 according to the response delay time or the number of response failures (S153). The response delay time is defined as the elapsed time from the time when a response is expected after the second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time is transmitted.

[0135] In this regard, when the processor 170 transmits second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, it determines whether the response delay time of the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received is equal to or greater than a threshold delay time (S152). It may also determine whether the number of times that the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received is unsuccessful is equal to or greater than a threshold number (S152). In this regard, it may measure the response delay time of the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received and the number of times that the response has not been received is unsuccessful. When it determines that the response delay time is equal to or greater than the threshold delay time or that the number of times that the response has been unsuccessful is equal to or greater than a threshold number (S152), the processor 170 resets the connection with the control server 400 (S153). Therefore, the display device 100 can reset the connection with the control server 400 in a short time without resetting the connection with the content server 300. In addition, it is possible to reduce network congestion caused by frequent resets of the connection with the content server 300.

[0136] The response delay time may be preset in the control server 400, or may be set differently depending on the number of users connected to the control server 400, the content type, etc. When the sum of the number of users connected to the control server 400 and the number of users attempting to connect exceeds a first threshold, the processor 170 controls the response delay time so that the threshold time is shortened. Therefore, if a response is not received within the shortened threshold time, the connection is re-established (S153), improving network stability.

[0137] If the number of users connecting or attempting to connect to the control server 400 exceeds the first threshold and no response is received within the shortened threshold time, the processor 170 resets the connection to another second control server (S153). Since the number of users of the second control server is smaller than the number of users of the control server 400, the network congestion is low. The control server 400 and the second control server are operated by the same manufacturer that produces the display device 100, and content playback, recommendation, and management are performed.

[0138] On the other hand, if the number of connected and attempting connection users decreases again and network congestion subsides, the processor 170 again resets the connection to the control server. If the sum of the number of users connected to the control server 400 and the number of users attempting to connect is less than a second threshold that is smaller than the first threshold, the processor 170 again resets the connection to the control server. In this regard, the control server 400 and the second control server maintain a connection state with the content server 300 and the second content server 400, respectively, that provide the same content. This allows the display device 100 to view the specific content in a more stable network state and can notify the control server that the refund period has expired. After resetting the connection to the second control server, the specific content continues to be received by the display device 100 via the second control server. This allows the user to preview the specific content, receive a refund after purchase, and enjoy high-quality content viewing due to reduced network congestion on the content server 300 and the control server 400.

[0139] Meanwhile, when the connection between the display device 100 and the control server 400 is reset, the control server 400 transmits a second response indicating that the connection reset has been successfully performed to the processor 170 (S154). Upon receiving the second response indicating that the connection reset has been successfully performed, the processor 170 again determines whether the accumulated playback time has exceeded a threshold time (e.g., 15 minutes) (S130). In this regard, the accumulated playback time of the specific content is stored by the second application program 20.

[0140] If the cumulative playback time exceeds the threshold time in the reset connection state, the processor 170 transmits second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time to the control server 400 (S140). In this regard, the playback time on each device is accumulated without interfacing with a server, and if the playback time exceeds a specific time, a viewing history is provided to the control server 400. When a user plays specific content, the content is saved in the device every second, and if the saved time exceeds N minutes (e.g., 15 minutes), the content is transmitted to the control server 400 and information regarding whether a refund is possible is transmitted. In addition, when a user plays specific content on a player such as the display device 100, the content is played again from the most recent playback point according to the viewing information stored in the device.

[0141] Therefore, the processor 170 receives a response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time has been successfully received (S150). Based on the response indicating that the second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time has been received, the processor 170 stores the current playback time, which is updated at specific time intervals, in the second application program 10.

[0142] Meanwhile, in the content providing system according to the present invention, the display device controlling the playback of content may store other parameters in response to a pause request and perform adaptive control according to the pause. In this regard, Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system for storing other parameters in response to a pause request and performing adaptive control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0143] 1 to 8, a display device that controls playback of content in a content providing system will be described. Processor 170 of display device 100 receives a request to pause playback of specific content (S11) from remote control device 200. Upon receiving the request to pause playback of specific content (S11), processor 170 requests information about the specific content from second application program 20 (S20). Processor 170 receives information about the cumulative playback time of the specific content and the current playback time point from second application program 20 (S30).

[0144] When the processor 170 receives information about the specific content from the second application program 20, it transmits a request to stop streaming of the specific content to the control server 400 (S41). When transmitting the request to stop streaming of the specific content, the processor 170 includes information about the current playback time. When transmitting the request to stop streaming of the specific content, the processor 170 includes information about the accumulated playback time. This allows the control server 400 and the content server 300 to recognize that the user who has logged in using the display device 100 can request a refund for the specific content. Meanwhile, the control server 400 transmits a request to stop streaming of the specific content to the content server 400 that stores the specific content (S42).

[0145] The transmission of the specific content from the content server 300 is stopped from a time point onward from the current time. The processor 170 controls the display unit 180 so that the playback of the received specific content on the display unit 180 is interrupted from a time point onward from the current playback time point. In this regard, upon receiving the streaming stop request, the content server 300 stops the transmission of the streaming of the specific content to the first application program 10 via the control server 400 (S51). Thus, the content server 300 can temporarily suspend the provision of the specific content to the display device 100 by connecting to the control server 400 via a network without directly connecting to the display device 100 via a network. Thus, the content server 300 can reduce network congestion caused by simultaneous connections with multiple display devices. The first application program 10, whose streaming of the specific content has been interrupted, controls the display unit 180 to stop the playback of the video of the specific content (S60).

[0146] While the playback of the specific content is paused, the processor 170 determines whether a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available (S110). If it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available, the processor 170 stores the accumulated viewing time at specific time intervals, the current playback time, and the current time (or the last access time) (S120). The first application program 10 causes the second application program 20 to store the current playback time and the current time (or the last access time) of the specific content.

[0147] By storing the current playback time of the specific content, the cumulative playback time, and the current time (or the last connection time), if the playback time of the specific content is less than the threshold time, the specific content can be refunded. The specific time interval can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the specific content, the interface type between the first and second application programs, congestion of information transmission, etc.

[0148] If it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals (S160). The first application program 10 stores the current playback time of the specific content in the second application program 20. If a refund for the specific content is not possible, the accumulated playback time serving as the basis for a refund is not stored any more, and only the current playback time is stored, thereby reducing the time required for storing and accessing the specific content in the memory of the storage unit 140.

[0149] If it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible, the processor 170 stores the cumulative playback time of the specific content, the current playback point, and the current time (or the last connection time) by the second application program 20 (S120). The processor 170 determines whether the cumulative playback time stored by the second application program 20 exceeds a threshold time (e.g., 15 minutes) (S130). The threshold time is not limited to 15 minutes and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the threshold time can be changed depending on the content's viewing rate, popularity, video composition of the content, a rank based on the user's content usage fee, etc.

[0150] Meanwhile, while playback of the specific content is paused, it is determined whether the cumulative playback time of the refundable specific content exceeds a threshold time (S130). If it is determined that the cumulative playback time of the refundable specific content does not exceed the threshold time, the processor 170 stores the cumulative playback time of the specific content, the current playback time point, and the current time (or last connection time) through the second application program 20 (S120). If it is determined that the cumulative playback time exceeds the threshold time, the processor 170 transmits second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time to the control server 400 (S140). Thus, upon receiving the second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time from the processor 170, the control server 400 recognizes that a refund is not possible for the purchase of the specific content.

[0151] The processor 170 receives a response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information, which indicates that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, has been successfully received (S150). By receiving the response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information has been successfully received (S150), the processor 170 determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible. Based on the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content, which is updated at specific time intervals, in the second application program 20 (S160).

[0152] Meanwhile, in the content providing system according to the present invention, a display device that controls playback of content may store other parameters in response to a pause release request and perform adaptive control. In this regard, Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating a content providing system that stores other parameters in response to a pause release request and performs adaptive control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0153] 1 to 9, a display device that controls playback of content in a content providing system will be described. Processor 170 of display device 100 receives a request to resume paused playback of specific content from remote control device 200 (S12). Upon receiving the request to resume paused playback of specific content (S12), processor 170 requests information about the specific content from second application program 20 (S20). Processor 170 receives information about the cumulative playback time of the specific content and the current playback time point from second application program 20 (S30).

[0154] When the processor 170 receives information about the specific content from the second application program 20, it transmits a streaming request for the specific content to the control server 400 (S43). The streaming request for the specific content is a request to resume streaming pause. When transmitting the streaming request for the specific content, the processor 170 also transmits information about the current playback time. When transmitting the streaming request for the specific content, the processor 170 also transmits information about the cumulative playback time. This allows the control server 400 and the content server 300 to recognize that the user who has logged in using the display device 100 can request a refund for the specific content. Meanwhile, the control server 400 transmits the streaming request for the specific content to the content server 400 that stores the specific content (S44).

[0155] The transmission (or playback) of the specific content from the content server 300 is resumed from a point in time after the current time. The processor 170 controls the display unit 180 so that the received specific content is played on the display unit 180 from a point in time after the current playback point in time. In relation to this, upon receiving a streaming request, the content server 300 transmits the streaming of the specific content to the first application program 10 via the control server 400 (S53, S54). Thus, the content server 300 can provide the specific content to the display device 100 through a network connection with the control server 400, even without a direct network connection with the display device 100. Thus, the content server 300 can reduce network congestion caused by simultaneous connections with multiple display devices. After the pause of the streaming of the specific content is resumed, the first application program 10 controls the display unit 180 so that the video of the specific content is played (S70).

[0156] When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released, the processor 170 determines whether a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available (S110). If it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is available, the processor 170 stores the accumulated viewing time, the current playback time, and the current time (or the last access time) at specific time intervals (S120). The first application program 10 causes the second application program 20 to store the current playback time and the current time (or the last access time) of the specific content at specific time intervals (e.g., 1 second).

[0157] By storing the current playback time of the specific content, the cumulative playback time, and the current time (or the last connection time), if the playback time of the specific content is less than the threshold time, the specific content can be refunded. The specific time interval can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the specific content, the interface type between the first and second application programs, congestion of information transmission, etc.

[0158] When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content at a specific time interval (S160). The first application program 10 causes the second application program 20 to store the current playback time of the specific content at a specific time interval (e.g., 1 second). The specific time interval may be changed as appropriate depending on the type of the specific content, the interface type between the first and second application programs, congestion of information transmission, etc. If a refund for the specific content is not possible, the cumulative playback time serving as the basis for a refund is not further stored, and only the current playback time is stored, thereby reducing the time required for storing and accessing the content in the memory of the storage unit 140.

[0159] When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible, the processor 170 causes the second application program 20 to save the cumulative playback time of the specific content, the current playback point, and the current time (or the last connection time) at specific time intervals (S120). The processor 170 determines whether the cumulative playback time saved by the second application program 20 exceeds a threshold time (e.g., 15 minutes) (S130). The threshold time is not limited to 15 minutes and can be changed as appropriate. For example, the threshold time can be changed depending on the content's viewership rating, popularity, video composition of the content, a rank based on the user's content usage fee, etc.

[0160] Meanwhile, when the pause of the playback of the specific content is resumed, it is determined whether the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a refund is possible has exceeded a threshold time (S130). If it is determined that the cumulative playback time has not exceeded the threshold time, the processor 170 stores the cumulative playback time of the specific content, the current playback time, and the current time (or the last connection time) at specific time intervals using the second application program 20 (S120). If it is determined that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, the processor 170 transmits second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time to the control server 400 (S140). Thus, upon receiving the second information that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time from the processor 170, the control server 400 recognizes that a refund is not possible for the purchase of the specific content.

[0161] The processor 170 receives a response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information, which indicates that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, has been successfully received (S150). By receiving the response from the control server 400 indicating that the second information has been successfully received (S150), the processor 170 determines that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible. Based on the response indicating that the second information has been successfully received, the processor 170 stores the current playback time of the specific content, which is updated at specific time intervals, in the second application program 20 (S160).

[0162] Meanwhile, in the content providing system according to the present invention, a display device that controls content playback is configured to select content according to content recommendation information and agree to the content purchase after a predetermined time has elapsed. In this regard, even if content purchase is performed after a predetermined time has elapsed, refunds for the content purchase are possible if the purchase is made before a threshold time has elapsed. Figures 10 and 11 are flowcharts of a content playback control method for content playback and refunds depending on whether or not the content purchase is agreed upon, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 is a flowchart of a content playback stop and content playback control method depending on whether or not the purchase of specific content selected from a recommended content list is agreed upon. Figure 11 is a flowchart of a content playback control method depending on whether or not the content being played is to be purchased and whether or not it is eligible for a refund.

[0163] 1 to 11, the operation of a display device that controls content purchase and playback in a content providing system according to the present invention will be described. The display device 100 receives content recommendation information from the content server 300 via the control server 400 (S1). The display device 100 receives a request to play back a specific content in the content list according to the content recommendation information from the remote control device 200 or the display unit 180.

[0164] The display device 100 receives a request to play specific content from the remote control device 200 (S10). In this regard, the request to play specific content may be a request to preview the specific content. Therefore, the first application program 10 receives the request to play specific content (preview request) transmitted from the remote control device 200 (S10).

[0165] The display device 100 determines whether a playback time based on a current playback time point at which specific content is being played exceeds a first threshold time T1. In this regard, it determines whether a playback time based on a current playback time point at which specific content is being played exceeds a first threshold time T1 on a device such as the display device 100. In this regard, the first application program 10 determines whether a first threshold time T1 for previewing the specific content has been exceeded.

[0166] The first threshold time T1 for confirming the purchase of a particular content is set to be shorter than the threshold time T2 for refunding the purchased particular content. The first threshold time for confirming the purchase of a particular content is set to, but is not limited to, one minute or three minutes and varies depending on the content. For example, the point at which a preview of a particular content program ends is set as the first threshold time T1 for confirming the purchase of the particular content. When the playback time exceeds the first threshold time T1, the processor 170 displays a dialog box on the display unit 180 requesting the user to select whether or not to agree to the purchase of the particular content being played. When the dialog box requesting the user to select whether or not to agree to the purchase of the particular content is displayed on the display unit 180, the processor 170 stops playback of the particular content.

[0167] Meanwhile, when a first threshold time T1 for confirming the purchase of the specific content is exceeded during the playback of the specific content, the processor 170 controls the display unit 180 to stop the playback of the specific content (S81). When the playback of the specific content is stopped (S81), the processor 170 controls the display unit 180 to display a dialog box requesting the user to select whether or not to agree to the purchase of the specific content. In this regard, the processor 170 transmits a content purchase request message requesting the user to purchase the specific content to be displayed on the display unit 180. Furthermore, when the first threshold time T1 is exceeded, it is determined whether a content purchase request agreeing to the purchase of the specific content has been received (S82).

[0168] If a content purchase request agreeing to purchase the specific content is not received, the processor 170 controls the display unit 180 to stop playing the specific content or to maintain the stopped state. Also, if a content purchase request is not received, the processor 170 transmits a streaming stop request to the control server 400 (S83). If a content purchase request is not received, the processor 170 transmits a streaming stop request to the content server 300 via the control server 400 (S84). Accordingly, the content server 300 stops streaming the specific content to the display device 100 via the control server 400.

[0169] The processor 170 receives a content purchase request agreeing to purchase specific content via the remote control device 200 or the display unit 180. Upon receiving the content purchase request agreeing to purchase specific content, the processor 170 controls playback of the specific content from a point after the first threshold time T1. The processor 170 stores the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at specific time intervals. The processor 170 determines whether the cumulative playback time exceeds the threshold time T2 (S130). If it determines that the cumulative playback time exceeds the threshold time T2, the processor 170 transmits second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time T2 to the control server 400. Upon receiving a response from the control server 400 indicating successful reception of the second information, the processor 170 determines that a refund for the specific content is not possible. Upon receiving the response indicating successful reception of the second information, the processor 170 stores the current playback time at specific time intervals (S160).

[0170] The display device for controlling content playback according to the present invention has been described above. The technical effects of the display device for controlling content playback according to the present invention are summarized as follows, but are not limited thereto.

[0171] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that controls the reproduction of content in cooperation with a server.

[0172] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a display device that determines whether purchased content is refundable and controls content playback, and a control server that manages the display device.

[0173] According to the present invention, in an application that allows individual purchase of content, information relating to refunds and playback of content can be stored in a device, and content services can be provided by utilizing this information.

[0174] According to the present invention, content services can be provided by utilizing viewing information not from a server but from each device including a display device.

[0175] According to the present invention, instead of periodically communicating with the server, results are sent to the server only at specific times, thereby reducing network traffic.

[0176] According to the present invention, when a user later views content again, the content can be replayed from the last playback portion viewed on another device.

[0177] The present invention can be implemented as computer-readable code on a program recording medium. Computer-readable media include any type of storage device on which data readable by a computer system is recorded. Computer-readable media include hard disk drives (HDDs), solid-state disks (SSDs), silicon disk drives (SDDs), ROMs, RAMs, CD-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, optical data storage devices, and the like, as well as media implemented in the form of carrier waves (e.g., transmissions via the Internet). Furthermore, the computer may include a control unit of a terminal. Therefore, the above detailed description should not be construed as limiting in any respect, but should be considered as illustrative. The scope of the present invention should be determined by reasonable interpretation of the appended claims, and all modifications within the scope of the present invention are encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A display device that controls playback of content, a user input interface for receiving a request to play specific content from a remote control device; a processor for obtaining a content identifier (ID) of the specific content, a previous cumulative playback time of the specific content, and a playback time point of the specific content based on the playback request; a display configured to play and display the specific content; The processor: determining whether a refund is available for the purchase of the particular content; If it is determined that the purchase is refundable, the cumulative playback time and the current playback time are stored at specific time intervals; If it is determined that the purchase cannot be refunded, the display device stores the current playback point for a specific time interval.

2. the processor executes a first application program and a second application program that manages a playback history of specific content; When the processor receives a request to play the specific content, it requests information about the specific content from the second application program; The display device of claim 1 , further comprising: receiving the information regarding the cumulative play time and the current time of the specific content from the second application program.

3. When the processor receives the information from the second application program, the processor transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a control server; The display device of claim 2, wherein the control server transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a content server that stores the specific content.

4. When the processor receives the playback request, it requests first information about the specific content from the second application program; The display device of claim 2 , further comprising: receiving the first information regarding the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program.

5. When the processor receives the first information from the second application program, the processor transmits a request for streaming the specific content to a control server; receiving the specific content from a content server storing the specific content via the control server from a point in time after the current playback point; The display device according to claim 4 , wherein the display is controlled so that the specific content received from a point in time after the current playback point in time is played back on the display.

6. When the processor determines that the purchase of the specific content is refundable, the processor stores the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point through the second application program; determining whether the stored cumulative playback time exceeds a threshold time; The display device of claim 5, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time is transmitted to the control server.

7. When the processor receives a response from the control server indicating that the second information has been received, the processor determines that a refund for the purchase is not possible; The display device of claim 6, further comprising: causing the second application program to store a current playback point, which is updated at specific time intervals, based on a response that the second information has been received.

8. The processor: When the total number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect exceeds a first threshold, the threshold time of the response delay time is controlled to be shortened; If the number of users connecting to or attempting to connect to the control server exceeds a first threshold and no response is received within the shortened threshold time, the connection is reset to a second control server; If the sum of the number of users connected to the control server and the number of users attempting to connect is less than a second threshold value that is smaller than the first threshold value, a connection reset is performed to the control server again; 8. The display device of claim 7, wherein, when a second response indicating that the connection re-establishment has been successfully performed is received, the display device again determines whether the accumulated playback time stored by the second application program exceeds a threshold time.

9. The processor: transmitting second information to a control server that the cumulative playback time has exceeded a threshold time in the reset connection state; receiving a response from the control server indicating that second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded a threshold time has been successfully received; The display device of claim 8, further comprising: causing the second application program to store a current playback time point, which is updated at specific time intervals, based on a response that the second information has been received.

10. The processor: receiving a first request for a content list from the remote control device relating to played content; transmitting a second request for the content playback history to the second application program; receiving a response regarding the last access time for each piece of content from the second application program; The display device of claim 7 , wherein the reproduced content is arranged according to the last connection time.

11. The processor displays, on the display, the content list regarding the played content sorted in descending order of the last connection time; The display device according to claim 10, wherein when any of the contents belonging to the content list is selected, it is determined whether or not the selected content is eligible for a refund based on the cumulative playback time of the selected content.

12. The processor: If it is determined that the selected content is eligible for refund, the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored at specific time intervals; The display device of claim 11, wherein if it is determined that the selected content is not eligible for refund, the display device stores the current playing time for a specific time interval.

13. The processor: receiving a request to pause playback of specific content from the remote control device; receiving information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program; When transmitting the request to stop streaming of the specific content, information regarding the cumulative playback time is also transmitted to the control server; The display device according to claim 3 , wherein, in a state where the reproduction of the specific content is paused, it is determined whether or not a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible.

14. The processor: When it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible while the playback of the specific content is paused, the accumulated viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored; When it is determined that a refund for the purchase of the specific content is not possible while the playback of the specific content is paused, the current playback time of the specific content is stored; The display device of claim 13, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a refund for purchase is possible does not exceed a threshold time while playback of the specific content is paused, the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time of the specific content are stored.

15. The processor: receiving a request from the remote control device to resume playback of a specific content; receiving information about the cumulative playback time and the current playback time point of the specific content from the second application program; When transmitting a streaming request for the specific content, information regarding the cumulative playback time is also transmitted to the control server; The display device according to claim 3 , wherein, when the pause of the playback of the specific content is released, it is determined whether or not a refund for the purchase of the specific content is possible.

16. The processor: When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that the purchase of the specific content is refundable, the cumulative viewing time, the current playback time, and the last connection time are stored at specific time intervals; When the pause of the playback of the specific content is released and it is determined that the purchase of the specific content is not refundable, the current playback time of the specific content is stored at the specific time interval; 16. The display device of claim 15, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time of the specific content for which a purchase can be refunded does not exceed a threshold time in a state in which the pause of playback of the specific content is released, the cumulative playback time, the current playback time, and the last connection time of the specific content are stored at the specific time interval.

17. The processor: receiving content recommendation information from the content server via the control server; receiving a request to play a specific content in the content list according to the content recommendation information; determining whether a playback time based on a current playback time point during which the specific content is being played on the display device exceeds a first threshold time; The display device according to claim 6 , wherein when the playback time exceeds the first threshold time, a dialogue box is displayed on the display, asking whether or not to agree to purchase the particular content being played.

18. The processor: If a content purchase request agreeing to purchase the specific content is not received, the display is controlled to stop playing the specific content, and a streaming stop request is transmitted to the content server via the control server; When the content purchase request agreeing to purchase the specific content is received, the specific content is controlled so that it is played back from a point in time after the first threshold time; storing the cumulative playback time and the current playback time of the specific content at the specific time interval; The display device of claim 17, wherein, when it is determined that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time, second information indicating that the cumulative playback time has exceeded the threshold time is transmitted to the control server.

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