FR2729265A1 - Information and control device for TV or video - Google Patents

Abstract

A central distributor (1) passes additional digital words (5) along with teletext signals (4) to a distributor (6') to pass information in the frame return. The information is passed to a control unit (2'), where information is demultiplexed (15), passed to a decoder (16) and stored in memory stores (9a-9d). The user selects (10) display graphics from the store, to provide an enhanced visual display on a screen (3). The control unit and display also provide a simplified method programming and selecting functions.

Description

TELEVISION SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND OPERATING
DATA AND RECEIVER ASSEMBLY FOR DISPLAYING
SUCH DATA AND VIDEO IMAGES
The present invention relates to a television system comprising at least one center for broadcasting video images and alphanumeric data, and a plurality of receiver centers each equipped with a receiver assembly provided with at least one display screen for displaying the video images and alphanumeric data broadcast by the broadcasting center.

 The rapid technical development in the field of television and video recorder has enabled manufacturers to offer increasingly technically sophisticated devices by providing the user with ever better audiovisual quality. However, technical sophistication has resulted in greater complexity for the user to adjust these increasingly efficient devices. A phenomenon known as technophobiew is then observed by which the average potential user considers that the technical sophistication of the device was essentially generating profits for the manufacturers at the expense of the users who do not really need it.

 To cope with this phenomenon, manufacturers of audiovisual equipment, notably televisions, video recorders and sound reproduction devices, are now looking for and offering technically efficient devices while being simple and easy to use, for example by reducing the number of interventions required. by the user for the adjustment and programming of the device.

 In the television sector for example, numerous solutions have been proposed for simplifying the programming of video recorders in order to record broadcast television programs. We can cite on this subject the so-called show-vieww system by which we associate a specific code to each television program.

The user consults his television magazine and enters in a remote control the code corresponding to the program he wishes to record and thus programs his video recorder. We can also cite as an example a technique called "wTV guide" which consists in displaying on the television screen a page of teletext type comprising the television program. The user selects using a remote control the program which '' he wishes to save and simply validates this selection to automatically program the video recorder.

 It may be recalled that teletext consists of alphanumeric data representing information on the television program, weather forecasts, sporting events, games or information in general. Teletext is part of the video signal emitted by the center broadcasting television programs during the time interval known as frame return 'or VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval). As a television picture is made up of two consecutive frames, the teletext broadcast during the frame return (between two consecutive frames} is not perceived by the user watching his television broadcast. The television stores the teletext in a RAM memory in which the teletext is constantly updated. When the user wishes to consult the teletext. he presses a button on his remote control to display teletext on his television screen. He can change teletext pages or search by theme in teletext of information that interests him.

 Until now, teletext has consisted exclusively of alphanumeric characters of extremely sober presentation. Finding and reading teletext information on the TV screen is not easy. The user does not take much advantage of the possibility of teletext to access various information.

 As far as the audiovisual quality of television broadcasts is concerned, most of the time the user sets up his own device. However, adjusting certain functions linked to the type of program (for example Dolby-Prologic sound from a film or an old film in black and white) should not constitute an additional task for the user. We are faced with a need for optimization of automatic adjustment of reception devices which takes account of the types of television programs broadcast.

 The object of the present invention is to provide a simple and effective technical solution to solve the problems mentioned above.

 The subject of the invention is also a television system making it possible to generate and use a new data format making it possible on the one hand to simplify the adjustment by the user of his receiving apparatus and on the other hand to render the display on screen of the information disseminated much more pleasant and attractive to the user.

 The invention further relates to a receiver assembly which comprises a unit for processing the data received according to the new format. this unit can be independent or integrated into the television, video recorder or set-top box.

 According to the invention, the television system comprises at least one center for broadcasting video images and alphanumeric data, and a plurality of receiving centers each equipped with a receiving assembly.

The broadcasting center comprises means for generating and broadcasting encoded data packets including graphic primitives and instructions for automatically adjusting the receiver assemblies according to characteristics of the broadcast video images. Each receiver assembly is provided with an operating unit which includes means for decoding and processing the received data packets, automatic adjustment means controlled by the adjustment instructions received in order to dynamically optimize the audiovisual quality of the receiver assembly. , means for managing alphanumeric and graphic data controlled by a control means actuated by the user with a view to effecting a particular display of this data on a display screen. The encoded and broadcast data packets may include the data alphanumeric (teletext) or be independent of teletext.

 Preferably, each operating unit comprises a storage means including a table of graphic primitives identified by their individual code. It is then possible to broadcast in the data packets the identification codes of the graphic primitives of the table instead of transmitting these graphic primitives as such and thus reducing the size of the transmitted data. It is also possible to include in the broadcast data packets instructions for modifying the graphic primitives of the table while retaining their individual identification code. This is particularly advantageous so that the receiver unit can follow the changes in logo of the television channels for example. It is also possible to provide a free area in the storage means for storing additional graphic primitives on the table in order to follow the evolution. social (introduction of a new logo to represent a sport that has become popular for example).

Similar to the table of graphic primitives, we can consider a table of the adjustment functions identified by their individual code. We can cite for example the following automatic adjustment functions: Dolby-Prologic sound, stereophonic sound, 16/9 format, signaling of the presence of subtitling,
The location of the subtitling on the screen, the preferred language of the user when there are several languages concerning the television program, the frequency table of the television channels and its update according to the code postal code where the user lives, black and white mode, contrast and color compensation for transcoding faults between the NTSC and PAL systems for American series. It is also possible to create new adjustment functions coded on the function table by means of a download by specific instructions contained in the broadcast data packets.

 It is possible to envisage assigning an identification number to the receiver assembly, so that if the video signal includes dedicated codes, the user can only watch video images dedicated to his receiver assembly. The identification code of the receiver assembly can be found in the storage means of the operating unit. Preferably, the data packets are broadcast during the frame return time of the video signal. It is also possible to broadcast these data packets independently of the video signal, for example by telematic means via a computer network or a telephone line possibly equipped with a modem.

 The operating unit having the functions mentioned above can be installed in the chassis of a television set, in a video recorder or in a set-top box for receiving the video signal.

Thus, the receiver assembly of the invention can be a television set, a video recorder, a decoder-receiver combined with a television set or a combination of these elements. The display screen of the receiver assembly can be a television screen of the plasma screen or liquid crystal screen type or a screen independent of the television set to display only the alphanumeric and graphic data. What is important is that the data received can be displayed legibly.

 Preferably, the operating unit of the receiver assembly includes a buffer memory for storing the data in the management means, so that the user can recompose the presentation of the data with a view to displaying it on the screen.

The invention will be better understood and other advantages of the invention will appear on studying the detailed description of some embodiments taken by way of non-limiting example and illustrated by appended drawings, in which
FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of the transmission of the data during the frame return of the video signal,
FIG. 2a schematically represents a table of alphanumeric characters stored in a television set for the display of teletext,
FIG. 2b is a schematic representation of an example of a weather map of France displayed on a television screen in teletext mode,
FIG. 3a schematically represents a table of graphic primitives according to the invention,
FIG. 3b schematically represents a weather map of France displayed on a television screen and generated by alphanumeric and graphic data according to the invention,
FIG. 4 illustrates a television system according to a first embodiment of the invention, and
FIG. 5 illustrates the television system according to a second embodiment of the invention.

 In Figure 1 is shown schematically the video signal Sv as a function of time. Take an example of a video image of 625 scanning lines, it consists of a frame of 287 odd lines and a frame of 288 even lines. A time interval is required between two consecutive frames. This time interval corresponds to the sweep time of 25 lines and is called "frame return" or VBI (Vertical Blanking Interval). During the "frame return", the video signal can carry information other than video images. The teletext system uses a D1 part of the 'frame return' and consists in sending alphanumeric data which are received by televisions which restore alphanumeric characters thanks to a memorized table (figure 2a) and display the information that the user wishes. access the television screen (Figure 2b).

 According to the invention, additional data are introduced with respect to teletext and which are broadcast during a part D2 of the free space of the "frame return". This additional data contains graphic primitives (for example logos of television channels, logos of genre of programs or simplified geographic maps), and instructions intended for the automatic adjustment of the receiving devices to take account of the characteristics of television programs. transparently to the user. For example, when the film broadcast is in black and white, the television set receives instructions to set to black and white mode automatically without the user watching the program noticing.

 Figures 3a and 3b schematically illustrate a table of graphic primitives integrated into the television making it possible to represent a weather map with only three graphic primitives combined with alphanumeric data. Compared to the example of conventional teletext (FIG. 2b), the invention allows not only to improve the presentation of the data on the screen, but also to reduce the operations necessary to effect such a display, which provides an advantageous technical advantage.

 The invention will now be described in more detail using FIGS. 4 and 5 showing two particular embodiments of the invention.

 As illustrated in FIG. 4, the broadcasting center 1 of the invention sends a video signal to a plurality of reception centers each equipped with a receiver assembly provided with an operating unit 2 connected to a display screen 3. The broadcasting center 1 generates on the one hand alphanumeric data 4 of the teletext type and on the other hand additional data 5 comprising graphic primitives and instructions for automatic adjustment of the receiver assemblies. The additional data 5 are formatted and encoded before being broadcast in packets 6 via the "frame return" of the video signal sequentially with respect to teletext 4.

 The operating unit 2 receives the video signal containing the teletext 4 and the encoded data packets 6 by a line extractor module 7 followed by a demultiplexing and processing module 8 for the data received. The module 8 is addressed to a reference module 9 comprising one or more memories RAM and possibly ROM for storing a table of alphanumeric characters 9a corresponding to teletext, a table of graphic primitives 9b, a table of automatic adjustment functions 9c and possibly a free active area 9d for storing other data in addition to the existing tables 9a, 9b and 9c. The data stored in the reference module 9 is individually identified by a code. Thus, the signal from the module 8 is recognized by the reference module 9 which supplies a buffer memory 10 with alphanumeric data, graphics and automatic adjustment instructions.

 A microprocessor 11 controls the buffer memory 10 to control on the one hand a display module 12 connected to the display screen 3 and on the other hand an adjustment module 13 for automatically adjusting the audiovisual quality of the receiver assembly comprising the operating unit 2. A control means 14 (for example a remote control) is actuated directly by the user to control the microprocessor 11 in order to carry out the desired display on the screen 3 and to carry out other settings of the receiver assembly via the setting module 13.

 FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of the invention in which the broadcasting center 1 generates on the one hand teletext 4 and on the other hand additional data 5. The composite data 4 and 5 are shaped according to a specific encoded format 6 'before broadcasting them via the frame return of the video signal. Each receiver assembly includes an operating unit 2 ′ or an operating unit identical to the previous example (FIG. 4).

The operating unit 2 ′ comprises a demultiplexer 15 which separates the different types of data contained in the received data packets 6 ′. A transcoder 16 makes it possible to identify each data item and to compare it with the data stored in the tables of the reference module 9 (identical to FIG. 4). The data are then stored in a buffer memory 10 controlled by a microprocessor 11. In the same way as for the previous example
The user controls the microprocessor 11 using the control means 14 to display the desired information on the screen 3. The adjustment module 13 automatically adjusts the specific functions according to the types of television program in accordance with the instructions broadcast, and also allows additional adjustments controlled by the user via the control means 14.

 In simplified language, the invention makes it possible to provide a television system which, thanks to a new definition of data format, enables broadcasters of television programs to be closer to viewers. The information disseminated will be much more accessible and attractive than at present by teletext. On the manufacturers' side of audiovisual equipment (television set, video recorder, set-top box, etc.), the invention makes it possible to make devices more attractive. The exploitation of the information broadcast in the new format makes it possible to enrich the display of information and to propose an automatic adjustment of the receiving devices according to the broadcast program. For the user, consulting the information on the television becomes simple and pleasant, and it is no longer necessary to carry out part of the optimization settings.

 The operating unit can be manufactured as a stand-alone unit or be incorporated into a television, video recorder, or set-top box. This improves the compactness of the receiver assembly.

 The possibilities offered by the invention are manifold. As examples, we can cite the systematic updating of the reference data tables (in module 9), the dedicated transmission of television programs (identification code of the operating unit), the constitution (in the buffer memory 10 using the microprocessor 11) of an independent multi-channel program guide composed of the information broadcast by each channel. For the transmission of a film in several simultaneous languages, it is possible to propose to the user, by default, his preferred language, and to display the other available languages if the user so requests. It is also possible to store in the buffer memory 10 information on the program being broadcast which is displayed on the screen if the user so requests. Similarly, it is possible to instruct the microprocessor 11 via the remote control 14 if a certain type of program will not be displayed on the screen 3.

Claims (17)

 1. Television system comprising at least one broadcasting center (1) of video images and alphanumeric data (4) and a plurality of receiving centers each equipped with a receiving assembly, characterized in that the broadcasting center comprises means (4 , 5, 6, 6 ') to generate and broadcast encoded data packets including graphic primitives and instructions for automatically adjusting the receiver assemblies according to the characteristics of the broadcast video images, and that each receiver assembly is provided with at least one operating unit (2, 2 ') which comprises means (7, 8; 15, 16) for decoding and processing the received data packets, means (1 1, 13) for automatic adjustment controlled by the instructions of adjustment received to dynamically optimize the audiovisual quality of the receiver assembly, and of means (9, 10, 11, 12) for managing alphanumeric and graphic data controlled by a control means ( 14) actuated by the user with a view to carrying out a particular display of this data on a display screen (3).  2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the broadcasting center (1) broadcasts alphanumeric data (4) which do not mix with encoded data packets (6).  3. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the broadcasting center (1) broadcasts encoded data packets (6 ') which include the alphanumeric data (4>.  4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each operating unit (2, 2 ') comprises means (9) for storing the reference data identified by their individual code, and that the data packets received are identified by their individual reference code.  5. System according to claim 4, characterized in that the broadcasting center (1) broadcasts data packets which also contain data modification instructions for updating the reference data stored in each operating unit ( 2).  6. System according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the broadcasting center (1) broadcasts data packets containing instructions for creating new reference data in the storage means (9).  7. System according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one of the graphic primitives contained in the storage means (9) has an individual configuration different from the broadcast graphic primitive comprising the same individual code.  8. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each operating unit (2, 2 ') has an identification number, and that the broadcasting center (1) broadcasts video images comprising an access authorization. according to the identification number of the operating units of the receiving centers.  9. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the encoded data packets (6, 6 ') are broadcast via the video signal emitted by the broadcasting center (1) and during the frame return of the video signal.  10. System according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the encoded data packets (6, 6 ') are broadcast via a telematic line independently of the video signal emitted by the broadcasting center (1).  11. Operating unit (2, 2 ') according to one of claims 1 to 8.  12. Operating unit according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises a demultiplexer (15), a transcoder (16), a reference module (9), a buffer memory (1 (10), a microprocessor ( 11), a display module (12) and an adjustment module (13) for the audiovisual functions, the microprocessor (11) being controlled by a control means (14) actuated by the user.  13. Operating unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the reference module (9) comprises one or more RAM memories.  14. Operating unit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the buffer memory (10) cooperates with the microprocessor (11) to compose the data received according to the instructions of the user sent via the control means (14 ).  15. Television comprising an operating unit (2, 2 ') according to one of claims 11 to 14.  16. VCR comprising an operating unit according to one of claims 1 1 to 14.  17. Video signal decoder receiver receiver comprising an operating unit according to one of claims 1 1 to 14.