WO2007086704A1

WO2007086704A1 - Method and system for the efficient provision of download-requested contents by non-realtime transmission through capable bandwidth of digital multimedia broadcasting network

Info

Publication number: WO2007086704A1
Application number: PCT/KR2007/000475
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kil Su Ha
Original assignee: Alticast Corp.
Priority date: 2006-01-26
Filing date: 2007-01-26
Publication date: 2007-08-02
Also published as: KR100777408B1; KR20070078213A

Abstract

There are provided a method and a system for the efficient provision of download-requested content by non-realtime transmission through capable bandwidth of digital multimedia broadcasting network. The method comprises the steps of: A) at a DMB broadcasting transmission system, transmitting a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming and a second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming, along with content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal through DMB broadcasting network; and B) at a client terminal, a) upon request to a particular content from a user, providing realtime action control to the content if the content is broadcasted as the first broadcasting signal, but if the content is broadcasted as the second broadcasting signal, recording a guide information corresponding to the content based on the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal, and b) downloading the content when the content is being broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal, based on the guide information recorded in the sub-step a). The method provides various advantages such as diversified transmission routes of the contents, effective utilization of bandwidth and reliable downloading of contents.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR THE EFFICIENT PROVISION OF

DOWNLOAD-REQUESTED CONTENTS BY NON-REALTIME

TRANSMISSION THROUGH CAPABLE BANDWIDTH OF

DIGITAL MULTIMEDIA BROADCASTING NETWORK

Technical Field

[1] The present invention relates to a method and a system for the efficient provision of contents through digital multimedia broadcasting network. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and a system for the provision of contents by cooperative combination of non-realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network. Background Art

[2] Currently, one of hot issues in a broadcasting service field is a digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB). The DMB broadcasting is expected to spread rapidly because it enables watching of various information transmitted through broadcasting network even during movement from one place to another. Various multimedia contents including CD-quality audio information, video information, traffic information and weather information will be provided to users through the DMB broadcasting. The DMB broadcasting is classified into terrestrial DMB and satellite DMB depending on the transmission network. According to business plans of TU Media Corp., designated as satellite DMB service provider in Korea, various information will be provided through a total of 39 channels (11 video channels, 25 audio channels and 3 data channels). However, the satellite DMB broadcasting is disadvantageous in that it requires a subscription fee. In contrast, the terrestrial DMB broadcasting provides contents for free. The user can enjoy a variety of contents provided through the terrestrial DMB broadcasting without the subscription fee once he purchases a terrestrial DMB terminal. But, the provision of contents without fees makes the terrestrial DMB service providers concentrate on advertising. Consequently, the terrestrial DMB service providers neglect investments to solve the shadow zone problem. This is one of the main factors that delay the full-scale terrestrial DMB broadcasting services.

[3] The contents provided through broadcasting network have unintentional characteristics. "Unintentional" means that the transmission of contents is performed under the control of the broadcasting service provider, without regard to the request from the user. Users authorized from the broadcasting service provider can access the contents without any request. Further, the provision of information through broadcasting network is ordinarily unilateral. A request of a particular content from a particular user and a transmission of the content to the particular user through the broadcasting network are impractical and meaningless. Thus, the provision of information through the broadcasting network is carried out without request from users. Although the expression "interactive digital broadcasting" is widespread, information targeted to a particular user is usually transmitted through a communication network called return channel (or return network). Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[4] An object of the present invention is to provide a novel method and system for the provision of contents that can contribute to the full-scale DMB broadcasting services and attain diversified provision of DMB broadcasting contents.

[5] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network that enable effective utilization of bandwidth and ensure reliable download of the contents provided through DMB broadcasting network.

[6] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network that enable reliable download and efficient transmission of download-requested contents by cooperative combination of non-realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network. Technical Solution

[7] In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, DMB broadcasting transmission system transmits, through DMB broadcasting network, a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming, a second broadcasting signal for non- realtime streaming and content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal. At the client terminal, a user can request a particular content from the content guide information. In case the user requests the content included in the second broadcasting signal, the guide information corresponding to the content is recorded. Referring to the recorded guide information, the terminal checks if the content is broadcasted as the second broadcasting signal. When the content is broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal, the terminal downloads it into the storage. In this situation, the first broadcasting signal is a regular DMB broadcasting signal and provided to each of the users in realtime streaming. When the user request the first broadcasting signal while the contents are being broadcast, they can watch the contents. The DMB broadcasting transmission system should ensure the realtime viewing of the first broadcasting signal with the periodic and regular transmission of the first broadcasting signal. In contrast, the second broadcasting signal is not a realti me streaming and can be transmitted non-periodically, irregularly or randomly, from the DMB broadcasting transmission system. Accordingly, DMB broadcasting transmission system can transmit the second broadcasting signal irregularly and arbitrarily control the transmission rate of the content on condition that whole volume of the contents is transmitted within the prescribed time in the guide information, referring to the bandwidth occupied by the first broadcasting signal from the total bandwidth allocated for DMB broadcasting.

[8] DMB broadcasting is based on mobility, which is the best merit of DMB broadcasting. Thus, a countermeasure is needed for the case where the downloading of the second broadcasting signal from the DMB broadcasting transmission system is hindered because the client terminal is located within the shadow zone. In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for the provision of contents by cooperative combination of non-realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network which further comprises the step of monitoring if the downloading of the download-requested content is being carried out normally.

[9] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network which further comprises the step of, if the downloading of the download-requested content is being carried out abnormally, recording information on non-downloaded part of the content.

[10] In accordance with the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network which further comprises the step of, when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point, providing the information on non-downloaded part of the content to a content server connected to the communication network and downloading the non-downloaded part from the content server through the communication network. Preferably, the provision of the information on the non-downloaded part of the content from the content server is automatically carried out when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point, without any request from the user.

[11] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, comprising: A) a DMB broadcasting transmission system that transmits a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming, a second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming and content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal; B) a client terminal comprising i) a means for recording a guide information corresponding to a content requested from a user, when the user selects the content from the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal, ii) a means for downloading the content referring to the recorded guide information, when the content is being broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal, iii) a means for monitoring if download of the download-requested content is performed normally and checking a non-downloaded part of the content, iv) a means for transmitting the guide information of the content and information on the non-downloaded part of the content through a communication network, when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point, and v) a means for downloading the non-downloaded part of the content through the communication network; and C) a content server that receives the guide information of the content and the information on the non-downloaded part of the content from the client terminal and delivers the non-downloaded part of the content to the client terminal connected to the communication network.

[12] In accordance with a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, wherein the client terminal comprises: B-I) a memory which records the guide information of a content requested from the user and information on a non-downloaded part of the content; B-2) a content download manager which monitors if download of the content is carried out normally, checks the non-downloaded part of the content, and transmits the guide information of the content and the information on the non-downloaded part of the content to the content server through a communication network when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point; B-3) a content guide application which manages the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal; B-4) a DMB interface for the reception of signals transmitted through DMB broadcasting network; B-5) a communication network interface for the transmission and reception of data through a communication network; B-6) a data processing module which processes data received through the DMB interface and the communication network interface; B -7) a control module which generates a control signal; B-8) a storage for storing contents; and B-9) a display.

[13] In accordance with a still another preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non-realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, wherein the information on the non- downloaded part of the content is selected from the group consisting of a time duration during which the downloading has been carried out abnormally, packet ID of the non- downloaded part of the content and a combination thereof.

[14] In accordance with a still more preferred embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a system for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, wherein the client terminal further comprises an access authorization module that authorizes access to the content of the second broadcasting signal.

Advantageous Effects

[15] The method and system of the present invention provide the following advantages.

[16] (1) The DMB broadcasting system can diversify the transmission route for DMB contents. The provision of the contents can be performed through the combination of the first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming and the second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming using capable bandwidth. This ensures effective utilization of the bandwidth.

[17] (2) The user can watch the contents provided in the form of the first broadcasting signal in realtime using his terminal any time, anywhere. And he may record the contents provided in the form of the second broadcasting signal and watch it after download of the content. The first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal can be utilized complementarily. For example, suppose that the DMB broadcasting transmission system provides a particular content "A" both as the first broadcasting signal from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and as the second broadcasting signal from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The user can access the content in two different routes using DMB terminal. Specifically, he may watch the content "A" either through realtime streaming of the first broadcasting signal or through non-realtime streaming of the second broadcasting signal. Let's suppose that the user a mania of the content "A" but he is not off from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. or is expected to be at a shadow zone at that time. Then, the user can reserve the download of the content "A" in the second broadcasting signal, which is transmitted from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in non-realtime streaming. The user can watch the downloaded content "A" at any off time. If the user is off from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. and at a serviceable area, he can watch the content "A" in realtime using the first broadcasting signal.

[18] (3) The downloading is monitored and the non-downloaded part of the content is automatically received when the terminal is located at a communication network access point. This reduces download failure of the second broadcasting signal. This ensures highly reliable download.

[19] (4) The content guide table of the second broadcasting signal (Fig. 5) includes the content download guide information in addition to ordinary content guide information. As well as efficient guide to a plurality of content listings provided through broadcasting network, this significantly reduces the download failure which may occur due to the shortage of storage capacity. Since the content download guide information is provided in the form of graphic user interface, the current storage status, down- loadability of selected contents, storage status after downloading of the contents, and so forth can be systematically displayed to the user. Brief Description of the Drawings

[20] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention.

[21] Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention.

[22] Fig. 3 and 4 together forms a flowchart illustrating more preferred embodiment of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention.

[23] Fig. 5 is a preferred embodiment of a user interface showing the content guide table of the second broadcasting signal provided on the display with the execution of the content guide application. Mode for the Invention

[24] In the following, the present invention will be more fully illustrated referring to the accompanying drawings.

[25] Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention and Fig. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention. Figs. 3 and 4 together form a flowchart illustrating more preferred embodiments of the system for the provision of contents through DMB broadcasting network in accordance with the present invention. The present invention is described in detail referring to Figs. 1 to 4.

[26] In accordance with the present invention, the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) transmits at least two different broadcasting signals, specifically a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming, a second broadcasting signal for non- realtime streaming, along with content guide information thereof (SlOO). In this description, the "first broadcasting signal" is a broadcasting signal for realtime streaming. It is a regular DMB broadcasting signal and the user can access the corresponding contents at any time while the broadcasting signal is being transmitted. Specifically, if the content "GONE WITH THE WIND" is broadcast from 10 p.m. to 11 p.m., the user can watch the content in real time using his client terminal (or DMB terminal) (10) during its broadcasting time. To allow this, the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) has to transmit the content "GONE WITH THE WIND" through the broadcasting network at a predetermined transmission rate with the time period. In contrast, the second broadcasting signal is not for realtime streaming. In this description, this is expressed as non-realtime streaming. The DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) has only to transmit the corresponding content before the determined time lapses. Depending on the proportion of the bandwidth occupied by the first broadcasting signal to the total bandwidth allocated for DMB broadcasting, the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) may transmit the second broadcasting signal nonperiodically, randomly or irregularly. For example, suppose that the content "GONE WITH THE WIND" is transmitted in the form of the second broadcasting signal from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. In this case, the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) has only to transmit the content "GONE WITH THE WIND" before the prescribed end time, 9 p.m. considering the capable bandwidth. The transmission may be nonperiodical, random or irregular. The user can not view watch the content in realtime since it is not a realtime viewing content. That is, the transmission of the second broadcasting signal can be r andomly controlled by the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) on condition that the content is transmitted within the prescribed time, referring to the bandwidth occupied by the first broadcasting signal from the total bandwidth allocated for DMB broadcasting. The second broadcasting signal is stored in the storage (105) of the client terminal (10) in advance upon the user request. [27] As well as the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal, the

DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) provides the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal to the client terminal through the DMB broadcasting network (40). The transmission of the content guide information is well known to those skilled in the art. The transmission technique of the content guide information is not particularly limited. The content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal may be transmitted as separated from each other. Usually, the content guide information is periodically transmitted to the terminals. The content guide information usually includes content title, broadcasting time and size of the content as essential elements. Further, it may fu rther include the broadcasting channel if there are two or more channels. Optionally, main actor, summary, program genre, rating, and so forth can be included in the content guide information.

[28] The first broadcasting signal, the second broadcasting signal and the content guide information thereof are transmitted from the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) and delivered to the client terminal (10) through the DMB broadcasting network (40) (S200).

[29] Preferably, the client terminal (10) comprises:

[30] i) a hardware layer comprising a memory (101), a DMB broadcasting network interface (102) for receiving signals transmitted through DMB broadcasting network, a data processing module (103) for data processing, a control module (104) for generating a control signal, a storage (105) for storing contents and a display (106);

[31] ii) a middleware layer comprising a, content download manager (107) for controlling the download of contents; and

[32] iii) an application layer comprising a content guide application (108) for managing the content guide information.

[33] It is particularly preferable that the client terminal (10) further comprises a communication network interface (109) for the transmission and reception of data through the communication network.

[34] The content guide information is managed by the content guide application (108) and is provided to the user display (106) (S400) in response to the request from the user to the content guide information (S300). Suppose that the user has requested the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal. In response to the request, the content guide application (108) of the client terminal (10) will be executed and the content guide information will be displayed on the user display (106). Using the content guide information, the user can perform a variety of realtime action control, including tuning to a particular content, tuning reservation for a particular content, download reservation of a particular content, and so forth. When an immediate tuning to a particular content is requested based on the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal, tuning to the selected content occurs under the control of the control module (103) and the audio, video and data for the content received at the DMB broadcasting network interface (102) will be processed by the data processing module (103) in real time and provided to the user display (106). The processing of the first broadcasting signal is the same as in the conventional method. However, it needs to be emphasized that the first broadcasting signal is processed in real time and the user can watch the corresponding content in real time.

[35] Let's suppose that the user has requested the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal. In response to the request, the client terminal (10) will provide the content guide information to the user display (106) in a similar manner to that of the content guide information for the first broadcasting signal. In this case, the user cannot watch a particular content in real time. It is because the second broadcasting signal is not a realtime streaming signal but a non-realtime streaming signal. The transmission of the second broadcasting signal may be performed by allocating a fixed bandwidth. But, preferably, the transmission of the second broadcasting signal is performed flexibly based on the proportion of the bandwidth occupied by the first broadcasting signal to the total bandwidth allocated for DMB broadcasting. In other words, the bandwidth allocated for the transmission of the second broadcasting signal is dependent upon the bandwidth allocated for the tra nsmission of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal is preferably transmitted using capable bandwidth.

[36] Although the real-time watching of the content is restricted, the user can request for the download of the content using the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal (500). In response to the request from the user to the download of a particular content (S500), the client terminal (10) records the guide information of the download-requested content in the memory (101) (S 600). All the guide information corresponding to the download-requested content can be recorded in the memory (101), but it would be sufficient to record only a part of the guide information required for the identification of the content. For example, content title, a combination of content title and broadcasting time, or a combination of content title, broadcasting time and broadcasting channel, etc. may be recorded in the memory (101). Based on the guide information recorded in the memory (101), the client terminal (10) checks if the download-requested content is being broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal through the DMB broadcasting network (40) (S700).

[37] When the second broadcasting signal including the content is broadcast through the

DMB broadcasting network (40), the client terminal (10) downloads the content (S800). Specifically, the client terminal (10) receives the content using the DMB broadcasting network interface (102). Then, following the data processing by the data processing module (103), the content is stored into the storage (105). Then, the content is displayed on the display (106), upon the user request or automatically after the download of the content has been finished (S900).

[38] DMB broadcasting is based on mobility. Thus, the client terminal (10) may be located in a shadow zone while the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) transmits the second broadcasting signal. For instance, a client terminal installed in a car may be located in a shadow zone for several seconds or minutes. In accordance with the present invention, downloading the content is continued even if part of the content has not been downloaded. In this situation, some part of the content would not be downloaded to the terminal (10) while the client terminal is located within the shadow zone. This hinders watching of the content by the user and impairs reliability of the content download, thereby reducing the user s satisfaction. In accordance with the present invention, a countermeasure is prepared to compensate for the download failure of the content through the DMB broadcasting network (40).

[39] Referring to Figs. 3 and 4, which together form a flowchart illustrating more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the content download manager (107) of the middleware layer monitors if the downloading of the content is being performed normally (SlOOO). If the downloading is performed abnormally, the information on the non-downloaded part of the content is recorded in the memory (101) (Sl 100). Examples of the information on the non-downloaded part of the content include the duration of time during which the downloading has been carried out abnormally (e.g., the time at which the client terminal enters or gets out of the shadow zone, the time period at which a temporary failure occurs at the client terminal, etc.), the packet ID of the non-downloaded part of the content and a combination thereof. Preferably, it is the packet ID (identifier) of the part of the content that has been downloaded abnormally. The packet ID of the non-downloaded part of the content can be extracted from comparison of the list of the currently received packet ID with that of the total packet ID of the content.

[40] The transmission of the non-downloaded part of the content may be performed at a user request. But, more preferably, it is performed automatically by the client terminal (10). In order to accomplish this, when the client terminal (10) is located at a communication network access point (not shown) (S 1200), the content download manager (107) transmits the information on the non-downloaded part of the content through a communication network (50) to the content server (30) (S 1300). The communication network access point may be an access point based on wireless local area network (e.g., Bluetooth wireless network). In addition, personal computers connected to Internet communication network using USB ports, IEEE 1394 or other cable connections may be used as the communication network access point. For this purpose, the client terminal (10) further comprises a communication network interface (109) for the data exchange with the content server (30) through the communication network (50), in addition to the DMB broadcasting network interface (102) for the data reception from the DMB broadcasting network (40).

[41] The content server (30) receives the information on the non-downloaded part of the content transmitted through the communication network (50) and transmits the non- downloaded part of the content to the client terminal (10) through the communication network (50). The client terminal (10) receives the data through the communication network interface (109) and stores it into the storage (105) after processing with the data processing module (103) under the control of the control module (104) (S1400). In this way, the complete content can be downloaded. Then, upon the user request or automatically after the download of the content has been finished, the content is displayed on the display (106) (S900). In Fig. 1, the content server (30) is shown as physically separated from the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20). But, this is for the convenience of understanding and the content server (30) may exist as part of the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) on condition that the data exchange is performed through the communication network (50).

[42] In accordance with the present invention, the first broadcasting signal can be received by any user authorized to access the DMB broadcasting. In contrast, the second broadcasting signal is preferably a broadcasting signal that requires a further access authorization. For terrestrial DMB broadcasting, any user with a terrestrial DMB terminal ("client terminal") (10) can access the first broadcasting signal because the DMB broadcasting is provided for free. In contrast, the second broadcasting signal can be accessed by the particular users who are authorized to access the contents of the second broadcasting signal. In this circumstance, it may be said that the second broadcasting signal is charged for. If necessary, the access authorization may be granted with the points given when the user watches particular advertisements. For the access authorization, an access authorization module (110) may be further equipped at the client terminal (10).

[43] Fig. 5 is a preferred embodiment of a user interface showing the content guide table of the second broadcasting signal, which is provided on the display by the action of the content guide application, As illustrated in Fig. 5, the content guide table (60) provides broadcasting time (611) and content title (612) as the content guide information (610). Usually, channel is included in the content guide table, but it is preferable that the second broadcasting signal is classified depending on genres (613). It is because the number of channels is restricted since the second broadcasting signal uses capable bandwidth. Classification based on genres (e.g., music, movie, information, picture, etc.) may reduce fees for the second broadcasting signal. If necessary, a particular genre may be represented as a main menu and contents may be represented as a submenu of the main menu. Although not displayed in the content guide table (60), size, summary, rating, etc. of contents may be provided by the DMB broadcasting transmission system (20) to the client terminal (10) as the content guide information (610). Preferably, in addition to the content guide information (610), the content guide table (60) further includes content download guide information (620). The content download guide information (620) provides the user with the information about the downloadability of the selected content, storage capacity status after the selected content has been downloaded, and so forth. The content download guide information (620) included in the content guide table is for the second broadcasting signal because the second broadcasting signal is for downloading, not for real-time watching. Preferably, the content download guide information (620) is graphically represented. As illustrated in Fig. 5, the total storage size (621) is represented in a form of a bar with a given length, the currently occupied storage size (622) is displayed as overlaid on the bar of the total storage size (621) in a proportion of the currently occupied storage size (622) to the total storage size (621), and the size of the selected content (623) is displayed as overlaid on the bar of the total storage size in a proportion of the size of the selected content (623) to the total storage size (621), in a neighboring manner to the currently occupied storage size (622). From the content download guide information (620), the user can check the current storage status, downloadability of the selected content, the storage status after the selected content has been downloaded, and so forth more easily, more conveniently and more systematically. Each of the total storage size (621), the currently occupied storage size (622) and the size of the selected content (623) is displayed with different color, brightness, saturation or pattern for visual distinguishableness. In Fig. 5, they are represented with different patterns since it is a practice to provide drawings of patent document in black and white. But, on the screen, they are preferably distinguished from one another with different colors.

[44] The content guide information (610) and the content download guide information

(620) are coupled each other. From the content guide table (60) of Fig. 5, the user navigates through a plurality of content listings of the content guide information (610) displayed on the screen. For example, the user will navigate through the content listings by manipulation of the four direction buttons of the remote control.

[45] In response to a cursor movement signal from the user, the cursor moves on the user screen and marks (or selects) one content from a plurality of content listings. The content download guide information (620) displays the size of the marked content on the screen along with the remaining storage size (the size of the storage that can be further stored) on the screen as the cursor moves within the content listings. Neither the total storage size (621) nor the currently occupied storage size (622) changes even if the cursor moves from one content to another content. In contrast, the size of the marked content (623) changes when the cursor moves from one content to another content, referring to the size of the content to be marked. Accordingly, the user can subsequently check the possibility of the download of the selected content and the storage status after the marked content has been downloaded by moving the cursor through a plurality of content listings. When the user selects the OK button while a particular content is highlighted, a pop-up window or an equivalent thereof may be displayed on the screen for various action controls such as viewing detailed information of the content, downloading of the content, checking if the download is performed normally, and so forth. In an alternatively, some buttons may be assigned for action control functions. If required, downloading may be performed immediately when the OK button is selected. Further, when the cursor moves to a particular content, a content note (brief description on the selected content) may be further included in the content guide table. With regard to more detailed illustration on the content note, please refer to European Patent No. 1,111,912 and its references, which are incorporated herein in their entity. [46] In the above description, the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second content guide information are exemplified as separately provided in deferent guide tables. But, it is for the convenience of illustration and preferably, they are systematically merged into one table. For the control of content guide information using content guide application, please refer to European Patent No. 1 , 111 ,912 mentioned in the above.

Claims

[1] A method for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, comprising the steps of:

A) at a DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) broadcasting transmission system, transmitting a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming and a second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming, along with content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal through DMB broadcasting network; and

B) at a client terminal, a) upon request to a particular content from a user, providing realtime action control to the content if the content is broadcasted as the first broadcasting signal, but if the content is broadcasted as the second broadcasting signal, recording a guide information corresponding to the content based on the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal, and b) downloading the content when the content is being broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal, based on the guide information recorded in the sub-step a).

[2] The method as set forth in claim 1, wherein bandwidth allocated for the second broadcasting signal varies nonperiodically and randomly depending on a proportion of bandwidth occupied by the first broadcasting signal to total bandwidth allocated for DMB broadcasting.

[3] The method as set forth in claim 1, further comprising monitoring if the download of the content is performed normally at the client terminal.

[4] The method as set forth in claim 3, further comprising recording information on non-downloaded part of the content when the download of the content has been performed abnormally.

[5] The method as set forth in claim 4, further comprising providing the information on the non-downloaded part of the content to a content server connected to a communication network and downloading the non-downloaded part of the content from the content server through the communication network when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point.

[6] The method as set forth in claim 5, wherein the provision of the information on the non-downloaded part of the content to the content server is performed automatically when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point, without any request from the user.

[7] A system for the provision of a content by cooperative combination of non- realtime streaming using capable bandwidth and realtime streaming through digital multimedia broadcasting network, comprising: A) a DMB broadcasting transmission system that transmits a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming, a second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming and content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal;

B) a client terminal comprising i) a means for recording a guide information corresponding to a content requested from a user, when the user selects the content from the content guide information of the second broadcasting signal, ii) a means for downloading the content referring to the recorded guide information, when the content is being broadcasted in the second broadcasting signal, iii) a means for monitoring if download of the download-requested content is performed normally and checking a non-downloaded part of the content, iv) a means for transmitting the guide information of the content and information on the non- downloaded part of the content through a communication network, when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point, and v) a means for downloading the non-downloaded part of the content through the communication network; and

C) a content server that receives the guide information of the content and the information on the non-downloaded part of the content from the client terminal and delivers the non-downloaded part of the content to the client terminal connected to the communication network.

[8] The system as set forth in claim 7, wherein the client terminal comprises:

B-I) a memory which records the guide information of a content requested from the user and information on a non-downloaded part of the content; B -2) a content download manager which monitors if download of the content is carried out normally, checks the non-downloaded part of the content, and transmits the guide information of the content and the information on the non- downloaded part of the content to the content server through a communication network when the client terminal is located at a communication network access point;

B-3) a content guide application which manages the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal; B -4) a DMB interface for the reception of signals transmitted through DMB broadcasting network;

B-5) a communication network interface for the transmission and reception of data through a communication network;

B-6) a data processing module which processes data received through the DMB interface and the communication network interface; B -7) a control module which generates a control signal; B-8) a storage for storing contents; and B-9) a display.

[9] The system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the information on the non- downloaded part of the content is selected from the group consisting of a time duration during which the downloading has been carried out abnormally, packet ID of the non-downloaded part of the content and a combination thereof.

[10] The system as set forth in claim 8, wherein the client terminal further comprises an access authorization module that authorizes access to the content of the second broadcasting signal.

[11] The system as set forth in claim 8, wherein with the execution of the content guide application, the content guide information is displayed as a content guide table into which a content download guide information informing a current status of the storage and downloadablitiy of the content is further included.

[12] The system as set forth in claim 9, wherein the content download guide information includes a total storage size, a currently occupied storage size and a size of the content selected as the cursor moves, displayed in a graphical manner.

[13] The system as set forth in claim 12, wherein the total storage size is displayed in a form of a bar with a given length such that the currently occupied storage size is displayed as overlaid on the bar in a proportion of the currently occupied storage size to the total storage size, and that the size of the marked content is displayed as overlaid on the bar in a proportion of the size of the marked content to the total storage size, in a neighboring manner to the currently occupied storage size.

[14] A client terminal for processing a first broadcasting signal for realtime streaming, a second broadcasting signal for non-realtime streaming and the content guide information of the first broadcasting signal and the second broadcasting signal transmitted through DMB network and providing them to the user, which comprises:

B-6) a data processing module which processes data received through the DMB interface and the communication network interface;

B -7) a control module which generates a control signal;

B-8) a storage for storing contents; and

B-9) a display.