WO2005088963A1

WO2005088963A1 - System and method for controlling a device to reproduce information

Info

Publication number: WO2005088963A1
Application number: PCT/IB2005/050784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ngoc L. F. Huynh
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2004-03-10
Filing date: 2005-03-03
Publication date: 2005-09-22

Abstract

A system for reproducing information includes a channel selection arrangement (11-13,15-18,21-23,25-28,30) for tuning to a selected channel to enable reproduction of information provided through the selected channel, a timekeeping arrangement for determining a current point in time, and memory (24) for storing at least one set of bookmark data, including a representation of a set point in time. The system is arranged automatically to tune to a pre-determined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, and includes an arrangement for receiving a bookmark command from a user. The system is configured to respond to a received bookmark command by determining the current point in time and storing in memory (24) a representation of the current point in time in a set of bookmark data.

Description

System and method for controlling a device to reproduce information

The invention relates to a system for reproducing information, including a channel selection arrangement for tuning to a selected channel to enable reproduction of information provided through the selected channel, a timekeeping arrangement for determining a current point in time, and memory for storing at least one set of bookmark data, including a representation of a set point in time, wherein the system is arranged automatically to tune to a pre-determined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, and includes an arrangement for receiving a bookmark command from a user. The invention also relates to a method for controlling a device for reproduction of information including a channel selection arrangement for tuning to a selected channel to enable reproduction of information provided through the selected channel, including keeping track of a current point in time, and directing the channel selection arrangement to tune to a pre-determined channel upon determining that the current point in time matches substantially a set point in time stored in memory relative to a common time cycle. The invention also relates to a computer program.

Examples of such a system and method are known. US 6 549 905 discloses an apparatus adopting a method for automatically searching information, which includes a timer indicating a current time; an antenna receiving a broadcasting signal provided from a broadcasting station; a tuning unit tuning the broadcasting signal inputted through the antenna in a corresponding frequency band of a specific channel; a synchronous signal detector detecting a vertical synchronization signal from the tuned broadcasting signal; an extraction unit extracting a packet data designated by the detected vertical synchronization signal and an input unit for inputting searching conditions by a user (i.e. an address of an Internet site, a key word or a searching time, etc.). The input unit may include a keyboard of a personal computer, a remote-controller of a TV set, or an OSD (on screen display) display unit, by which a user inputs searching conditions. The searching time point may be set on a periodical basis by days or weeks. The searching conditions are all stored in an internal memory. A user inputs a desired key word via the input unit and at this time, a time reserved for searching the data content corresponding to the inputted key word is also inputted. A microprocessor compares the current time with the reserved searching time stored in an internal memory. If the current time has reached the reserved searching time, the tuning unit tunes an inputted broadcasting signal and a pre-set channel information to be identical upon receipt of the broadcasting signal from the antenna. A problem of the known system is that it requires many keystrokes to input the searching conditions. This requires an elaborate, or at least a wear-resistant, input device.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a system and computer program of the types mentioned above, which require relatively uncomplicated user controls. This object is achieved by the system according to the invention, which is characterized in that the system is configured to respond to a received bookmark command by determining the current point in time and storing in memory a representation of the current point in time in a set of bookmark data. Because the system is arranged automatically to tune to a pre-determined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, there is no need to store multiple representations of future points in time. Instead, the use of a (repeating) time cycle ensures that future points in time are set. Because the system is configured to respond to a received bookmark command by determining the current point in time and storing in memory a representation of the current point in time in a set of bookmark data, the user need not provide any information as to the point in time relative to the time cycle at which the channel selection arrangement is to tune to the pre-determined channel. Thus, the user may set multiple points in time by means of a single command. This makes control of this feature of the system uncomplicated, allowing for a simple interface, which need not be heavily used. The system thus has the advantage of simplicity. A preferred embodiment comprises at least one output device for making available to a user a reproduction of information provided through a channel to which the system is tuned, wherein the system is arranged to respond to the bookmark command by further determining the identity of the channel through which the information being made available is provided, and storing information identifying the channel in the set of bookmark data. Thus, the need for elaborate user controls for setting the channel to which the system is to return at specified future points in time is removed. The system functions with a more intuitive and simpler user interface. When the provided 'bookmarking' function is used, there is less input data to be processed. Furthermore, for this function no adaptation of the user interface to the local (language) environment in which the system is used is required. This makes the system cheaper to produce. Preferably, the system is capable of storing multiple sets of bookmark data and includes a user interface for receiving user commands selecting a set of bookmark data to be removed from memory. This embodiment of the system is more versatile due to the use of multiple sets of bookmark data. Because others sets of bookmark data can be retained when one is no longer needed, removal of all stored data and subsequent re-programming is avoided. In a favorable embodiment, the system comprises a user interface for setting the common time cycle. Thus, the 'bookmarking' function is adaptable to the frequency at which relevant new information is made available through the pre-determined channel(s). The bookmarking function is therefore less heavily used when the frequency is relatively low, sparing the system's resources. In a variant of this embodiment, the system is capable of storing multiple sets of bookmark data, wherein the system is arranged to determine whether a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle identified by information included with the representation in a respective set of bookmark data. This variant provides an even more efficient implementation of the 'bookmarking' function, since the amount of re-tuning can be kept to a required minimum. Preferably, the system is arranged to determine the identity of the pre-determined channel from information stored with the representation of the set point in time in the set of bookmark data. This allows the pre-determined channel to be varied. In particular, it allows an implementation in which multiple 'bookmarks' can be set. In a preferred embodiment, at least one stored set of bookmark data includes a representation of a time interval, wherein the system is configured, when tuning to a predetermined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time included in the at least one set corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, to store an identification of a previously selected channel, and tune to the previously selected channel upon determining that the time interval has elapsed. Thus, the system has fewer user commands to process. This implies that user input means are used more sparingly. This embodiment also makes bookmarking for recording purposes possible without attendance of the user of the system. Preferably, the system is operable in at least two modes, and includes at least one output device for making available to a user a reproduction of information provided through a channel to which the system is tuned in an active mode, wherein the system is alternatively operable in a standby mode in which no information is provided through a channel to which the system is tuned and is made available to a user, wherein the system is configured automatically to switch from the standby mode to the active mode upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle. By using the standby mode, energy consumption is reduced. The system nevertheless retains the capability to receive information through the pre-determined channel(s) at relevant times, even when no user is present to activate the system. In a favorable embodiment, the channel selection arrangement includes a television receiver for selecting a television broadcast channel. This is a particularly advantageous implementation of the invention, due to the large number of television broadcast channels that are generally available. In a further preferred embodiment, the channel selection arrangement further includes a radio receiver for selecting a radio broadcast channel. Although television sets with an inbuilt radio receiver are already available, the present invention allows a synergic effect to be obtained from the combination. In particular, it allows an automatic switch from a television channel to a radio channel or vice versa at 'bookmarked' points in time. Thus, a television viewer need not miss his or her favorite radio program. Such an effect is not achievable with separate appliances, which are unlikely to be switched on at the same time. In a favorable variant, the channel selection arrangement further includes a teletext receiver for tuning to a channel identifiable by a teletext page number. This implementation is particularly advantageous because teletext pages are generally difficult to select manually. By having the system tune to a pre-determined channel (i.e. page number in a teletext service) automatically at a point in time stored in memory by the system, processing of a relatively large amount of user input data is made unnecessary. According to another aspect of the invention, the method according to the invention is characterized by determining the current point in time when the device has received a bookmark command from a user, and storing in memory a representation of that current point in time in a set of bookmark data. Thus, the method avoids lengthy and involved interaction with the user. An efficient method of repeatedly checking for updated information is provided. According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer program suitable, when run on a computer, of causing the computer to execute a method according to the invention.

The invention will now be explained in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows an example of a system for reproducing information; and Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating in a very schematic manner several components of the system of Fig. 1.

Fig. 1 shows a representative example of a system for reproducing information including a television set 1. In the present context, a system for reproducing information is understood to mean a system arranged to provide a representation of information provided to it. Reproduction includes playback of the information through one or a combination of output devices to render the information accessible by way of perception by a user of the system. In the example to be discussed in more detail herein, the system is provided in the shape of a combination of two discrete devices, the television set 1 and an accompanying remote control unit 2. Other embodiments of a system for reproducing information could comprise a number of discrete devices, for example in a network such as a home entertainment network. Information is provided through one or more channels. The term channel as used herein refers to both physical and logical channels. The former are understood to be characterized by one or more physical characteristics of the medium used to convey the information, for example the carrier frequency of a radio wave. The latter are characterized by identifying features conveyed with or within the information to be reproduced, such as, for example, packet headers in a multiplexed stream of data, teletext page or magazine numbers, etc. A channel may also simply refer to a particular source of information, for example, a connection to a video recorder through which audiovisual information is supplied to the television set 1. Although these examples generally imply that information is provided to the system from a physically removed location, it is noted that, in principle, information could be provided from a playback device (DVD-player, VCR) integrated into a device embodying the system, such as the television set 1. The remote control unit 2 is provided as part of a user interface for entering commands to control the television set 1. In particular, the remote control unit 2 comprises keys for selecting a channel to which to tune to for receiving information for reproduction on one or more output devices of the system. In the present example, the output devices comprise a screen 3 of a cathode ray tube (CRT) 4 (see Fig. 2) and loudspeakers 5 for making an audiovisual reproduction of information provided through a selected channel available to the user. The keys comprise navigation keys 6 for use in conjunction with an on screen display, i.e. in the context of a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The keys further comprise number keys 7 for direct selection of channels by means of identifying numbers. Additionally, a 'bookmarking' key 8 is provided for providing a 'bookmark' command to the system. Fig. 2 shows some representative components of the television set 1. The television set 1 comprises both an input 9 for receiving a television broadcast signal and an input 10 for receiving an FM radio broadcast. The inputs 9,10 are physically formed by connectors for an aerial or cable connection, or for connection to a satellite tuner, for instance. A radio-frequency signal is received at the input 9 of the television receiver. The received signal passes through an RF amplifier 11 to a tuning circuit 12. The tuning circuit 12 tunes to a specific carrier frequency, associated with a television channel. The output signal of the tuning circuit 12 is passed to a demodulation circuit 13. The demodulation circuit 13 separates video, audio and teletext components from the carrier signal. A color decoder 14 retrieves and processes the video component. A teletext data acquisition circuit 15 retrieves teletext page data. An IF amplifier 16, FM detector 17 and audio amplifier 18 process the audio component of the television broadcast provided through a selected channel. Teletext pages are rendered visible by a graphics controller 19. The graphics controller 19 also provides an on screen display (OSD) as part of the Graphical User Interface (GUI) through which the user may navigate using the navigation keys 6 (Fig. 1) in order to provide commands to the system. Such commands are received by means of a remote control receiver device 20. They are interpreted by a microprocessor 21, which receives and gives instructions through a bus 22, for example an I²C bus. Computer code run by the microprocessor 21 is stored in Read Only Memory 23. The code thus enables the microprocessor 21 to control the system. The microprocessor 21 has access to Random Access Memory (RAM) 24 in which it can store data. This RAM 24 is preferably of a nonvolatile type, i.e. the data stored therein remains stored after the television set 1 has been switched off. Data stored in RAM 24 includes one or more sets of bookmark data. To tune to a radio broadcast, the television set 1 includes a second RF amplifier 25, an FM tuner 26 and a second audio amplifier 27. The total channel selection arrangement is capable of tuning to either a teletext page, a television channel or a radio channel under the control of the user. To this end, appropriate commands are issued by the microprocessor 21 to the various components through the bus 22. A reproduction of the information provided through the selected channel is made available by means of the appropriate output devices. A video multiplexer switch 28 is shown for selecting either the output of the color decoder 14 or that of the graphics controller 19 or the one (partially) overlaid on the other to be made available to a display driver 29 driving the CRT 4. An audio switch 30 is shown for selecting either the output of the audio amplifier 18 or second audio amplifier 27 to provide a signal to a stereo decoder 31 driving the loudspeakers 5. A bookmark is set in a simple manner. Whilst a reproduction of information is being made available through a channel to which the television set 1 is tuned, the user presses the 'bookmarking' key 8 (Fig. 1). This results in a bookmark command that is received by the microprocessor 21 through the intermediary of the remote control receiver device 20 and the bus 22. The microprocessor 21 responds substantially instantaneously to the received bookmark command by determining the current point in time. To this end, the system comprises a timekeeping arrangement 31. The timekeeping arrangement may function autonomously or make use of an external timing signal. Examples of the first kind of timekeeping arrangement include internal clocks using a crystal oscillator or the frequency of oscillation of a feed current. Examples of the second kind of arrangement include those using a broadcast representation of the time, timestamps contained in the information received to the selected channel, etc. Although the timekeeping arrangement may make available a representation of the current point in time on an absolute basis, the microprocessor 21 should at least be capable of converting such a representation of the current point in time into a representation relative to a time cycle. In this context, a time cycle is understood to mean a periodically repeating time period of a defined duration, such as an hour, day, week or month. Note that the duration thus need not be constant in length (the months of the year and the length of a year vary in length, for instance). The start and finish of each period must be determinable and the microprocessor 21 should be able to determine a point in time as a fraction of the current period, e.g. the day of the week, the hour of the day, etc. Upon receiving the bookmark command, the system determines the current point in time as provided by means of the timekeeping arrangement. This is done in such a way that the determined current point in time corresponds substantially to the point in time at which the bookmark command was received. Of course, the accuracy of correspondence depends primarily on the resolution with which the timekeeping arrangement keeps time. The microprocessor 21 adds a set of bookmark data to the data stored in

RAM 24. The set of bookmark data includes a representation of the determined current point in time. The representation may be in terms of the absolute time, e.g. year, month, day, hour and minutes. Advantageous embodiments can save on memory by storing only a representation of time relative to a time cycle, e.g. the day of the week and the time in the day. The microprocessor 21 is also capable of determining the identity of the channel through which the information made available to the user is provided. That is to say that it has access to an identification of the channel selected by the user. It 'knows' for example, the number of the teletext page currently being displayed on the screen 3 and the television broadcast channel with which the teletext service is provided. The microprocessor stores information identifying the channel in the set of bookmark data. If the user is watching a video, then the channel identification is simply an identification of the source. If the user is listening to the radio, then the channel identification is an identification of the radio station, in terms of its frequency or in terms of a name or data tag enabling this frequency to be determined. For example, the information may be a number corresponding to a channel preset by the user, a table being available for retrieving the correct carrier frequency of the channel. In advantageous embodiments, the user may set multiple bookmarks, for example both a teletext page to consult in the evening and a radio station to wake up to in the morning, etc. In that case, the addition of a set of bookmark data to RAM 24 does not have the effect of replacing a previously stored set of bookmark data. The system will include a user interface to select a set of bookmark data to be removed from RAM 24. Advantageously, the user interface is provided as part of menu in an on screen display, generated by the graphics controller 19, through which the user can navigate using the navigation keys 6 on the remote control unit 2. The system renders an overview of data comprised in the stored sets of bookmark data. A user may select one set of bookmark data for removal. Thus, where a limited number of sets of bookmark data can be stored, it is avoided that the oldest is automatically removed when the maximum number is reached. This prevents unnecessary re-setting of bookmarks when a wrong set of bookmark data is removed to make way for a new set. The effect is to lessen the use of the single 'bookmarking' key 8 on the remote control unit 2. This is particularly relevant where the 'bookmarking' key 8 is a so-called multiplexed key, having a different effect depending on the state of the system. Another advantageous feature provided by the graphics controller 19, is to generate a visual output, e.g. an icon overlaid on the image on the screen 3, upon addition of a set of bookmark to the data stored in RAM 24. Again, this feature has the effect of lessening superfluous use of the 'bookmarking' key 8 due to the user's being unsure of whether the bookmark has been successfully set or not. Equivalently, an audible output could be provided to the user on an output device, e.g. a 'blip'. Another advantageous feature provided by the graphics controller 19 is to enhance the provided menu with the option of setting the time cycle for a bookmark. Thus, it would be possible to change the time cycle from 'weekly' to 'daily'. This has the effect that it is possible to bookmark channels for selection at the same time every week or for selection at the same time every day. Information included in the set of bookmark data stored in RAM 24 enables the microprocessor 21 to determine the time cycle for each set of bookmark, thus for each set point in time stored in RAM 24. It is noted that the information stored could be implicit, rather than explicit. Thus, for instance, by only storing a representation of the set point in time in terms of a time, daily selection of the bookmarked channel would be implied, since it is not possible to determine the day of the week. Where the system provides the option to change the time cycle for a bookmark, the information identifying the time cycle will generally be stored explicitly. In an alternative embodiment, the option may be provided to change only the time cycle for all sets of bookmark data, with information identifying the set time cycle being stored separately from the sets of bookmark data. A further option provided by the GUI is to enable information representing the length of a time period to be stored in the set of bookmark data. Thus, it is possible to set the length of time during which the system should be tuned to a bookmarked channel, as will subsequently be explained. It is noted that this feature could be provided in the shape of an option to change a default span of time, so that the setting of a bookmark is not complicated when this is not called for. A bookmark is thus set by means of a single keystroke as explained above. Subsequently, normal use of the system is resumed. Interruption of such normal use is minimal due to the simple interface for setting a bookmark. As noted above, the system comprises at least one timekeeping arrangement

31 for determining a current point in time. The system is arranged to continuously or quasi- continuously compare the current point in time with the set points in time stored in sets of bookmark data. It is observed that the timekeeping arrangement used to determine the current time for the purpose of this comparison need not necessarily be the same as that used for determining the time when a bookmark is set. In principle, however, the same range of alternative timekeeping arrangements is available for implementing both timekeeping arrangements, where more than one is used. Depending on the desired accuracy, the microprocessor carries out the comparison on a periodic basis. The frequency of comparison may be dependent on the number and/or time cycle set for the stored sets of bookmark data, in order to lessen the processing burden, as will be understood. Upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time (i.e. included in a set of bookmark data) corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, the microprocessor automatically takes action. That is to say that it acts autonomously irrespective of any user input when such a determination is made. As. will be understood from the description above, the common time cycle may be implicit in the representation of the current point in time and the set point in time used by the timekeeping arrangement and included in the set of bookmark data, respectively, or it may be determined from a variable stored in RAM 24 by the microprocessor 21. The microprocessor 21 advantageously stores in RAM 24 an identification of the channel to which the channel selection arrangement was tuned when the determination is made that the current point in time corresponds to a set point in time. Upon elapse of a default time interval, or of a time interval as determined from representative information included with the set point in time in a set of bookmark data, the system will automatically tune to the previously selected channel as determined by the microprocessor 21 using the stored identification. It may occur that the user would like to use his television set 1 as a type of alarm clock. In order to avoid having to have the television set 1 switched on permanently, it is advantageously operable in at least two modes. In an active mode, a reproduction of information provided through a channel to which the system is tuned is made available to the user through at least one output device. This is the mode in which a user can listen to the radio, watch television, consult a teletext page, etc. In a standby mode, the system is powered on, but no output corresponding to received information is made available. Of course, the system could make other types of output information available, such as the time, on an auxiliary display, or even on the screen 3. However, the system is not used to play back audiovisual information received through the channel selection arrangement. In the standby mode, the system is also configured to continuously or quasi- continuously determine a current point in time, and to compare this point in time with the set points in time included in sets of bookmark data stored in RAM 24. Upon determining that a stored time matches the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, the system automatically switches from the standby mode to the active mode. In the active mode, it automatically makes available to the user a reproduction of information provided through the pre-determined, i.e. bookmarked, channel. It should be noted that the above-mentioned embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Simpler embodiments are envisaged comprising only a television set, with or without a teletext receiver, or only a television set with a radio receiver, without the possibility of bookmarking teletext pages. The method described above can advantageously be carried out in a separate control device controlling the system for reproducing information, but not forming part of it. In that case, the sets of bookmark data may also be stored externally of the system.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. System for reproducing information, including a channel selection arrangement (11-13,15-18,21-23,25-28,30) for tuning to a selected channel to enable reproduction of information provided through the selected channel, a timekeeping arrangement for determining a current point in time, and memory (24) for storing at least one set of bookmark data, including a representation of a set point in time, wherein the system is arranged automatically to tune to a pre-determined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, and includes an arrangement for receiving a bookmark command from a user, characterized in that • the system is configured to respond to a received bookmark command by determining the current point in time and storing in memory (24) a representation of the current point in time in a set of bookmark data.

2. System according to claim 1, comprising at least one output device (3-5,14,29) for making available to a user a reproduction of information provided through a channel to which the system is tuned, wherein the system is arranged to respond to the bookmark command by further determining the identity of the channel through which the information being made available is provided, and storing information identifying the channel in the set of bookmark data.

3. System according to claim 1 or 2, capable of storing multiple sets of bookmark data and including a user interface for receiving user commands selecting a set of bookmark data to be removed from memory.

4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a user interface for setting the common time cycle.

5. System according to claim 4, capable of storing multiple sets of bookmark data, wherein the system is arranged to determine whether a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle identified by information included with the representation in a respective set of bookmark data.

6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, arranged to determine the identity of the pre-determined chaimel from information stored with the representation of the set point in time in the set of bookmark data.

7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one stored set of bookmark data includes a representation of a time interval, wherein the system is configured, when tuning to a pre-determined channel upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time included in the at least one set corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle, to store an identification of a previously selected channel, and tune to the previously selected channel upon determining that the time interval has elapsed.

8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, operable in at least two modes, and including at least one output device (3-5,14,29) for making available to a user a reproduction of information provided through a channel to which the system is toned in an active mode, wherein the system is alternatively operable in a standby mode in which no information is provided through a channel to which the system is tuned and is made available to a user, wherein the system is configured automatically to switch from the standby mode to the active mode upon determining that a stored representation of a set point in time corresponds to the current point in time relative to a common time cycle.

9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the channel selection arrangement includes a television receiver (11-13,16-18,21-23) for selecting a television broadcast channel.

10. System according to claim 9, wherein the channel selection arrangement further includes a radio receiver (21-23,25-27) for selecting a radio broadcast channel.

11. System according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the channel selection arrangement further includes a teletext receiver (15,21-23) for tuning to a channel identifiable by a teletext page number.

12. Method for controlling a device for reproduction of information including a channel selection arrangement (11-13,15-18,21-23,25-28,30) for tuning to a selected channel to enable reproduction of information provided through the selected channel, including keeping track of a current point in time, and directing the channel selection arrangement (11-13,15-18,21-23,25-28,30) to tune to a pre- determined channel upon determining that the current point in time matches substantially a set point in time stored in memory (24) relative to a common time cycle, characterized by determining the current point in time when the device has received a bookmark command from a user, and storing in memory (24) a representation of that current point in time in a set of bookmark data.

13. Computer program suitable, when run on a computer, of causing the computer to execute a method according to claim 12.