MXPA99008535A - System and method for automatic audio and video control settings for television programs - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for automatically adjusting characteristics of a television receiver, such as the video and audio settings, based on characteristics of the program being viewed. The system accesses (16) a pre-defined list of program topics and themes stored in a television database. For each topic and theme, settings for picture quality such as contrast, color and brightness and settings for audio such as audio processor type, bass, and treble are stored. When the system is able to match (20) the currently viewed program with one from the database the audio and video settings are automatically adjusted (22) for that program. If the viewer switches to another program or if one program ends and another begins then the acquisition and adjustment process is repeated. The system can be disabled by the viewer if desired.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC VIDEO AND AUDIO CONTROL VALUES FOR TELEVISION PROGRAMS FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to program guide data for television systems in general and to capabilities of establishing autopilot video and audio attributes for various types of television programs. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION An Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is an interactive, analogue on-screen television listings guide found in local newspapers or other print media. An Electronic Program Guide provides information about each program in time structures covered by the Guide to Electronic Program that commonly goes from the next hour up to seven days. The information contained in a Program Guide Electronics includes programming features such as channel number, program title, start time, end time, elapsed time, time remaining, classification (if available), theme, type, and a brief description of the program content. Electronic Program Guides are usually configured in a two-dimensional table or in a grid format with time on one axis and the channel numbers on the other axis.

Unlike non-interactive guides that reside on a dedicated channel and simply pass through current programming on the other channels for the next 2 to 3 hours, the Electronic Program Guides allow viewers to select any channel at any time up to seven. days forward. Additional features of the Electronic Program Guides include the ability to highlight individual cells in the grid that contain program information. Once you highlight, the viewer can perform functions on that selected program. For example, the viewer could instantly change to that program if it is being broadcast at that moment. Viewers could also program a one-touch video cassette recorder (VCR) or similar if the television is properly configured and connected to a recording device. Such Electronic Program Guidelines are known in the art and are described, for example, in the Patents of the United States of North America Serial Nos. 5,353,121, 5,479,268 and 5,476,266 issued to Young and co-inventors and assigned to StarSight Telecast, Inc. These patents are refer to television programming systems or Electronic Program Guides in which a viewer can activate a television display showing the programs of a current channel in a table format. The cells in the table that make up the columns and rows have irregular lengths (row dimension) because not every program occupies the same amount of time while the columns have a regular height. Commonly, programs are divided into 1/2 hour increments and a single program can last up to two hours. This is illustrated in Figure 1 of the United States Patent Serial Number 5,353,121 in which "Perfect Strangers" is transmitted from 11:00 a.m. at 11:30 a.m. while in the row below "Sesame Street" lasts the length of the grid that covers more than 1 3 hours. Television programming extends over a wide spectrum of programs and events. Each program or event has different characteristics or attributes, which are more enjoyed by the viewers when several characteristics, or attributes, of the television receiver, for example, audio and video values, are equal to the characteristics of the program. The characteristics of a particular program that are of interest can be indicated by the topic and theme of the program. For example, musical events are best viewed with audio and video values different from sports events. Clearly, the values used for an ice hockey game where there is a lot of movement and action would be different from those used for a symphony orchestra. Additionally, different sports require different values. Golf and football, although they are sporting events, each have different characteristics of the other that require different values of audio and video to improve the viewer's enjoyment of the transmission. Similarly, different types of films require different audio and video values. Dramatic films and comedy films require different audio and video values to maximize their appeal to viewers.

The current technique of television allows sound and image adjustments. However, it requires that viewers manually select the topic and theme of the program using a remote control system operated in a menu. Then, the television automatically sets the optimal audio and video values for the current program. Thus, a system that can automatically determine the characteristics of the program such as subject and topic information and use the characteristics of the program to update the current receiver characteristics such as audio and video values without the participation of the viewer is desired. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a system and method for determining characteristics such as topic and topic information for a televised television program at that time and matching said data to a previously defined table of optimum receiver characteristics, such as of audio and video, which are stored in a memory unit. The television automatically changes the current audio and video values to those defined in the previously defined list that match the theme and topic of that program. The system does not require interaction with viewers. However, if viewers are not comfortable with the default values, the function, called "autopilot" can be disabled by allowing viewers to manually set the receiver's characteristics such as audio and video values to their own liking. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The above and additional aspects of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a flow diagram of the main block components of the system; Figure 2 is an example of database information that the system of Figure 1 uses showing the different values for various types of programming; and Figure 3 illustrates a television receiver suitable for use with the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The automatic pilot function comprising the present invention operates in television systems such as the one shown in Figure 3 having Electronic Program Guides (EPGs). Electronic Program Guides are available from a number of sources such as StarSight® and Thomson DSS®. These sources store program information that viewers can access to determine what is being broadcast and what will be broadcast on the different channels. The present invention uses a computer processor in television to inquire into this Electronic Program Guide data and to search for information pertaining to the characteristics of the program such as the topic and topic of the program. If this information is available, the system will compile it and compare it against a previously defined table in the television memory. If they are the same, the television will automatically change the audio and video values so that they are the same as those in the table based on the program data, thus producing the optimum transmission conditions. Figure 1 illustrates a flow diagram of the main block components of the system. First, television is tuned to a program. Then, it is determined whether the autopilot function 12 is activated or deactivated by the viewer. If the autopilot function is deactivated by the viewer, then the audio and image quality values remain unchanged 14. Otherwise, the television searches for the program that is currently being transmitted in the television's database. The Electronic Program Guide to determine if the attributes of the program, that is, topic and topic, appear in the database. If the topic and topic information is not present in the database, then the audio and image quality values remain unchanged. Nevertheless, if the topic and topic are present in the database of the Electronic Program Guide, then those attributes are equated to a table previously defined in the memory of the television. The previously defined table contains information on audio values and image quality for each possible combination of topic and topic. The television automatically sets 22 the necessary audio and video values so that they are the same as those found in the table previously defined for this type of program. The system will remain inactive 24 until another program is tuned and at that moment the whole process is repeated. Figure 2 is an example of a previously defined table of database information that the system of Figure 1 uses showing different values for various types of programming. The table has eight (8) columns of information available. The first two columns indicate the topic and topic of a program. The next three columns indicate the optimal video values for contrast, color and brightness for the topic and theme of the first two columns. The last three columns optimize the audio values for the topic and theme. These values include the audio processor (Stadium Surround®, stereo, Dolby ProLogic®) and the bass and treble levels. As an example, it should be assumed that a television like the one shown in Figure 3 has just been tuned to a new program, for example an ice hockey game, and that the autopilot function is activated. The levels for the six audio and video values are at zero of the last program. The television searches for the new program in the database of the Electronic Program Guide and determines that the program that is being watched at this moment is in fact an ice hockey game. Additionally, an ice hockey game has been previously defined in the memory so that it has optimal audio and video values. Then these values are automatically recovered and the contrast is adjusted to 2, the color level remains at 0, and the brightness is set to 4 while the audio processor is set to Stadium Surround®, the bass is set to +2, and the treble remains at 0. If the viewer is not satisfied with any of these values, then any value can be adjusted manually afterwards. Afterwards, it can be assumed that the viewer has changed the channel again to tune into a comic movie. The autopilot explores the database of the Electronic Program Guide for the topic and topic of the new program and determines that it is a comic movie. Then the autopilot recovers the audio and video values for a comic movie. The contrast is adjusted from 2 to +3, the color remains unchanged, the brightness goes from 4 to +1, Stadium Surround® becomes Dolby ProLogic®, the bass is reduced from +2 to +1, and the treble increases from 0 to +1. The overall effect is designed to provide optimal audio and video values for each program. The above process is done without the need for viewer interaction. However, if viewers wish to additionally re-check the audio and picture values, they can do so without affecting the operation of the autopilot by adjusting the audio and picture values in the conventional manner. Figure 3 illustrates a television receiver capable of implementing the invention as described above. with reference to Figure 3, a television receiver includes a radio frequency input terminal 100 that receives radio frequency (RF) signals and applies them to a tuner assembly 102. The tuner assembly 102 selects and amplifies a particular radio signal frequency under the control of a tuner controller 104 that provides a tuning voltage via a wire 103, and band change signals via signal boundaries represented by the wide double-ended arrow 103, to the tuner set 102. The tuner set 102 converts the received radio frequency signal to an intermediate frequency (IF) signal and provides an intermediate frequency output signal to the intermediate frequency and frequency video sound and amplifier unit. intermediate 130. The intermediate frequency and intermediate frequency video sound and amplifying unit 130 amplifies the intermediate frequency signal applied to its input terminal and detects the audio and video information contained therein. The detected video information is applied as an input of a video processing unit 155. The detected audio signal is applied to an audio processor 135 for processing and amplification before being applied to a set of speakers 136. The driver of the tuner 104 generates the signals of band change and tuning voltage in response to applied control signals from a microcomputer control system (μC) 110. The terms "microcomputer", "controller" and "microprocessor" as used in the present are equivalent. It is also recognized that the control function of the microcomputer 110 can be performed by an integrated circuit manufactured specifically for that specific purpose (ie, a "specialized chip") and the term "controller", as used herein, also purports to include a device of this type. The microcomputer 110 receives commands initiated by the user of an infrared (IR) receiver 122 and a "local" keyboard 120 mounted on the television receiver itself. The infrared receiver 122 receives infrared transmissions from the remote control transmitter 125. The microcomputer 110 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 112, a program memory (ROM) 114, and stores data related to the channel in a memory of random access (RAM) 116. The random access memory 116 may be internal or external to the microprocessor 110, and may be of the volatile or non-volatile type. The term "RAM" is also intended to include programmable read-only erasable memory (EEPROM) 117. Those skilled in the art will recognize that if volatile memory is used, that it may be desirable to use a suitable form of reserve power (such as from SUPPLY). RESERVE ENERGY 180) to preserve its contents when the receiver is switched off. The microcomputer 110 also includes a timer 118 to provide timing signals as needed. The microcomputer (or controller) 110 generates a control signal to cause the tuner control unit 104 to control the tuner 102 to select a particular radio frequency signal, in response to control signals inserted by the user from the local keypad. and the infrared (IR) receiver 122. The infrared receiver 122 is energized from the Reserve Power Supply 180 in order to receive a command to turn on the receiver. The tuner 102 produces a signal at an intermediate frequency (IF) and applies it to a processing unit 130 comprising an IF video amplifier stage (VIF), an AFT circuit, a video detector, and an IF amplifier stage. (SIF). The processing unit 130 produces a first composite baseband (TV) video signal, and a sound carrier signal. The sound carrier signal is applied to an audio signal processing unit 135 which includes an audio detector and may include a stereo decoder. The audio signal processing unit 135 produces a first baseband audio signal and applies it to a speaker unit 136. The second baseband composite video signals and the second baseband audio signals can be applied to terminals VIDEO INPUTS and AUDIO INPUT from an external source. The first and second baseband video (TV) signals are coupled to a video processing unit 155 (having a selection circuit not shown) Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM) 117 is coupled to the controller 110, and serves as a non-volatile storage element for storing automatic programming channel data, and channel data inserted by the user. The video signal processed at the output of the video signal processing unit 155 is applied to a Kine Activator Amplifier 156 for amplification and then applied to the barrels of a color image tube assembly 158 to control the deflection of its beam of electrons. The television receiver may also include subtitling circuits as indicated below. A Data Separator 145 receives subtitling data in a first input of the intermediate frequency and intermediate frequency video detecting and amplifying unit 130, and in a second input of the VIDEO INPUT terminal via a Video Switch 137 which selects the appropriate subtitle data source under the control of the controller 110. The Data Separator 145 provides subtitling data to the Subtitling Display Deployment Processor 140 via lines 142 and 143. Data Separator 145 provides status data of subtitling (New data, Campol) to the controller 110. Under the control of the controller 110, via the control line 141, the Subtitling Display Deployment Processor 140 generates character signals, and applies them to an input of the signal processor. video 155, for inclusion in the processed video signal. Alternatively, the Subtitling Display Deployment Processor 140 and the Data Separator 145 may be included in the controller 110. The system control microcomputer (μC) 110 controls and operates the autopilot function. The microcomputer 110 receives commands initiated by the user of the infrared (IR) receiver 122. The infrared receiver 122 receives infrared transmissions from the remote control transmitter 125. The microcomputer 110, as applied to the present invention, has several functions. First, it determines whether the autopilot unit 126 is activated. Next, look up the Electronic Program Guide database to determine if the current program's topic and topic data appear in the Electronic Program Guide database. If the topic and subject data are found, then the microcomputer 110 searches for the same combination of topic and subject in the previously defined table stored in the read-only memory 114 and extracts the data of associated predetermined audio and video values for that type. of program. The last step in the autopilot process is to make the microcomputer 110 adjust the image quality values to those extracted from the read-only memory 114 for the topic and theme of the program. Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications can be made to the structure and function of individual parts of the system without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as a whole. .

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS 1. A method for adjusting a value of a television set comprising the steps of: obtaining a program information database of an external signal received by the signal processing apparatus, storing the information database of program in the television set, said program information database has information of content characteristics of the program for a plurality of programs; select a program signal representing a program; and automatically in response to the selection of the program signal: determining a program content feature of the selected program from the stored database of program information; determining a value corresponding to the determined program content feature of the selected program of data of values stored in the television set; adjust a characteristic of the television set in response to the determined value of the stored value data.
2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the database is an electronic program guide (EPG).
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the program content feature comprises a program topic or a program theme
4. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the value data comprises data of audio values.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the value data comprises video value data.
6. 6. A method for adjusting values of a television set comprising the steps of: obtaining a program information database of a signal received by the signal processing apparatus, storing the database of the program information in the television set, said program information database has information of content characteristics of the program for a plurality of programs; select a program signal representing a program; determine if an automatic value control function is activated; and automatically in response to the selection of the program signal when the automatic value control function is activated: determining a program content feature of the selected program from the stored program information database; determining a previously defined value corresponding to the determined program content feature of the selected program of data of values stored in the television set; adjusting a value of the television set to said predetermined predetermined value of the stored value data. The method of claim 6, wherein the database is an electronic program guide (EPG), the program signal comprises an audio program signal or a video program signal, and the program comprises a program of audio or a video program. The method of claim 7, wherein the particular program content feature comprises a program topic or a program topic. The method of claim 8, wherein the stored value data comprises data of audio values comprising a type of audio processor or a value of bass or a value of treble. The method of claim 9, wherein the stored value data comprises data of video values comprising a contrast value or a color value or a brightness value. RESU MEN A system and method for automatically adjusting characteristics of a television receiver, such as audio and video values, based on the characteristics of the program being watched. The system accesses (16) a previously defined list of topics and topics of programs stored in a television database. For each topic and theme, the values for the image quality such as contrast, color and brightness and values for audio such as audio processor type, bass and treble are stored. When the system can match (20) the program currently being watched with one of the database, the audio and video values are automatically adjusted (22) for that program. If the viewer changes to another program or if one program ends and another begins, then the acquisition and adjustment process is repeated. The viewer can deactivate the system if desired.