GB2533031A

GB2533031A - Interactive television data entry

Info

Publication number: GB2533031A
Application number: GB1517850.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stokoe Jordan; Guthrie Jonathan; Lloyd Christopher
Original assignee: PAYWIZARD GROUP PLC
Current assignee: PAYWIZARD GROUP PLC
Priority date: 2014-12-04
Filing date: 2015-10-08
Publication date: 2016-06-08
Also published as: GB201421603D0; GB201517850D0

Abstract

An internet enabled mobile communications device, 18, (such as a smart phone or tablet computer) is paired with a connected (or smart) TV (CTV) application, 12, to enable the mobile device to be used to input data associated with the CTV application. The CTV application registers with a remote server, 16, to receive events associated with the CTV application. A unique identifier associated with the CTV application is then used to pair the mobile device and the CTV application. This can be achieved by either displaying the unique identifier on the mobile device and receiving the same identifier inputted via the CTV (Figure 3a) or by displaying the unique identifier on the CTV and receiving the same identifier inputted via the mobile device (Figure 2a). The unique identifier is then used to store data that pairs the mobile device mobile device with the CTV (such as username, email and password details.) After pairing is complete the mobile device can be used to enter data associated with the CTV application. This data is received at the remote server and stored either directly from the mobile device or via the CTV application.

Description

Intellectual Property Office Application No. GII1517850.2 RTM Date:26 February 2016 The following terms are registered trade marks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: Wi-Fi (Panes 4 & 8) Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.gov.uk/ipo Interactive Television Data Entry

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a data entry system for inputting data into an interactive or connected television system. In particular, the invention relates to a data entry system that allows data to be entered in an interactive television application using a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Background of the invention

Interactive or connected television applications have the ability to 'listen' for events originating from outside the television environment. Connected television applications and services require data entry during registration, subscription, purchase and other activities. In most cases, data entry is conducted through a hand held television remote control which is awkward when entering large amounts of alpha-numeric information such as personal and payment details. This is often difficult for users, which can dissuade them from using interactive services that may be available via the television, such as Subscription Video On Demand (SVOD) and Transactional Video On Demand (TVOD) applications.

Summary of the invention

According to the present invention, there is provided a system for entering data in a connected television application, the system being adapted to: connect to connected television devices; store data that pairs an internet enabled mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and a connected television application; receive data entered from a mobile communications device directly from that mobile device or via its paired connected television application, and store the user entered data from the mobile communications device for its paired connected television application. The user entered data may be submitted for processing from the connected television application and/or the mobile device.

The television device may be any device that presents an application that requires data entry on a television screen, such as an internet enabled television, a set top box, a blu-ray player or games console.

By pairing an internet enabled mobile device with a connected television using an intermediate server, data entry can be delegated to the mobile device, thereby enabling a user to enter large amounts of complex data using more capable and appropriate devices. This allows data entry using any internet enabled mobile device and any connected television.

The system of the invention enables the synchronisation of a mobile device to a connected television application to enable the user to enter data on the mobile device and have the data entry applied to the connected television application. In this case, data is entered directly into the connected television application from the mobile device.

Alternatively, the mobile device may take control of data capture, in which case the user data may then be submitted from the mobile device or transferred back to the connected television application for submission, the final destination of the data being an underlying Subscriber Management System (SMS). By enabling the connected television application to register to receive events from a mobile device, the user is no longer restricted to data entry using the connected television remote control.

The system may be adapted to present on the connected television details of a data entry application that can be downloaded onto a mobile device and a unique connected television application identification number. The system is adapted to receive signals from the data entry application comprising a signal that includes the unique connected television application identification number. Receipt of the connected television identification number from the mobile device pairs the mobile device and the connected television.

The present invention simplifies data entry for any connected television application that registers in order to receive events transmitted from a mobile device.

In one embodiment, data entry fields are presented on the connected television, and the mobile device is used essentially as a keyboard.

In another embodiment, instructions are presented on the connected television screen, but the data entry fields are presented on the mobile device. In this case, security of data entry may be increased. This is because entering data on a television screen can be seen by others in the room. Entering data into a mobile device for the connected television provides a more physically secure and personal data entry experience.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for enabling data entry in a connected television comprising: storing data that pairs an internet enabled mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and a connected television device; receiving data entry signals from a mobile communications device indicative of data entered by a user, and storing the user entered data from the mobile communications device for its paired connected television device and/or sending the data to the connected television device.

The method may further involve receiving data entered using the mobile device and sending that data to the connected television application for inclusion in a data entry field presented on the connected television screen.

The method may further involve receiving data entered in at least one data entry field presented on the mobile device, and sending that data to the connected television application.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a connected television computer program product for implementing a connected television process, the computer program product including code or instructions for: connecting from a connected television to a remote server; receiving from the remote server an instruction to accept data from a specified internet enabled mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and receiving data entered from the specified mobile communications device.

The connected television computer program product may have code or instructions for receiving data entered from the specified mobile communications device via the remote server.

The connected television computer program product may have code or instructions for receiving data entered directly from the specified mobile communications device.

Brief description of the drawings

Various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings: Figure 1 is a block diagram of a system for enabling a mobile device to enter data required for a connected television application; Figures 2(a) to (d) represent the steps for entering data using a mobile device as a keyboard; Figures 3(a) to (d) represent the steps in another method for entering data using a mobile device as a keyboard; Figures 4(a) to (d) represent the steps involved in two way communications between a mobile device and a connected television, and Figure 5 is a flow diagram showing message flows between various parties involved in the data entry process.

Detailed description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a system 10 for allowing a user to enter data into a connected television application 12 that is displayed on a connected television 14. This has a server 16 for receiving signals from the connected television 12 and a mobile user device 18, such as a smartphone. It is expected that the smartphone 18 and the television 12 are connected to the same wi-fi network, but they could be connected via an Internet connection. Stored at the server 16 is data pairing mobile devices with connected televisions.

The connected television application 12 is downloaded and accessed on the connected television 14. At some point in the user journey, the connected television application 12 makes a call to the server 16 to register to receive events (start listening). The user is invited to download a complimentary mobile application on their smartphone or tablet 18, and on-screen instructions are presented along with a unique connected television application identification number CTVAID. The user downloads the mobile application to their mobile device 18. The user enters the CTVAID presented on the connected television screen into the mobile application. The mobile application calls the server 16 to pair with the connected television. The pair information is held in permanent storage. Alternatively, the pair information may be held in temporary storage, depending on the implementation. The pair information may be stored in any suitable manner, for example in a simple database structure.

Figures 2(a) to (d) show steps for using a mobile device 18 to enter data into data entry fields presented on the connected television. The mobile device 18 and the connected television application 12 are firstly paired. To do this, the unique connected television application identification number CTVAID is presented on the television screen, as shown in Figure 2(a). The CTVAID is entered by the user into the mobile application. The CTVAID is sent from the mobile device to the server 16 together with identification details for the mobile device 18 and stored so that the two devices are paired.

Once the mobile device 18 is paired with the television application 12, a data entry field is presented on the television screen, for example your name", as shown in Figure 2(b). The mobile application presents a keyboard 22 that allows the user to navigate to the data entry field on the television screen and enter data using the mobile keyboard. The data passes to the server 16 and messages are sent to the connected television 14 via the registration connection. Data is displayed on the connected television 14 in the data field as the user types it in the mobile application. The user continues to enter data and navigate between fields (for example "e-mail" and "password") as necessary to complete the forms, as shown in Figures 2(c) and 2(d). On completion, the pairing remains in place so that the user can enter data for this application at any time in the future. The mobile application is able to un-pair as necessary to replace inactive connections.

Figures 3(a) to (d) show a variation of the method of Figure 2. As before, the mobile device 18 and the connected television application 12 are firstly paired. In this case, the unique connected television application identification number CTVAID is generated by the server 16 on request from the mobile application and presented on the mobile application then entered into the connected television application 12 using the normal television remote control (not shown). The CTVAID is sent from the connected television application to the server so that the connected television application and the mobile application are paired. Once the mobile device and the connected television application are paired, the method proceeds as before, as shown in Figures 3(b) to (d). This is the opposite to Figure 2. Figure 2 is considered to be the optimum solution, but either of the options shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3 may be adopted.

Figures 4(a) to (d) show steps for using a mobile device 18 to enter data into data entry fields presented on the mobile device 18 following instructions presented on the connected television screen 14. In this case, there is a two-way communication path between the television device 14 and the mobile device 18 via the intermediate server 16.

As before, the first step is to pair the mobile device 18 with the connected television 14. As described above, this can be done using a CTVAID generated by the connected television application or using a CTVAID generated by the server 16 and passed to the connected television 14 on request. Figure 4(a) shows the option to link via the television application 12 having requested the CTVAID from the mobile application. Once this is done, instructions are presented on the connected television 14 requesting information, for example "on your smart phone please enter your name". The relevant data entry field is presented on the smart phone 18 to allow the user to enter the required data, as shown in Figure 4(b). The entered data is shown in the data entry field on the smart phone 18, but not on the television screen 14. Once the data is entered, it is sent to the television application 12 via the server 16. The user continues to enter data and navigate between fields (for example "e-mail" and "password") as necessary to complete the forms, as shown in Figures 4(c) and 4(d).

As shown in Figures 4(a) to (d), for every question shown on the television screen there is a separate data field presented on the mobile device, together with an icon or button for confirming that the data has to be sent (for example the "NEXT' button in Figure 4). After the user enters data in response to a first question or instruction and presses the "NEXT" command, the data is sent to the television application, and the television application moves to the next question, which is then presented on the television screen. For example, after the user enters their name, this is sent to the television application, which then presents the following instruction "Thank you John Smith. Now please enter your email address". This is shown in Figure 4(c). The next data entry field is presented to the user on the mobile device. This process is repeated until all required information has been entered (see Figures 4(c) and 4(d)).

An alternative option to this is to present data screens on the mobile device which capture a set of information related to an action for example 'Registration' which would capture all customer information on one mobile screen relevant to the data necessary to be submitted to register a customer. Data can then be stored on the mobile application and on completion of all necessary data entry, submitted directly to the server 16 (SMS) from the mobile device or be sent back to the connected television whereby the connected television can submit the data to the server 16 (SMS). As the mobile device and the connected television are connected via the server 16, either approach can be taken with no difference in outcome.

Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of the steps taken in one embodiment by each party involved in the data entry process. Firstly, the user opens the connected television application. This is registered with the server 16 to listen for messages relating to the connected television application. The server sends the CTVAID to the connected television application 12. This is presented to the user for viewing. The user downloads the mobile application and enters the CTVAID. This is submitted to the server 16 together with mobile data. The server 16 then pairs the connected television application 12 and the mobile 18. Once this is done, a message is sent to the connected television application 12 confirming that mobile pairing has been completed. This causes the connected television application 12 to request data entry. This request is sent to the server 16.

Once the request is received, the server 16 sends a message to the mobile application on the mobile device 18. This causes the mobile device 18 to present an enter data screen requesting data entry, for example registration data. The user then enters the data and it is sent to the server 16. Provided the information is complete, the customer is registered. The server 16 then sends a message to the connected television application 12 confirming that data entry is complete. If further data is required, a message sent from the connected television application 12 to the server 16 requesting the next data entry. The server 16 sends a message to the mobile application requesting that a further data entry screen be presented. The user then enters the additional information (for example relating to subscription). This data is forwarded to the server 16, which acts on the information requested (for example to subscribe the customer to a service). A signal is then sent to the connected television application 12 confirming that data entry is complete. This is repeated until all data is entered and submitted. At this stage, a completion message is presented on the mobile device 18. In addition, a completion message is sent to the connected television application 12.

Whilst the above description relates to the pairing of a single mobile application and a single connected television application, the mobile application may be able to detect multiple connected television connections (if available) and enable the user to select the one for which data entry is required. In this case, the mobile and connected television devices are at the same location and on the same wi-fi network.

The invention has been described in the context of a connected television, a mobile device and a remote server. It will be appreciated that each of the television, the mobile device and the server will have at least one memory and at least one programmable processor operable to execute the various computer program applications, and methods, described to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. Processors suitable for the execution of a computer program include CPUs and microprocessors, and any one or more processors. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. Generally, each of the connected television, the mobile device and the remote server will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks.

A skilled person will appreciate that variations of the disclosed arrangements are possible without departing from the invention. For example, although in the embodiments described above all communication between the mobile device and the connected television application is via the server, after the device and application are paired, data entered from the mobile device could be directly transmitted to the connected television application over a Wi-Fi link. Once entered in the connected television application, the data is then submitted to the server from the connected television application. Accordingly the above description of the specific embodiment is made by way of example only and not for the purposes of limitation. It will be clear to the skilled person that minor modifications may be made without significant changes to the operation described.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A system for enabling data entry in a connected television application, the system being remotely located from the connected television application and being adapted to: connect to at least one connected television application in a connected television; receive a signal from a connected television application to register to receive events associated with the connected television application; receive an identifier uniquely associated with the connected television application from the connected television application or an internet enabled mobile communications device; use the unique identifier to store data that pairs the internet enabled mobile communications device, and the connected television application; after pairing is completed receive data associated with the connected television application entered from the mobile communications device directly from that mobile device or via its paired connected television application; and store the connected television application data entered from the mobile communications device for its paired connected television application.
2 A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connected television application is operable to cause at least one data entry field to be presented on the connected television, and the system is adapted to receive data entered using the mobile device and send that data to the connected television application for inclusion in the data entry field presented on-screen.
3 A system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connected television application is operable to cause user instructions to be presented on the connected television, and at least one data entry field is presented on the mobile device, wherein the system is adapted to receive data entered using the mobile device and send that data to the connected television application or send directly to an underlying data collection server.
4. A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims adapted to receive from the mobile communications device a unique identification number associated with the connected television, wherein the unique identification number is used to pair the mobile communications device and the connected television.
5. A system as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the connected television application is any television based application that requires user data entry.
6 A method for using a remote system to enable data entry in a connected television application, the method comprising: receiving at the remote system a signal from a connected television application to register to receive events associated with the connected television application; receiving an identifier uniquely associated with the connected television application from the connected television application or an internet enabled mobile communications device; using the unique identifier to store data in the remote system that pairs the internet enabled mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and a connected television application; after pairing is completed, receiving data associated with the connected television application entered from the mobile communications device directly from that mobile device or via its paired connected television application, and storing the connected television application data entered from the mobile communications device for its paired connected television device.
7 A method as claimed in claim 6 comprising receiving data entered using the mobile device and sending that data to the connected television application for inclusion in a data entry field presented on the connected television screen.
8 A method as claimed in claim 6 comprising receiving data entered in at least one data entry field presented on the mobile device, and sending that data to the connected television application or send directly to an underlying data collection server.
9 A connected television computer program product for implementing a connected television process, the computer program product including code or instructions for: connecting from a connected television to a remote server; receiving from the remote server an instruction to accept data from a specified internet enabled mobile communications device, such as a smartphone or tablet, and receiving data entered from the specified mobile communications device.
10. A connected television computer program product as claimed in claim 9 having code or instructions for receiving data entered from the specified mobile communications device via the remote server.