Method and apparatus for automatic sharing and change of TV channel information in a social networking service

According to certain embodiments, a method of sharing broadcasting channel information of a mobile device in a Social Networking Service (SNS) includes, if a user comment is posted for a broadcasting program, acquiring broadcasting program information from a Television (TV), uploading the broadcasting program information to a handover broker, acquiring access information that is configured to access the broadcasting program information from the handover broker, and uploading the access information and the user comment to an SNS server.

The present application is related to and claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(a) of a Korean patent application filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Apr. 1, 2011 and assigned Ser. No. 10-2011-0030076, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to computer networks, and more particularly, to a method and apparatus for automatic sharing and change of TV channel information in a social networking service.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In general, media content is shared between two devices using a method which focuses on synchronization of a media playback environment via an instant messenger or the like and a method of selecting and receiving media content via remote server control. Recently, with the introduction of a Social Networking Service (SNS), when users record their comments together with a link of media content, other users can use the recorded information using a mobile device, a web browser, or other communication device.

Such a method can be useful when a device for receiving a link of media content is the same as a device for playing back the media content. If a user posts information associated with a broadcasting program, a problem may exist in that other users who desire to watch the same media content must turn on a Television (TV) and then directly change to a desired TV channel. In addition, when a means for exchanging comments and media content and a means for consuming them are separated may, in some cases, cause undue burden for the user.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To address the above-discussed deficiencies of the prior art, it is a primary aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for automatically sharing and changing a Television (TV) channel using a Social Networking Service (SNS).

Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for sharing media content by utilizing an SNS through interworking between devices in a situation where various media content consuming devices are present in an indoor environment, and for omitting an additional process of scanning media content by searching for a related possible consuming device to consume the media content.

In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method of sharing broadcasting channel information of a transmitting mobile device in an SNS includes, if a user comment is posted for a broadcasting program, acquiring broadcasting program information from a TV, uploading the broadcasting program information to a handover broker, acquiring access information configured to access the broadcasting program information from the handover broker, and uploading the access information and the user comment to an SNS server.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of sharing broadcasting channel information of a receiving mobile device in an SNS includes, after accessing an SNS server, receiving a posted user comment and access information associated with broadcasting program information, receiving the broadcasting program information from a handover broker using the access information, and instructing a TV to change a current channel to a desired channel using the broadcasting program information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method of sharing broadcasting channel information of a handover broker in an SNS includes, upon receiving an upload request of broadcasting program information from a particular mobile device, receiving the broadcasting program information from the particular mobile device, and transmitting access information that is configured to access the broadcasting program information to the particular mobile device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus configured to share broadcasting channel information of a transmitting mobile device in an SNS includes a first modem that is configured to communicate with a handover broker via a base station, a second modem configured to communicate with a TV, and a controller configured to, when a user comment is posted for a broadcasting program, acquire broadcasting program information from the TV, upload the broadcasting program information to the handover broker, acquire access information configured to access the broadcasting program information from the handover broker, and upload the access information and the user comment to an SNS server.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus configured to share broadcasting channel information of a receiving mobile device in an SNS includes a first modem configured to communicate with a handover broker via a base station, a second modem configured to communicate with a TV, and a controller configured to, after accessing an SNS server, receive a posted user comment and access information, receive broadcasting program information from a handover broker using the access information, and instruct a TV to change a current channel to a desired channel by using the broadcasting program information.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus configured to share broadcasting channel information of a handover broker in an SNS includes a modem configured to communicate with a mobile device, and a controller configured to, upon receiving an upload request of broadcasting program information from a particular mobile device, receive the broadcasting program information from the particular mobile device, and transmit access information that is configured to access the broadcasting program information to the particular mobile device.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for sharing broadcasting channel information in an SNS includes a transmitting mobile device configured to, when a user comment is posted for a broadcasting program, acquire broadcasting program information from the TV, upload the broadcasting program information to the handover broker, acquire access information that is configured to access the broadcasting program information from the handover broker, and upload the access information and the user comment to an SNS server, a receiving mobile device configured to, after accessing an SNS server, receive a posted user comment and access information, receive broadcasting program information from a handover broker using the access information, and instruct a TV to change a current channel to a desired channel using the broadcasting program information, and the handover broker configured to, upon receiving an upload request of broadcasting program information from a particular mobile device, receive the broadcasting program information from the particular mobile device, and transmit access information that is configured to access the broadcasting program information to the particular mobile device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Certain embodiments of the present invention described hereinafter generally relates to a method and apparatus for decision making by considering a multi-user preference on a multi-user group.

Recently, the growing popularity of a Social Networking Service (SNS) provides a channel that allows a user to share experiences of consuming various media content.

Users share patterns of consuming their media content or comments on the media content via the SNS, and accordingly, there is a method of consuming media content through recommendation of friends based on the shared information.

The users can view media content via a web browser by using a Uniform Resource Location (URL) introduced in the SNS or the users can view the media content using an additional viewer program or other device. In this process, the users search for a device that plays back related media content, and searches media content using the device search process.

Certain embodiments of the present invention provides a method and apparatus for sharing broadcasting channel information which may be broadcasted on a real-time basis by using an SNS and for easily consuming the broadcasting channel information in a Television (TV). According to the present invention, users may share comments on broadcasting media content via the SNS by using mobile devices such that they may have an experience in which a broadcasting channel changes automatically by clicking information linked to the comments. Accordingly, the users can share and consume media content of another device in a more convenient manner.

FIG. 1illustrates an example structure of a system for an SNS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 1, a user A has a mobile device A100and a TV A110, and the two devices are communication with one another, such as via a WiFi router. That is, the two devices may be connected to the same network. Such a network connection configuration also applies to a case of a user B. User A and B can access the Internet by using a communication network or the WiFi router of the user's mobile device.

The mobile devices A100and B150respectively have SNS connection units107and157as an SNS access application or program. The users A and B can write and share comments by accessing the SNS via the SNS connection units107and157.

The mobile devices A100and B150and the TVs A110and B160can exchange essential information by performing discovery and communication using a discovery technique, such as universal Plug and Play (UPnP). Functions thereof are performed by UPnP controllers105and155and UPnP managers112and162.

The UPnP controllers105and155receive a broadcasting channel number, broadcasting information, a time, a region name, etc., via the UPnP managers112and162and provide the received information to the SNS connection units107and157. Further, the UPnP controllers105and155can receive the channel number from the SNS connection units107and157, and can change a currently watched channel via the UPnP managers112and162. Configurations of the TV A110and the TV B160are illustrated in Table 1 below. A current channel number, a program title, a program schedule, a current broadcasting station, a current region, a current channel number, etc., are shown in Table 1 below.

The SNS connection unit107provides a user interface for logging in, for writing a comment, and the like to a plurality of SNS providers120that exist on the Internet. Further, a URL link for uploading and downloading channel information acquired by interworking with a handover broker130is provided.

The SNS connection unit107attaches the provided URL to the SNS provider120when the user writes a comment. The user can write the user comment by using the SNS connection unit107and can post media content, a URL, and the like.

In one embodiment, a server referred to as the handover broker130is provided. The handover broker130can store and share broadcasting channel information in a XML format, and for this, an access point is provided as an http URL.

Although a WiFi router and UPnP are used for a connection between the mobile devices A100and B150and the TVs A110and B160in the example embodiment shown, other communication topologies such as Bluetooth, WiFi-Direct, Near Field Communication (NFC), and the like can also be used. The UPnP controllers105and155included in the mobile devices A100and B150can inter-work in an IPC manner or the like.

The SNS provider120refers to a general SNS that exists on the Internet.

The handover broker130generates a unique URL link on the basis of uploaded broadcasting channel information. Media content corresponding to the URL link can include a variety of information such as a channel number, a broadcasting name, a region name, a time, and the like.

A different user (e.g., the user B) can read media content posted on the SNS and can click the unique URL link included therein. In this case, a region name can be additionally inputted as a URL parameter. XML data acquired by the different user as a result of downloading the URL link is shown in Table 2 below. Regarding broadcasting information, a broadcasting station, a program title, a schedule, a channel number, a region, and the like can be included in Table 2 as shown below.

Taking in consideration that a channel number may differ from one region to another, a mobile device of the different user, (i.e., the mobile device B150), can report a correct channel by matching region information acquired using an access and download process.

According to such a process, other users belonging to the SNS can change a TV channel connected to their networks on the basis of channel information without users' intervention.

FIG. 2illustrates an example operation for sharing a broadcasting program watched by using an SNS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 2, in step205, a mobile device A and a TV A are connected to the same network, and a mobile device B and a TV B are also connected to the same network.

In step210, a user A desires to share TV broadcasting currently watched by the user A with a friend via the mobile device A.

In step220, the user A executes an SNS-related application program of the mobile device A, and records broadcasting channel information desired to be shared over the SNS.

In step230, a user B executes an SNS-related application program of the mobile device B, and clicks a link related to broadcasting channel information recorded on the SNS.

In step240, the mobile device B of the user B instructs or requests the TV B to change a current channel, and the TV B changes the current channel to the same channel as that watched by the user A without intervention of the user B. InFIG. 2, a TV channel is the same as a broadcasting channel.

FIG. 3illustrates an example message flow of an operation for sharing a broadcasting program watched by using an SNS according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 3, while a user A302watches a TV A301in step A, if there is a broadcasting program desired to be watched together or to be shared, proceeding to step B, an instruction for posting channel information on the broadcasting program is inputted to a mobile device A303of the user A302to post the information to the SNS.

In step C, the mobile device A303of the user A302acquires information on the broadcasting program from the TV A301. In step D, the mobile device A303uploads the information on the broadcasting program to a handover broker304, and thereafter acquires a URL link that is configured to acquire the information on the broadcasting program.

In step3, the mobile device A303of the user A302posts information including a user's comment on the broadcasting program and the acquired URL link to the SNS via an SNS provider305. In this case, in order to additionally report to a different user (e.g., a user B307) whether the posting is performed, in step F, the mobile device303of the user A302can transmit to a mobile device306of the different user (i.e., the user B) whether the posting is performed.

When the user B307uses the SNS in step G, the user B307accesses the SNS and acquires information and media content related to the user B in step H.

In this process, the user B307confirms the comment of the user A302via the mobile device306of the user B307in step I, and acquires the URL link in step J. In this case, the user B307can click the URL link to access the handover broker304.

After accessing the handover broker304via the mobile device306of the user B307, the user B307can acquire information on the broadcasting program in step K.

In step L, the mobile device306of the user B307changes a current channel to a channel of the broadcasting program.

The information on the broadcasting program can include the media content as shown in Table 1 and Table 2 above.

FIG. 4illustrates an example operation of a mobile device A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 4, in step410, a user A starts to post a broadcasting program desired to be watched together via the mobile device A.

In step420, the mobile device A acquires information on the broadcasting program from a TV A. In step430, the mobile device A uploads the acquired broadcasting program information to a handover broker and also acquires a URL link that is configured to acquire the information on the broadcasting program.

In step440, the mobile device A posts the acquired URL link and a comment on the broadcasting program to an SNS.

In step450, the mobile device A can report to other users whether posting has been performed.

FIG. 5illustrates an example operation of a mobile device B according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 5, when receiving information indicating whether posting is performed via the mobile device B in step510, a user B accesses an SNS access and receives posted information (i.e., comment) in step520. Further, an SNS server can report that posting to the mobile device B has been performed.

When confirming the posted media content (i.e., comment) in step530, the user B also acquires a server's URL link including information on a broadcasting program included in the posted media content in step540.

When the user B clicks the URL link via the mobile device B and thus requests an access to the URL in step550, the mobile device B accesses the server corresponding to the URL link and acquires information on the broadcasting program from the server in step560.

Then, the mobile device B requests and instructs a TV B to change a current channel to a desired channel, and when the TV B changes the current channel to the desired channel, the user B can watch a channel posted by a user A in step570.

FIG. 6illustrates an example operation of a handover broker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 6, upon receiving a broadcasting program information upload request from a particular terminal (i.e., a mobile device A) in step610, the handover broker receives and stores the broadcasting program information in step620, and transmits a URL link capable of accessing that is configured to access the broadcasting program information to the particular terminal (i.e., the mobile device A) in step625.

Upon receiving a broadcasting program information request from a particular terminal (i.e., a mobile device B) in step630, the handover broker transmits the broadcasting program information to the particular terminal (i.e., the mobile device B) in step640.

FIG. 7illustrates an example structure of a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 7, the mobile device may be the aforementioned mobile device A or B. The mobile device includes a modem-1710, a modem-2715, a controller720, and a storage unit730. The controller720includes an SNS connection unit724and a UPnP controller726.

The modem-1710and the modem-2715communicate with other devices, and include a wireless processor and a baseband processor. The wireless processor converts signals received through an antenna into baseband signals and provides the converted signals to the baseband processor. Further, the wireless processor converts baseband signals received from the baseband processor so that the baseband signals can be converted and transmitted through the antenna. Any suitable wireless communication technique may be used by the modem-1710and the modem-2715.

For convenience of explanation, it is assumed in the present invention that the modem-1710is used for mobile communication, and the modem-2715is used for communication with a TV.

The controller720controls the mobile device. In particular, according to the present invention, the controller720controls the SNS connection unit724and the UPnP controller726.

The storage unit730stores a program for controlling operation of the mobile device and stores temporary data which is generated while performing the program.

In particular, the storage unit730stores a URL link and information on a broadcasting program according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Now, a transmitting mobile device, such as the aforementioned mobile device A shown above will be described.

By using the modem-2715, the UPnP controller726acquires a broadcast program currently watched by the user A using a TV A or broadcasting program information which is not currently watched but which is stored in the TV A.

When the user A starts to post a broadcasting program to be watched together, the SNS connection unit724acquires the broadcasting program information acquired from the UPnP controller726, uploads the acquired broadcasting information to the handover broker, and acquires a URL link that is configured to acquire the broadcasting program information.

Then, the SNS connection unit724posts to the SNS the acquired URL link and broadcasting program comment to be posted. In this case, the SNS connection unit724can report to a different user (e.g., a user B) whether the posting has been performed.

Now, another transmitting mobile device, that is, the aforementioned mobile device B, will be described. Upon receiving via the mobile device B whether posting has been performed, the user B accesses an SNS and receives posted information. Alternatively, an SNS server can report to the mobile device B that the posting has been performed.

Then, when the user B confirms posted media content (i.e., comment) via the SNS connection unit724, the SNS connection unit724also acquires a URL link and a URL of a server including information on a broadcasting program included in the posted media content.

Then, when the user B clicks the URL link to request an access to the URL, the SNS connection unit724accesses the server corresponding to the URL link, and acquires information on the broadcasting program from the server.

Then, the SNS connection unit724requests the TV B to change a current channel to a desired channel via the UPnP controller726. When the TV B changes the current channel to the desired channel, the user B can watch the channel posted by the user A.

FIG. 8illustrates an example structure of a handover broker according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 8, the handover broker includes a modem810, a controller820, and a storage unit830. The controller820includes a broadcasting program information manager825.

The modem810communicates with other devices, and includes a wired processor and a baseband processor. The wired processor converts signals received through a wired path into baseband signals and provides the converted signals to the baseband processor. Further, the wired processor converts baseband signals received from the baseband processor into wired signals and transmits the converted signal through the wired path.

The controller820controls operation of the handover broker. In particular, according to the present invention, the controller820controls the broadcast program information manager825.

The storage unit830stores a program for controlling operation of the handover broker and stores temporary data which is generated while performing the program. In particular, the storage unit830stores information on a broadcasting program according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Upon receiving a broadcasting program information upload request from a particular terminal (i.e., a mobile device A), the broadcasting program information manager825receives the broadcasting program information and stores the received information in the storage unit830.

Then, the broadcasting program information manager825transmits a URL link that is configured to access the broadcasting program information to the particular terminal.

Upon receiving a broadcasting program information request from a particular terminal (i.e., a mobile device B), the broadcasting program information manager825transmits broadcasting program information to the particular terminal (i.e., the mobile device B).

FIG. 9illustrates an example user interface of a mobile device when posting broadcasting program information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG. 9, a user can use a user interface900when writing a comment to be posted on an SNS.

In case of a comment posting window shown in the user interface900, when the user inputs desired broadcasting program information and clicks a button for adding TV information, the SNS connection unit724of the mobile device uploads the broadcasting program information which is inputted by the user to the handover broker, and the handover broker provides the SNS connection unit724with a unique URL link capable of accessing the broadcasting program information. For example, the broadcasting program information may include any type, such as “breaking news!”.

Then, the SNS connection unit724displays the unique URL link as shown in a user interface910. For example, the unique URL link may be “Http://handoverbroker.com/channelinfo”.

When the user clicks a posting button in the user interface910, the SNS connection unit724uploads the broadcasting program information which is inputted by the user and the unique URL link to the SNS server.

In the present invention, the user shares a comment on broadcasting media content via the SNS by using mobile devices and allows a TV channel to be automatically changed by clicking a URL link that is linked to the comment. Therefore, the user can share and consume media content in a more convenient manner.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, a user can omit a process of scanning media content and searching for a device that plays back the media content by the use of a URL link of the media content posted in an SNS.