DE102008061096A1 - Application of a set-top box (STB) for the creation of personal profiles and for communications for an "Open Cable Application Platform" - Google Patents

Abstract

The use of stored personalized data and communication preferences in a profile in a STB in a structured format or via cookies allows at least a combination of feature-rich telephony applications with the personalized data stored in the STBs, allowing feature-rich communication sessions , By providing advanced multimedia communications applications using personalized data resident in STBs, a tuple might be able to offer, for example, many previously unavailable services and thus provide significant new commercial potential. The personal data stored in the STB may convey many utility examples, such as communication preferences, alternative contact modalities, payment preferences, priority preferences, trusted contacts, personal information, as well as multimedia messaging, and so on. The integration of personal data into the intelligent personal agent also extends the user experience.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

Cross-references are indicated for the following applications:
US Patent Application No. ... / ..., ..., filed on Jan. 1, 2008, entitled "OPEN CABLE APPLICATION PLATFORM SET-TOP BOX (STB) PERSONAL PROFILES AND COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS" (Reg the lawyer: 4366BKD-3);
US Patent Application No. ... / ..., ..., filed on Jan. 1, 2008, entitled "OPEN CABLE APPLICATION PLATFORM SET-TOP BOX (STB) PERSONAL PROFILES AND COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS" (Reg Attorney: 4366BKD-4); and
US Patent Application No. ... / ..., ..., filed on Jan. 1, 2008, entitled "OPEN CABLE APPLICATION PLATFORM SET-TOP BOX (STB) PERSONAL PROFILES AND COMMUNICATIONS APPLICATIONS" (Reg the lawyer: 4366BKD-7); all of these applications are incorporated herein by this reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The This invention relates to set-top boxes in general and more particularly one or more profiles associated with a set-top box. additional Aspects of the invention relate to the interoperability of STBs, one or more profiles and one or more of the Open Cable Application Platform associated applications.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Multiple Service Operators (MSOs), eg. Cable companies, for example, are currently working to convert their value proposition from a model in which basic applications and leased equipment predominate into a customer service oriented value model. One of the reasons for this is the recent court-sanctioned Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order that MSOs should adopt the Open Cable Application Platform (OCAP) and that set-top boxes (STBs) should be open for further use. With larger pipes, more powerful STBs, and improved customer service applications that provide these STBs, the MSOs can begin to dominate the other local Inter-Exchange Carriers (LECs). This extended customer service equation is seen as the key to continued growth in MSOs, increased income, and higher profit margins. The OCAP is a prime example of the ability of MSOs to create, deploy and deploy a whole range of new interactive communications services that can drive new income streams with higher margins for the MSOs. With the written in the Java language ^® OCAP middleware is an application software that "once wrote, used everywhere" will be able to offer new, created by third-party developers features and services.

The specification of the OpenCable ^TM Platform is under http://www.opencable.com/ocap/ , "OpenCable Application Platform Specification (OCAP) 1.1," which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

OCAP is one for consumer electronic devices, such. B. STBs that can be connected to a cable television system certain operating system layer. Basically controls the cable company which OCAP programs can run on the STB. OCAP programs can be used for interactive services, such as E-commerce, online banking, program guides and digital video recordings, to be used. The cable companies have requested OCAP as part of the CableCard 2.0 specification, and they point out that two-way communications through third-party devices in their networks require that they support OCAP.

More specifically, OCAP is based on the Java language ^® software / middleware portion of the Open Cable initiative. OCAP is based on the Globally Executable MHP (GEM) standard as defined by CableLabs. Because OCAP is based on GEM, OCAP is very similar to the Multimedia Home Platform (MHP) standard defined by the Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) project. The MHP was developed by the DVB project as the first open standard in the world for interactive television. It is a Java ^® based environment that defines a selectable interface between interactive digital applications and the terminals on which those applications run. MHP was designed to run on DVB platforms, but there was a demand for an extension of MHP's interoperability to other digital TV platforms. This demand led to GEM or Globally Executable MHP, a framework that allows other organizations to define MHP-based specifications.

One such specification is OCAP, which was adopted by the US cable industry. At OCAP, the various DVB technologies and specifications that are not used in the US cable environment have been removed and replaced by their functional equivalents as specified in GEM. On the terrestrial broadcast side, CableLabs and the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) have collaborated to create to define a common GEM-based specification, Advanced Communications Application Platform (ACAP), which ensures maximum compatibility between cable and wireless broadcast receivers.

pack Cable 2.0 is a specification based on the wireless internet Protocol Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) of the program "Third Generation Partnership Program "(3GPP), which initiates the session Protocol (SIP) used to control the session. Thanks to the use From SIP, the MSOs can be the foundation of a service delivery platform in addition to their existing DOCSIS (Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification) or their cable modem service. Two for this Invention particularly important SIP features are expandability and Interoperability. These SIP features are important because new messages and attributes can be easily defined and enable communications between previously incompatible endpoints.

Further Developments that pave the way for the described inventions are the processing power, the multimedia codecs and the storage capabilities of the STBs. Many of the more modern STBs have digital video recorders (DVRs) based on Hard disk drives or flash memory that free many gigabytes Provide storage space. They also have modern audio / video codecs, which are designed to meet the requirements of high-resolution Television (High Definition Television = HDTV). Processors like the Broadcom BCM7118 announced in January 2007 offer processing power of over 1000 Dhrystone Mega Commands per second (DMIPS) for the support of OCAP, new customer applications and DOCSIS 2.0 and DSG Advanced Mode. The Broadcom chip and other universal and application-specific, integrated circuit processors (ASIC) used for STBs Provide effective security features, such as the emerging one Polycipher Downloadable Conditional Access Security (DCAS) system. The DCAS makes a CableCard superfluous and supports Systems and sales products with multiple conditional access.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

These Technologies provide the platform for a greatly expanded Multimedia customer communication experience ready. A special one Exemplary aspects of this invention are advanced multimedia communications OCAP using a custom resident in the STB Profile. Servers for telephony applications have already been added proposed by CableLabs and others. The assignment of telephone and STB can be done in the MSO network. In a similar way also personalized data for the display of financial data, Home security data and the like known.

One However, exemplary aspect of this invention operates with storage personalized data and communication preferences in the STB in a structured format or via cookies. The Combining feature-rich telephony applications with enables the personalized data stored in the STBs feature-rich communication sessions. By providing advanced multimedia communication applications using it could be from personal data resident in STBs MSOs may be possible, for example, many previously unavailable Offer services and thus a significant new commercial To provide potential.

To the types of personal data stored in STBs can, can belong, but without it to be limited: communication preferences, Payment Preferences, Supplier Preferences, Priority Preferences, personal information, etc. Examples of Communication preferences can be part of when you are reachable or unreachable, achievable numbers, Calendar synchronization, etc., and generally all communication related Dates. Examples of payment preferences can include: credit card information, data about Direct deposits / debits, which financial instrument for used the most recent transaction with a particular company and generally all transactional data. To the examples for supplier preferences may include: Favorite delivery pizza, most frequently ordered items, etc. Examples of priority preferences Conditions may include such as: interrupt me Not when I watch the Chicago Bears like the Green Bay Packers beat, except my boss calls, and in general all the preferences, which can be used to set priorities to support. Examples of personal Data may include: clothing or shoe size, Favorite colors, name, address, etc. and generally all data one person. Other such personal stored in STBs Data categories and variants, which the professional imagine may also fall within the scope of this invention description.

Screen menus, pushed URLs, and customization to various devices connected to STBs (such as different sized screens, devices with different capabilities, etc.) can be presented as part of this enhanced communications process. Similarly, contextual favorites or preferences may be offered, depending on which content is displayed or with which content of the dialogue. Combining the integration of a profile, such as personal data in STBs, with applications resident in a variety of locations on the MSO's network will activate these new value-added services.

To a few simple examples of what is possible is, may include, but is not limited to to be: advanced web-enabled service transactions, mobile Requirements for goods or services using the network's profiles and communication skills STB / MSO, display or share data by two or more people, etc.

To the For example, the user may request a service transaction at the STB itself initiate. The exemplary menu-based requirement uses the stored service data entry to make a web service request enter the keyboard. If the request is the answer through to trigger a person (like communicating with a person) Retention agents when requested a deletion of the service will), then the STB data for an outgoing Call over the keyboard to the customer phone, to confirm the deletion request and to enable the agent to describe a retention offer. Another example could be that a user who stopped at work, wants to order a pizza, which should be available at home shortly after his arrival. The user may be on personal data in his remote STB re preferred suppliers, the most recent order and the access previous payment method. He can be saved due to this Data give up a new pizza order, rather than all that data type in or have to speak while driving moves. The user benefits from an extended user experience, The accuracy of the order is better, and he can eat arrive at home shortly after his own arrival.

One Another example is when a user moves to another city or city moved to another state; he may still have had no time for it, favorite suppliers for To look for pizza or other goods and services. In one In such case, the MSO may give the new user a list of preferred ones Submit partners who the new user due to his own personal experiences and preferences or can change. The embodiments discussed here suggest just how powerful the proposed extension this new communication pattern example is. There are many more potential examples and corresponding applications possible.

It For example, it is generally accepted that an intelligent agent is a software agent that supports the users and in the execution not regularly recurring computer-related tasks in their interest. An agent in that sense of the word is like an insurance agent or a travel agent. While the work of software agents, used for operator assistance or data mining are called (sometimes called "bots"), often on fixed, preprogrammed rules, includes "intelligent" in this Often the ability to adapt and to connect learn. The expression "personal" shows that a certain intelligent agent is in the interest of a person or a small collective user group, such as a household, a company, etc.

OCAP represents another place for a smart personal Agents ready, however, offers several advantages over previous attempts with this type of application. An advantage is that STBs already equipped for it are, two-way, full-motion, high-definition (high definition = HD) videos as well as any other communication media. Another advantage is the integration of personal Profile data in the application of the intelligent personal Agents. Another advantage is the advanced one discussed here Safety. Extensibility and interoperability, the Packet Cable 2.0 through the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) in addition, allow an influence on the entire scale of communication modalities and Devices.

Another exemplary aspect of the invention is the use of the personalized data and personal preferences included in an STB in conjunction with an intelligent personal agent application, as well as the enhanced security to provide, for example, a greatly enhanced user-agent experience. The fact that sensitive data of the user can be stored in its own STB reduces the security concerns in case of too much presence on the web. Disclosure or retrieval of personal information may be on a trusted basis, which also helps to ensure security and privacy. By storing security data in the stack, such. For example, the dynamic content adding system (DCAS) makes the environment much more secure. One could also imagine - if there are several users in a household - that each of these users can have a profile that is protected for personal privacy. Parents would be able to set certain conditions / restrictions for children using the smart personal agent application, which would also be for safety and al appropriate use of the application.

The Two-way, full-motion, HD video without many of the Internet assigned Quality elements is an essential extension for the current intelligent personal agents. It could provide a way for video messages, which is personalized for the person initiating the contact should be. The personal saved in the STB Data can be many utility examples, such as communication preferences, alternative Contact Arrangements, Payment Preferences, Priority Preferences, trusted contacts, personal information, and multimedia messaging, and so on. The integration of personal data in the intelligent personal agent also extends the user experience. There are many examples of what this idea is for the user can not offer what the current intelligent agents do not care can offer. One is the ability to one To greet callers with a video picture greeting, exclusively for the respective caller is determined. Another example is the ability handle more complicated transactions. For example, like the user a particular article for a certain price of Buy one of several preferred suppliers. Offers from Preferred business partners can be in the stack of the MSO user, and the content can be filtered and with conditions specified by the user for purchase and the intelligent personal agent can either complete the transaction or the user on a mobile device to obtain consent, and then do the business. While there are shopping agents, Mobility applications and contactless payment devices, but this intelligent agent can be one of the state of the art Provide an unprecedented user experience. Another possible variation for the intelligent personal Agents is the coordination of multiple parties in a household. Suppose that an invitation comes in with which a family invited to dinner in the house of the caller. The intelligent ones Agents can use personal data and scheduling software interact for all family members to make sure that the invitation the already existing appointments of all members has taken into account before answering and the proposed Either accept or modify the invitation to dinner. There are numerous other variants that come with this smart one personal agents are possible after the current state of the art are not possible.

The Social networking services are focused on building and the review of online social networks for Communities of people sharing the same interests and activities have or are interested in the interests and activities of others to explore, and that requires the use of software.

The Most social networking services are first and foremost Web-based and provide a choice of different options ready, how the users can have a dialogue, such as chatting, messaging, e-mail, Videos, voice chat, file sharing, blogging, Discussion groups, and so on.

The main types of social networking services are those that contain directories of certain categories (such as former classmates), means of contacting friends (usually with self-describing pages), and trusted recommendation systems. Commonly known methods today combine much of this, with MySpace ^™ , Bebo ^™, and Facebook ^{™ services being} the most widely used.

OCAP, in combination with personal profile data another place for a social network ready but several advantages over previous attempts with this kind of application. One advantage is that, like STBs are equipped to handle two-way, Motion picture, high definition (HD) video handle. Another advantage is that discussed above advanced security. Extensibility and interoperability, which additionally receives the Packet Cable 2.0 through the SIP, allow influence on the entire range of communication modalities and devices. An embodiment of the here proposed social network can be one-to-one, one-to-many and many-to-one and can be both personal as well include professional interests.

Another exemplary aspect of this invention is the use of the personalized data and personal preferences included in an STB, in conjunction with two-way, moving-picture, HD video, and enhanced security to provide a greatly expanded social networking experience. The two-way, moving-picture, HD video without many of the quality elements associated with the Internet is a major extension to the current social networking offerings. It offers an experience more like a face-to-face dialogue. The personal information stored in the STB may convey any of the benefits listed above, such as communication preferences, alternative contact modalities, payment preferences, priority preferences, trusted contacts, personal information, and so on. The integration of personal data combined with the social networking application (s) also extends the users the experience.

additionally to the normal uses of a social network application, such as Example online appointments, discussion groups, virtual communities and the like, you can look at extensions of use introduce this application. Such an extension would be the addition of personal reviews of restaurants, movies, Books, music and the like. Other users of the social network could determine over time, which evaluators tend goods and services in accordance to judge with their own interests and / or from a perspective that they like to read their reviews, and they could the judgments that these reviewers have about things from Have expressed interest in advance. You could also when reviewing relevant media reviews look at. The evaluators and the users agree tend to be common or well-known then could the basis of their experiences with their mutual recommendations or dialogues form their own social network. Thanks to the expandability Packet Cable 2.0 could also be a user over his mobile phone is a rating of a straight in the cinema seen Make films as long as his thoughts are still fresh.

Many small companies start as part-time companies in their own home. In addition, some people, in parallel with their normal employment, run a small firm focused on rental real estate or the like. Some fairly large companies operate at sites served by MSO DOCSIS services. OCAP provides a way to integrate commercial profile data into STBs, much as personal data is integrated into an STB, as discussed earlier. In addition, commercial application software such as the ^Quicken® Home and Business program or the ^Quicken® Rental Property Manager program can be advantageously integrated into the STB along with commercial data profiles.

It There are many more cases where OCAP commercial users can provide an advanced user experience. About OCAP and having a commercial profile can be actual Stocks with desired stocks, which are stored as commercial data in the STB become. As well as data of preferred suppliers and preferred payments can be stored, an automatic order as soon as the stock falls below a certain value, or OCAP can alternatively pop up a pop up window or a specific phone number, such as a mobile phone, call to confirm that the stock reorder to be edited.

One Another example would be the management of a holiday apartment. Not only does the landlord view bookings and the like could, but the guest could over the TV / STB is an extension of the Rental period will be offered if such a possibility results. Furthermore, an offer could also be made through OCAP submitted for a later stay become. In this way, the tenant has the feeling that heightened attention without significant intrusiveness and the landlord is more likely to able to maximize the capacity of the apartment.

Though The Internet offers some of these types of features, but OCAP allows, for example, a richer set of features, greater convenience and the ability Seamlessly affect previously incompatible devices. specially the possibility to reorder stocks, while the owner of the small company is traveling, and the ability to view all data regarding the transaction, such as Supplier, type and quantity of stock, preferred payment options and the like, without the owner of the small company must type this data are very helpful. Likewise Apartments typically rented over the internet. However, not everyone takes a PC or a web-enabled one Device everywhere with. An offer of opportunity a stay extension, a rebooking for a future holiday or the offer of incentives good regulars can all know about OCAP done and displayed on a TV or as Audio message transmitted to the phone of the apartment become.

The use of commercial data and commercial preferences included in an STB integrated with other PC or STB based commercial software can provide full compatibility with previously incompatible endpoints as well as enhanced security to provide a greatly enhanced commercial experience. The fact that sensitive data about the company / companies can be stored in their own STBs reduces the security concerns associated with web-based attacks. Disclosure or retrieval of commercial data may be based on trust, which also contributes to security and privacy. By storing security data, such. B. DCAS, in the stack, the environment is much safer. One could also imagine - if there are multiple users in a tuple - that each of these users can have a profile that is privacy protected for privacy. In addition, one or more members of the tuple may also have a commercial profile in have the STB.

The Two-way, full-motion, HD video without many of the Internet assigned Quality elements is also an essential extension for Companies. It offers, for example, the possibility of video messages to personalize for the guest or the customer if the Company owner is not available. Those stored in the STB Commercial data may also have the benefits listed above personal data, such as communication preferences, alternative contact arrangements, payment preferences, Priority preferences, trusted Contacts, Inventories, Corporate Events / Calendar, and multimedia messaging, and so on. The integration of commercial data, combined with the existing one commercial software, extends the possibilities of Company owner to conduct his business.

It There are several examples of what this idea is for the commercial Users can provide what the current PC based software him not possible. One is the ability to score and greet customers with a moving-picture video greeting, exclusively for the respective persons is determined. Another example is the ability handle more complicated transactions. For example, decide the guest in a holiday apartment, giving him the rented apartment he really liked that, however, before the end of his current one Holiday still more such apartments for a future Would like to consider vacation. The landlord can be preferred guests during their current Holiday deals for discounted stays in this or submit other apartments to continue business to do with the guest. All this can be done on the TV to be displayed in the apartment or when the TV is not in use will, via an audio message to the phone in the apartment sent. It is in this commercial application and This profile numerous other variants possible, the are not possible according to the current state of the art.

Some Aspects of the invention thus relate to one or more profiles in a STB. Some aspects of the invention further relate to use the personal data associated with an STB Preferences in connection with the application of a smart personal agent and enhanced security to one provide advanced user experience. Some aspects of the invention also concern the use of a personalized profile of in STB's resident communication preferences and personal Data in connection with STB's resident communication applications, extended communication in one or more OCAP / IMS networks. and to provide customer services.

Some Aspects also concern the possibility of commercial To store data and preferences in STBs, one commercial OCAP application in conjunction with existing commercial Software and enhanced security in one or more OCAP / IMS network (s). Some aspects also involve the use of a personalized one Profiles of STB resident communication preferences and personal data in connection with two-way, moving-picture, High-definition videos and enhanced security to in one or more OCAP / IMS network (s) a social network application to realize. Some aspects also concern the use of a Master profile for the regulation of the production and use of one or several subordinate profiles. Some aspects also apply the integration and collaboration between a STB assigned Profile with one or more applications, the other electronic Devices are assigned. Some aspects of the invention may be Also used to match extended e-commerce to support an STB. Other aspects also concern a commercial administration in conjunction with one or more commercial profiles in a STB.

Some Aspects also concern the establishment and use of an automated Agent assigned to a profile associated with a STB performs certain tasks. Other aspects concern a set-top box with an operating system layer, which has a cable network connectivity supports and provides an application platform, on which one or more customer service applications can run. Other aspects also concern the use of social networking applications and integration in a profile associated with a STB. These and further needs are provided by the various embodiments and configurations of the present invention. ever according to the specific configuration, the present invention offer a number of benefits. These and other advantages go from the description of the invention (s) contained herein.

The Expressions "one or more" and "and / or" are open concepts, both connecting and separating become. For example, the term "A and / or B and / or C "only A alone, only B alone, only C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together or A, B and C together.

The term "a" tuple refers to one or more of that tuple. As a result, the terms "a" may include "one or more" and "and / or" herein be used interchangeably. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising", "having" and "having" can be used interchangeably. The term "automatic" and its modifications, as used herein, refer to any process or process that occurs during its performance without human input by a human. However, a process or procedure may be automatic even if it is used for its performance by a physical or intangible input by a human being received prior to its execution. A human input is considered to be physical if the input affects how the process or process is performed. An input by a human who agrees to carry out the process or process is not considered "physical."

Of the Term "computer-readable medium", as he here used, refers to any material storage and / or transmission medium involved in it, Give a processor instructions to execute. One such medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to nonvolatile Media, volatile media and broadcast media. The non-volatile media include, for example NVRAM or magnetic or optical disks. To the fleeting ones Media include dynamic storage, such as B. Memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include for example floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes or any other magnetic media, magnetic-optical media, CD-ROMs, any other optical media, punched cards, perforated tape, any other physical media with hole patterns, rams, PROMs and EPROMs, FLASH EPROMs, solid state media such as memory cards, any other memory chips or cassettes, carrier waves, as described below, or any other media that can read a computer. A digital file attachment of an e-mail or another self - contained data archive or set of Archives are considered equivalent to a physical storage medium Distribution medium. Is the computer-readable medium as a database configured, it should be understood that the database is of any kind database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented and / or similar. Consequently, that is true the invention is a physical storage medium or distribution medium and prior art equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present invention are stored.

The Terms "determine" and "calculate" and their Variations as used here will be against each other used interchangeably and include any kind of methodology, Process, mathematical operation or technique. The term "module", as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial Intelligence, fuzzy logic or combination of hardware and software, which is capable of the functionality assigned to that element perform. It should also be noted that the Invention described while using exemplary embodiments will, however, that claims separate aspects of the invention separately can be.

The The above is a simplified summary of the invention to some aspects of the invention understandable close. This summary is neither comprehensive nor an exhaustive overview of the Invention and its various embodiments. she is not intended to be key or critical elements of the invention still define the scope of the invention, but selected Present concepts of the invention in a simplified form, as an introduction to the below presented detailed description. You will realize that others Embodiments of the invention are possible by use one or more of those set forth above or detailed below described features, either individually or in combination.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

1 shows an exemplary content system according to this invention;

2 shows an exemplary set-top box according to this invention;

3 shows an exemplary profile according to this invention;

4 Fig. 3 is a flow chart showing an exemplary method for creating or editing a profile according to this invention;

5 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for performing a service transaction according to this invention;

6 FIG. 5 is a flow chart illustrating an example dialog between a set-top box and a service provider according to this invention; FIG.

7 Fig. 10 shows an exemplary intelligent agent performance flowchart according to this invention;

8th is a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for the use of a commercial illustrated in the official profile according to this invention;

9 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method for a social network dialogue according to this invention;

10 Fig. 10 is a flow chart showing a more detailed exemplary method for initiating a transaction in accordance with this invention;

11 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a more detailed exemplary method for storing transaction data in accordance with this invention; and

12 Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a more detailed exemplary method for a social network dialog according to this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

1 illustrates an exemplary content system 100 , The system 100 includes one or more trusted tuples 200 , one or more content / service providers 300 such as a cable company, and a set-top box 500 all through one or more shortcuts 5 and nets 10 are interconnected. The set-top box 500 is with a stereo system 700 and / or a PC 800 and / or a TV 900 and / or in general with any electronic device, such as through the box 600 shown, connected. The set-top box 500 are one or more profiles 400 assigned, as will be explained in detail below.

Basically, the set-top box 500 being able to receive content, such as video content, as well as offering services such as Internet access, telephony services, and the like. As will be explained below, the set-top box is also capable of providing services such that, for example, the user on one of the connected devices sets the set-top box 500 used to order, use and / or manage the service. Typically, the content / services provider 300 a user via the set-top box 500 Content, such as video content. An embodiment of the present invention extends this concept and relates to the profile 400 through the set-top box 500 advanced content capabilities.

In addition, according to an optional embodiment, between the content / service provider 300 and one or more trusted tuples 200 trusted relationships are built. For example, the content / services provider 300 , such as a cable company, negotiate trusted relationships with various service tuples. Upon completion of the various checks and assurances from the serving tuples, the various tuples may act as a trusted tuple 200 be listed, and at this point would be the over the set-top box 500 in connection with the profile 400 service requirements are handled differently.

The assignment of the profile 400 to the set-top box 500 allows, for example, a user to be offered a richer communications environment. For example, a customer calls a customer service number at their home. Instead of routing the call from one center to another based on the data entered by the customer over the phone, the call can use a common Customer Transfer Center. The redirect center, which is one of the trusted tuples 200 The phone number can be used to lookup a key set-top box entry for the customer, and the center can then retrieve the stored service data entry through the set-top box 500 from the profile 400 retrieve electronically. The from the profile 400 retrieved data may be combined with the caller requested service, with the data retrieved from the customer STB forwarded to the appropriate agent (eliminating the need to consult other databases or the user and contacting more efficient contact centers); and there may be additional data for the customer for example on the the set-top box 500 associated TV 900 or PC 800 are displayed.

In another example, the customer may initiate a service transaction on the set-top box itself. For example, a menu-based requirement may be in the profile 400 use stored service data to enter a web service request via the keyboard. If the request triggers a response by a human, such as a retention agent, when deletion of the service is requested, the set-top box may provide data for an outgoing call to the customer's telephone via the keyboard to confirm the cancellation request and to allow the submission of a retention offer.

Therefore, according to one embodiment, the profile 400 For example, it can be used to assist in contacting a contact center and can be used with the set-top box to, for example, other retailers, service providers and ver to offer trustworthy or other tupling services. The set-top box can also store customer service records that are, for example, personal or business specific. The same method used to support customer service contact as discussed above may similarly be used to record or otherwise profile 400 stored data to support commercial services, commercial administration, online banking or the like.

To the For example, the same mechanism can be used to create structured ones Data and menu data for the requested transaction, To save a request or service request to the stack and thereby offering a richer customer service experience.

This richer experience combined with easy retrieval of customer service data, personal data and / or commercial data from the profile 400 For example, it offers a much richer customer contact capability than the one offered by traditional centers. This in turn provides an opportunity for new large commercial services opportunities for the contact / service provider 300 , In one embodiment, this provides in conjunction with one or more applications in the set-top box 500 used profile 400 a richer experience for a set-top box user to dialogue with one or more content / service providers, trusted tuples, other tuples, or any tuple in general, based on the data provided to him by the profile 400 are available to provide a richer customer experience.

2 illustrates in more detail an exemplary set-top box 500 , The exemplary set-top box includes a DVR 510 and / or a codec 515 and / or a hard drive 520 , one or more customer service applications 525 , a hardware / software linking module 530 , a menu module 535 , an integration module 540 for commercial applications, a module 545 for social networking applications, a processor 550 , a store 555 , an input / output interface 560 , a SIP functionality / integration module 565 , a security module 570 , one or more communication applications 575 and a module of the intelligent agent 580 , The DVR 510 As is conventionally known, it can be used to store video data, and it can also be used as a storage device for one or more applications in the set-top box. For example, the DVR 510 be used as a backup for inactive applications, while the active applications, for example, on the hard disk drive 520 in conjunction with the processor 550 and / or the memory 555 and / or the input / output interface 560 can expire.

The set-top box can also have one or more codecs 515 comprising, for example, encoding and decoding of video data and / or audio data and / or high resolution video data and / or multimedia data, or in general any audio or video format provided by the set-top box 500 is received or sent. The set-top box 500 also includes one or more customer service applications 525 , These customer service applications can work with the profile 400 work together to connect a user to a TV 900 and / or a PC 800 and / or a stereo system 700 or in general to any of the set-top box 500 connected electrical device 600 to offer different functionalities. As discussed above, these customer service applications may include, but are not limited to: placing orders, online banking, call-centered applications, profile management applications, or any application that is capable of in or in conjunction with the set-top box 500 to work. As you can see, the application does not necessarily have to be exclusive to the set-top box 500 but may be in conjunction with one or more applications, for example, in a connected electronic device, such as a PC 800 , expire.

The hardware / software linking module 530 allows the set-top box 500 one or more other electronic devices, such as a telephone, a softphone, or any device that is capable of using the set-top box 500 to be linked. For example, if a user has a customer service application in the set-top box 500 Enables the specific service with a trusted tuple 200 When the Intelligent Agent module (as discussed below) determines that an erase service request has been initiated, the Intelligent Agent module may prompt the hardware / software association module to initiate a call, so that the user can communicate directly with the customer service agent of the trusted tuple regarding the deletion request. This link can, for example, with the participation of the SIP functionality / integration module 565 by providing an appropriate mechanism for establishing, aborting or redirecting communications. More specifically, data indicating the telephone data associated with the user of the set-top box may be stored in the profile. SIP protocols can be initiated from the STB to indicate that the telephone associated with the user is making a call with a special customer service agent. Then, a message that a telephone call has been initiated can be made on the telephone and / or on one of the STBs 500 assigned device.

The menu module 535 provides an interface, such as a graphical user interface, on the TV 900 and / or the PC 800 or, in general, any display device that influences, for example, one or more features of the set-top box 500 and one or more profiles can be displayed. For example, a user may choose the menu module 535 use one or more profiles stored in the set-top box 400 to edit. In addition, the menu module 535 in conjunction with various customer service applications resident in the set-top box 525 can be used to provide the user with the required menus associated with the particular customer service application that was requested. For example, in an online banking environment where its customer service application gives the user the ability to manage their bank accounts, the customer service application may have various menus associated with the menu module 535 which allow the various actions associated with the customer service application to be executed. The menu module 535 can also use the content / services provider 300 and / or the trusted tuples 200 and / or other tuples in the network 10 work together to a user of the set-top box 500 Offer menus associated with the services and / or products and / or features provided by the particular tuple.

If, for example, the set-top box 500 with one with the net 10 affiliated real estate agents is in communication, the real estate agent can set a number of menus in the stack of the menu module 535 save the user of the set-top box 500 Grant access to various listings of that agent. With these menus, for example, the user can set up virtual views of the listings in high definition video design. The SIP functionality 565 can also be used to generate a call using the Real Estate Views application in conjunction with the hardware / software linking module 530 is linked. Personal preferences of the user may also be piled on the menus stored in the stack of the STB to accommodate their own personal preferences, such as skin-type display characteristics.

The integration module 540 for commercial applications allows the use of one or more for example on the PC 800 stored commercial applications in conjunction with the set-top box 500 and the profile 400 , In addition to the stand-alone application (s) stored in the set-top box, the integration module allows 540 for commercial applications the integration and sharing of for example in profile 400 stored data with one or more commercial applications, such as financial management applications running on the PC 800 to run. To provide a layer of security for these communications, the integration module can 540 for commercial applications with the security module 570 work together to get the kind of data from the set-top box 500 , the profile 400 and the other financial management applications can be shared. For example, the profile 400 are assigned to a number of rules that determine who has access to one or more pieces of data, who can create customer service applications, who can authorize the use of funds, or, in general, any rule that provides access to the data contained in the profile and / or the applications in the set-top box and / or communications for the set-top box 500 to one with the net 10 Connected tuple determines, regulates, restricts or enables.

The module 545 for social network applications works in a similar way with the profile 400 and the set-top box 500 together to use the in profile 400 to provide personalized data and personal preferences that are included, thus providing a richer social network environment. For example, allow in conjunction with the set-top box 500 social networking applications used by the user to experience two-way, full-motion, high-definition video content and enhanced security. For example, the storage of personalized data and personal preferences in the profile 400 provide a security layer above that typically associated with presence on the Web. Disclosure, query or access to in profile 400 Data contained may be based on one or more trust relationships with one or more trusted tuples, analysis by the smart agent, or rules associated with a profile or root profile. The storage of security data, such. B. DCAS, in the stack makes the use of the profile 400 associated environment much safer. As discussed above, social networking applications can be created on a hierarchical basis, for example, where parents are able to set certain conditions, limits, or thresholds for children using social networking applications to increase security and age-appropriate Rules for the use application and access to data contained in the profile and restrictions on access to the various types of service applications available to the particular user.

The set-top box environment also provides the ability to use two-way, motion picture video in addition to high definition video without the disadvantages associated with typical Internet-based applications, such as latencies, lost frames, and the like , The module 545 for social networking applications is thus able to offer a dialogue with one or more other participants, which is more like a face-to-face dialogue. Like the other modules, the module for social networking applications may also be different from the profile 400 stored data and characteristics of the set-top box 500 such as communication preferences, alternative contact modalities, payment preferences, priority preferences, trusted contacts data, personal information, commercial data, or the like. The ability to work in profile 400 stored personal information in one or more of the module 545 Integrating social networking applications associated with social networking applications provides the opportunity to extend the experience of a user.

Basically, each one in a module 545 social networking applications stored for social networking applications. These applications may include any type of communication modality, such as video, text, shared image usage, or the like, in a one-way, two-way or collective format. For example, multimedia versions of social networking applications may also be used that combine one or more of the above modalities with such functionality as, for example, blogging, real-time whiteboarding, chatting, video conferencing, or generally any multimedia application between one or more several participants. The SIP Functionality / Integration Module 565 offers the option of one or more SIP-based communications in conjunction with the set-top box 500 and the profile 400 to use. These SIP-based communications can be parallel to different ones in the set-top box 500 running applications and, as explained above, with one or more other devices, such as telephone, PDA, home phone, commercial phone or in general any SIP-enabled device, are linked. In addition to the ability to run parallel to one or more applications in the set-top box 500 to be driven, SIP communication can be established upon execution of a special customer service application initiated in the set-top box and, as soon as it is active, the corresponding communication in the set-top box can optionally be terminated.

The security module 570 can have varying levels of security for those in the profile 400 contained data 400 Offer. In addition, as previously discussed, a hierarchical security platform can be built with, for example, a root profile that governs dependent profiles, such as those that parents build for their children. By extending this basic concept to a commercial environment, business managers can also apply various rules related to the security module 570 set up the control of in profile 400 stored data as well as access to it and the possible use by employees.

Because any data in the profile 400 In principle, various rules, guidelines, profiles and the like can be created, which regulate not only access to the data contained in the profile, but also their transmission. For example, access to the various types of data contained in the profile may be regulated, and may be, by anyone who attempts to access the data, which type of data is being accessed, what the data being accessed is to be used for, and the like through the security module 570 be analyzed to determine if that access or transmission should be allowed. For example, the security module 570 with the module of the intelligent agent 580 work together to assist in the analysis of security risks, the granting of access to the profile 400 contained data can be assigned. The communication application module 575 allows the use of different types of communication applications with the set-top box 500 , These communications include, for example, audio communications, video communications, chat communications, telephonic communications, or, in general, any communication between the set-top box and another tuple in the network, with one or more devices connected to the set-top box. Box or other tuple in the network and connected to it, or communications associated with a linked device, such as a linked IP softphone.

The module of the intelligent agent 580 is a software agent that supports users with a variety of functions and is able to act in their interests either automatically or semi-automatically. The module of the intelligent agent 580 is thus able to with one or more other of the modules contained in the set-top box or with devices connected to the set-top box due to the in profile 400 data and / or rules to work together to perform various actions. The actions can be triggered by one or more trigger events that are received by the set-top box or by a tuple in the network 10 sent data are triggered. For example, upon receiving a new schedule, the intelligent agent may analyze the various broadcasts to be shown over the next week and may, on the basis of his knowledge, due to the profile 400 data on whether his user is a fan of a particular actor, automatically program the recording of the movie in which the actor is playing.

As another example, the module of the intelligent agent 580 the various dialogues between the set-top box and tuples in the net 10 monitor. For example, if a parent has set restrictions on the social network applications associated with a child and the intelligent agent module 580 If the child detects that the child is attempting to access one of these social network applications from the prohibition list, the intelligent agent module may generate a communication to the parent informing it of such attempt. For example, the intelligent agent module may cooperate with an e-mail or call-generating module and, for example, send a text message to the parent informing the parent that the child has attempted on a given date and time to access a forbidden social network application. This can be done with the participation of the SIP functionality module 565 and activate the text message sent to a SIP-enabled endpoint. At the same time, communication between the SIP endpoint and the set-top box can be established, and if the SIP endpoint is video enabled, real-time communications between the parent and the child can be established to discuss their activities.

3 shows an exemplary profile 400 , The exemplary profile 400 includes commercial, personal and tuple data 410 and / or communication preferences 420 and / or personal preferences 430 and / or payment details 440 and / or supplier data 450 and / or priority data 460 and / or contextual preferences and subprofiles 470 and / or alternative contact arrangements 480 and / or one or more trusted contacts 490 , As discussed, the personal and / or commercial and / or tuple data may include any data a user wishes to store. Examples of personal information include, for example, name, address, credit card information, bank details, cinema preferences, communication preferences, restaurant preferences, supplier preferences, billing preferences, and the like. Examples of commercial data include, for example, preferred suppliers, bank details, communication preferences, order or inventory data, employee data, payment data, accounting data, business management data, or generally any business related data. Tuples may also include data about things such as groups of individuals, groups of businesses, or generally any tuple that may not necessarily be personal or commercial. Interfaces may be provided which provide access to the data stored in the profile, and these data may be edited, updated or deleted as needed. This data can also be edited, updated or deleted via an interface in the set-top box or via any interface connected to the set-top box. This access to the data contained in the profile may be password protected, and the data may be transmitted via or in accordance with well-known encryption techniques and standards.

The communication preferences 420 provide the user with the ability to store various types of communication preferences or modalities, not just the type of communication to be used for access to the user, e.g. As video, chat, IM, telephone or the like, but can also be used in conjunction with presence data and / or communication routing. The 430 are a set of rules that affect the personal preferences of a particular user. These personal preferences may relate to any functionality of the set-top box, STB display characteristics, STB operation, or the like, and may include menu options and / or communication preferences and / or contact preferences and / or set-top boxing. Administration or the like. In the supplier data 450 Various data are stored that can be used to pay for goods and / or services ordered through the set-top box or in connection with the set-top box. These payment details may have a higher security level than others in the profile 400 For example, a password may be required before the goods and services can be purchased. Additionally, the payment details may be for use by the contact / service provider 300 be limited.

The supplier data 450 may include data such as preferred suppliers, non-suppliers, historical purchase data, customer data, reference data associated with a particular supplier or, in general, any data associated with a supplier. Used in conjunction with the module of the intelligent agent 580 used new suppliers, so can the supplier data 450 added new data and this in profile 400 get saved. Additionally, also in conjunction with the intelligent agent module 580 , the supplier data 450 be dynamic, such that when, for example, a user accesses the web site of a particular supplier, the supplier data 450 may be provided with customer data, such as an order placed, remaining balance, special offers or, in general, any data associated with that particular supplier.

The priority data 460 include all data, such as rules, to help prioritize certain activities, applications, or any of the set-top box in general 500 assigned functionality can be used. This priority data 460 can also be used in conjunction with the module of the intelligent agent 580 be used to assist in the prioritization of certain activities. The contextual preferences and subprofiles 470 specify preferences based on the context, which may also be categorized as subordinate subprofiles, for example, as a particular application included in the set-top box 500 expires. Like the other data types, the contextual preferences may be 470 in conjunction with the intelligent agent module 580 used to offer dynamic application behavior. The alternative contact arrangements 480 show different contact modalities for a specific user. These alternative contact arrangements 480 may be used with the data of the communication preferences, the personal preference data, and / or the priority data to assist in performing communication arriving at an endpoint. For example, based on data contained in the profile of the alternative contact modalities, the linking module and / or the SIP functionality module may be used to perform communication incoming at an endpoint where the user is located.

The trusted contacts 490 include data related to one or more tuples that are trusted. For example, a tuple can be trusted when it comes from the content / services provider 300 is allowed. In addition, a tuple may be trusted, for example, if the user previously had dialogues with the tuple and trusted them. Optionally, the intelligent module 580 can also be used for the analysis of transactions with a particular tuple, and the tuple, for example, can be considered "trusted" upon reaching a threshold number of satisfactorily performed transactions.

The trusted tuples are not necessarily limited to establishments that sell goods and / or services, but may also include tuples such as schools, other individuals, or generally any person or tuple that is considered trustworthy. For example, in a social networking environment, parents may set rules that identify particular chat groups or other trusted users. For example, in conjunction with the smart module, a child may ask a parent to trust a particular tuple, and communications with that tuple are restricted until approved by that parent. The state of trustworthiness can also be achieved, for example, by virtue of the fact that the module of the intelligent agent 580 Analyzes the feedback of a tuple, user or trader. Once a merchant has reached a feedback threshold, the agent may classify the merchant as "trustworthy" and may then optionally forward the "trusted" rating to an additional tuple, such as a parent, for final approval.

4 shows an exemplary method of profile management. Specifically, the control starts at step S100 and proceeds to step S110. At step S110, an interface is provided which enables the creation and / or editing of a profile. Next, at step S120, an option to edit or create a new profile is offered. Then, at step S130, either by checking by password, the creation, editing or updating of the profile is allowed. The control then proceeds to step S140. In step S140, the profile is stored. Next, at step S150, it is determined whether another profile is to be edited or created. If editing or creation of another profile is desired, control returns to step S120, otherwise control ends in step S160.

5 shows an exemplary method for a service transaction. Specifically, the control starts at step S200 and proceeds to step S210. At step S210, a service transaction is initiated in the set-top box or in association with the set-top box. As will be appreciated, the initial request to initiate a service transaction may come from one or more of the attached or associated devices, such as a TV, PC, or the like. As previously bespro This service transaction can also be initiated by an associated device, such as a SIP-enabled communication device. At step S220, a web service request is triggered, for example from a menu-based request that has stored data that may, for example, be derived from the stored profile. Next, at step S230, it is determined whether another device, such as a communication device, should be associated with the service transaction. If another device is to be associated with the service transaction, control transfers to step S240 where the communication device is linked and, for example, a call originating from that device is generated. Otherwise, control continues at step S250, where profile data is used to assist in performing the web service request. Control then proceeds to step S260 where the control sequence ends.

6 shows an exemplary exchange between the set-top box and a service provider. This example exchange may be used in initiating a service request from a user associated with a set-top box to a provider of goods and / or services. Specifically, the control starts in step S300 and proceeds to step S305. At step S305, a service request is initiated. As can be seen, this may also be a request for goods or, in general, a request for any thing. Next, at step S310, the service request is received. Then, at step S320, a check is made to determine that the service availability is present. Control then proceeds to step S330 where the profile data stored in the set-top box is requested, for example, based on the data in the service request. Next, at step S315, the requested data is retrieved. Next, at step S325, the requested data may be filtered based on preferences and / or personal preferences and / or contextual preferences and / or subprofiles and / or analysis by a security agent and / or intelligent agent, or generally any filter criterion. The filtered data is then forwarded to the service provided at step S335. Next, the profile data is received at step S340. Then, at step S350, the service request is initiated. The control then proceeds to step S360.

at Step S360 may be the coordination of the delivery of the goods and / or Services optionally with, for example, an external participant, such as a trusted tuple, coordinated become. Then, at step S370, the service is provided to the user, and control then proceeds to step S345, where the control sequence ends.

7 shows an exemplary method for analyzing incoming data and using an intelligent agent. Specifically, the control starts at step S400 and proceeds to step S410. At step S410, one or more types of data such as incoming data in the set top box, data coming from the set top box, and data received from a user may be analyzed. Next, at step S420, it is determined whether to call the intelligent agent based on this analysis. For example, this analysis may be based on logic in the form of one or more neural networks, expert systems, password search, or the like. If the intelligent agent is to be called, control jumps to step S440, otherwise control proceeds to step S430 where the control sequence ends. In step S440, the intelligent agent is activated. The inputs to assist the intelligent agent in determining an appropriate action may include profile data and / or security data and / or rules, and may also be based on queries generated, for example, to an end user. The control then proceeds to step S450. At step S450, the data that triggered the intelligent agent generation is analyzed, and the use of profile data, security data, rules, responses to queries, and the like is taken into account for an appropriate action. Next, at step S460, the action is performed, the control proceeds to step S470, where the control sequence ends.

8th shows an exemplary method for a commercial profile dialog according to this invention. More specifically, the control starts at step S500 and proceeds to step S510. At step S510, it is determined whether a commercial profile is currently being used. If a commercial profile is used, control jumps to step S530, otherwise control proceeds to step S520 where the control sequence ends. At step S530, it is determined if a commercial profile and / or rule requests access to a commercial application. If the result of the determination is "Yes", the control jumps to step S540, otherwise the control proceeds to step S520 where the control sequence ends.

In step S540, the commercial profile and / or rule data is integrated into one or more commercial applications. Next, at step S550, data may optionally be exchanged between the profile and the commercial applications. Then, at step S560, the profile may optionally be updated with data received from the one or more commercial applications. In a similar way Data from the profile can be used to update the one or more commercial applications with selected data. Control then proceeds to step S570 where the control sequence ends.

9 shows an exemplary method for a social network using the set-top box and its associated profile (s). Specifically, the control starts at step S600 and proceeds to step S610. At step S610, one or more social network applications are initiated with their respective interfaces. The initiation of the various social networking applications may be limited by data included in the profile, security data, and / or rules. For example, as discussed above, parental controls may be entered into the rule set, thereby limiting the type of social network application that may be available to a particular user. This type of restrictive rule can be entered in the root profile, with a hierarchical rule set that governs all child profiles. Next, at step S620, dialogues with one or more social network applications may be monitored for compliance with security data, rules, and, for example, the data contained in the profile. Different types of dialogues include two-way video, high-definition video, interactive media, advanced blogging, text messaging, chatting, or any communication modality in general. The control then proceeds to step S630. In step S630, the disclosure of sensitive data by the intelligent agent is governed by the rules, the security data, and the profile type. For example, as previously discussed, when it is a child's profile, a parent may apply various rules and security data governing the disclosure of sensitive data, in the event that one or more of the security data and rules are violated It is determined at step S640 whether a warning signal should be sent. If a warning signal is to be sent, control proceeds to step S650, where a warning signal is prepared and sent. Otherwise, the control jumps to step S660.

at Step S660 will be an option to manage or update the profile, offered. If administration or updating is required, drive the control proceeds to step S670, otherwise the control jumps to step S680 where the control sequence ends. At step S670 updating and / or managing the profile. This update or administration can be user centric, if, for example a user of a trusted category has a social network application add, personal data update, payment details update or generally any data associated with the profile want to update. In addition, the profile also suitably from a parent profile owner, such as a parent.

10 Figure 11 shows in more detail an exemplary method for initiating a transaction. Specifically, the control starts at step S700 and proceeds to step S705. In step S705, one or more communication devices or other electronic devices are assigned to the STB. For example, a telephone number or other identifier may be stored in the profile with an indication that the device associated with that identifier or telephone number is associated with the STB. This activity may be user centric, in association with the service provider, or generally by any process. Next, a transaction is initiated at step S710. Depending on whether a personal agent or service provider agent is used for the particular case of the invention, control continues either at step S712 or at step S715. At step S715, a desired transaction is selected. This desired transaction may be selected from a list of available transactions, or a user may, for example, navigate via a web-based service to find merchants, service providers or the like with whom he wishes to initiate a transaction. Next, in step S720, the service agent looks up the STB and retrieves data, such as payment data, from the profile. Then, at step S725, the service agent forwards the transaction data and payment data to the shop offering the requested service. The control then proceeds to step S730.

Similarly, at step S712, a desired transaction is selected in collaboration with a personal agent. As with the transaction request to a service provider, the selection of the desired transaction may either be from one or more bucket transactions, or may be navigated thereon based on, for example, web navigation. Next, in step S714, the personal agent forwards the transaction data and payment data to the shop offering the requested service. Transaction data may include data such as the name of the order divisor, address, telephone number, order options, and generally any data associated with an order. The control then proceeds to step S730. At step S730, it is determined whether the transaction data should be stored. If the transaction data is to be stored, control proceeds to step S735, and control returns to step S740. In step S740, it is determined whether another transaction is desired. If another transaction is desired, control transfers to step S750, otherwise control ends in step S745. In step S750, it is determined whether a previous transaction should be reused. If it is to be used again, control proceeds to step S755 to select and retrieve the previous transaction, and control proceeds to step S760 as appropriate either at step S725 or at step S714. If a previous transaction is not to be reused, control proceeds to step S765 where the control appropriately returns to either step S715 or step S712.

11 shows in more detail the storage of data relating to the transaction of step S735. Specifically, the control starts at step S800 and proceeds to step S810. In step S810, the trigger for storing the transaction data is identified. For example, upon completion of a transaction, the user may be asked if he wishes to save the transaction. Next, in step S820, data relating to the transaction may be stored in the STB and / or the service provider network and / or the communication device depending on, for example, whether a personal agent or service agent is being used and whether the device, from which the transaction request was sent is able to store the transaction data. Then, at step S830, it is determined whether the data is to be stored in the communication device. If the data is to be stored in the communication device, control proceeds to step S835. Otherwise, the control jumps to step S845. At step S835, an agent sends a configuration request to the telephone. Next, at step S840, the menu item in the phone is busy, and control proceeds to step S845. At step S845, it is determined whether the transaction data is to be stored in the service provider network. If the transaction data is to be stored in the service provider network, control continues in step S850, otherwise control proceeds to step S860.

at Step S860 determines if the transaction data in the set-top box, z. B. in a profile to be stored. Shall the transaction data stored in the set-top box, the controller drives on in step S865. Otherwise, the controller jumps to step S875. At step S865, an agent sends a configuration request to the set-top box. Next, in step S870 the menu item in the menu service occupies, with the Control continues in step S875. At step S875 becomes the menu item for subsequent transactions made available. The controller then moves at step S880, where the control sequence ends.

12 Fig. 12 shows in more detail a social network application associated with an embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the control starts at step S900 and proceeds to step S910. At step S910, one or more buddy lists of one or more buddies are created. Next, at step S920, rules and / or rights and / or preferences are assigned to the one or more buddies. Then, at step S930, optionally, the state of one or more buddies in the user's device may be occupied. Similarly, the user's state may be stored in the stack of other users' devices and their state provided therein. Control then proceeds to step S940. At step S940, audio and / or video and / or multimedia content may optionally be provided to other devices of buddies. Snapshots or screen captures or audio subclips can also be provided to the other buddies. Next, at step S950, data may be exchanged between the buddies via any other known method of data exchange between devices. Control then proceeds to step S960 where the control sequence ends.

The following are examples of transactions, how to set up these transactions, and options for performing the transactions in accordance with embodiments of this invention. According to a first exemplary scenario, it is assumed that a user either has a mobile phone provided by a service provider or has a mobile phone number associated with the phone specifically stored as a contact in his profile. In the latter case, an agent in the STB shares the mobile phone data with a server in the service provider so that calls made from that mobile phone can be assigned to that user and their particular STB. The user enters his personal data and financial preferences (including credit card data and preferences as well as account data and preferences) into his secure profile stored in the STB. At a later time, when making a transaction (for example, ordering a pizza at a local pizza delivery service), the personal agent in the STB prompts the user to indicate whether he wants this transaction as a preference for future use should be saved. If the user indicates that he wishes to save the transaction, then at a later time, when the user returns home (where the STB is) and wants to perform the same transaction (ordering a pizza), the user can use his mobile phone and the telephone number associated with the STB call the personal agent. The call to the personal agent causes the user to be presented with a voice menu from which the user can orally select the desired transaction, for example, using an agent or IVR system. This request is then sent from the STB with secure payment data to the shop offering the requested service for the transaction.

In Another exemplary scenario is assumed to be a User either a provided by a service provider Mobile phone has or has a mobile phone number that is in his Profile is specifically assigned as contact stored phone. In the latter case, an agent in the STB uses the mobile phone data shared with a server in the service provider, so by that Mobile phone made calls to that user and his special STB can be assigned. The user gives his personal data and financial preferences (including credit card information and preferences as well as account data and preferences) in his stored in the STB secure profile. At a later date, if he carries out a transaction (for example, the order a pizza at a local pizza delivery service), calls the personal agent in the STB instructs the user to specify whether he wants this transaction as a preference to be saved for future use. Gives the user indicates that he wants to save the transaction, then the user can, at a later time, when the user returns home (where the STB is) and perform the same transaction (ordering a pizza) would like to use his cellphone and use a set of Servers in the service provider network associated phone number one Call the agent service of a service provider. The call at Service Agent causes the user to be presented a voice menu which will give the user the desired transaction either orally or on the basis of typed answers can choose. Then the service agent uses the association of the mobile phone to the user to the STB for the user and then use that data to get a secure one Retrieve the payment data and start the transaction request to the shop that requested the service for the transaction offers to send.

In Another scenario assumes that a user either a provided by a service provider mobile phone or a other type of communication device has or the mobile phone number of the device in its profile specifically stored as a contact Has. In the latter case, an agent in the STB uses the mobile phone data shared with a server in the services provider system, so by calls made to that mobile phone to that user and its special STB. Of the User gives his personal information and financial preferences (including credit card information and preferences as well as account data and preferences) in his stored in the STB secure profile. At a later date, if the user performs a transaction (for example ordering a pizza at a local pizza delivery service), the personal agent in the STB asks the user to indicate if he would like this transaction as a preference to be saved for future use. Gives the user indicates that he wants to save the transaction, the agent sends a configuration request to the mobile phone of the User, so that one of the preference assigned menu item created in the mobile phone and easily accessible in the future is done. At a later time, though the user returns home (where the STB is) and perform the same transaction (ordering a pizza) the user wants to use the menu button his mobile phone to a set of servers in the service provider network specify the requirement. The request starts a secure Retrieve the payment data and send the transaction request to the shop that requested the service for the transaction offers.

In another exemplary scenario, it is assumed that a user either has a mobile phone provided by a service provider or has specially stored the mobile phone number of the mobile phone in his profile as a contact. In the latter case, an agent in the STB shares the mobile phone data with a server in the service provider system so that calls made from that mobile phone can be associated with that user and their particular STB. The user enters his personal data and financial preferences (including credit card data and preferences as well as account data and preferences) into his secure profile stored in the STB. At a later time, when the user makes a transaction (for example, ordering a pizza at a local pizza delivery service), the personal agent in the STB prompts the user to indicate whether he wants this transaction to be a preference for the future Use should be saved. If the user indicates that he wishes to save the transaction, the agent sends a configuration request to a server in the service provider network, which provides a service menu to the mobile phone. For a later time, when the user returns home (where the STB is) and wants to perform the same transaction (ordering a pizza), the user uses his mobile phone to store his or her in the service provider network access menu preferences. He selects the menu button for the desired transaction, which specifies the request to a set of servers in the service provider network. The request starts a secure retrieval of the payment data and sends the transaction request to the shop offering the requested service for the transaction.

It follow examples of social networking applications based on the embodiments described here. In a first Exemplary scenario assumes that a user either has a provided by a service provider mobile phone or the mobile phone number of the mobile phone in its profile specifically saved as a contact. In the latter case, an agent uses in the STB the mobile phone data together with a server in the service provider, so that made from that mobile phone calls that User and his special STB can be assigned. The user gives his personal information and financial preferences (including credit card information and preferences as well as account data and preferences) in his stored in the STB secure profile. At a later date, the Users either in his preferences, about a web transaction or via a mobile phone menu, that a group of other users of the service provider "buddies" of the User are. Each user can have a number of buddy groups and other users can be members of multiple buddy groups for the same user or for different users be. A special buddy group provides an example of a social Net for the user.

Under Use of methods well known in the art can monitor the presence of each user in the buddy group in real time the whole group. (When watching a TV program or currently on the move, busy or off-line are examples of States of buddies). The social network agent of the STB provides an interface ready to give a network server the state of the View Buddies and provide the ability to view the state the buddy of the user in the head of a user just looked at Program. The agent is capable of the network server Video and / or audio from both the viewer and the watched Program. The network server can turn the video and audio in a suitable format to the other buddys in the group currently selected by the user, with simultaneous consideration of any copy restriction flags in the program material sent to you. The social network agent in the STB and a suitable client in the mobile phone then the buddies, each other's thoughts, feelings and to communicate reactions to the watched program. Your dialogue can be stored in the network server so that it can be shared with other members accessible to the buddy list. Optionally, the conversation can marked and for search and access by other members of the social network service offered by the company be put. Some service providers may grant active buddy groups have privileged access to the desired Material to interest other groups in the material.

It There may be a number of variations and modifications of the invention be used. It would be possible to have some characteristics to offer the invention without providing some others. The Exemplary systems and methods of this invention have been disclosed in U.S. Pat Reference to STBs and profile (s) described. However, the present The invention was not unnecessarily complicated in the Description a number of known structures and devices omitted. This omission is not a limitation the scope of the claimed invention interpreted. Special details were set out to understand the present invention close. It is understood, however, that the present invention in many ways, about the specific details set out here in addition, can be practiced.

Further, while the embodiments illustrated herein depict various components of the assembled system, certain components of the system may be remotely located in remote portions of a distributed network 10 such as a LAN, a cable network and / or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. It is therefore understood that the components of the system may be combined in one or more devices, such as an STB, or in a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and / or digital communication network, a packet-switched network, a circuit-switched network or a cable network. It will be understood from the foregoing description that, also for reasons of computational efficiency, the components of the system may be located at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components may reside in a switch, such as a PBX and media server, a gateway, a cable provider, in one or more communication devices, on the premises of one or more users, or a combination of these locations. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system may be interconnected between one or more communication devices, such as for example, a STB, and an associated computing device distributed. The one or more functional portions of the system may also be installed in a television or a TV tuner card, such as installed in a computer.

Furthermore, it should be understood that the various links, such as the link 5 which may connect the elements, be wired or wireless links, or any combination of both, or any other known or later developed element or elements capable of delivering and / or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links may also be secure links and may be able to communicate encrypted data. For example, transmission media used as links may be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optic, and may take the form of sound or light waves, such as those generated in radio wave and infrared data communications. It should also be understood that while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated with respect to a particular sequence of events, changes, additions, and omissions may be made in this sequence without materially interfering with the operation of the invention.

at In another embodiment, the systems may be and methods of this invention are implemented in conjunction with a special computer, a programmed microprocessor or Microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element (s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital one Signal processor, a hardwired electronic or logical Circuit, such as a discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or a gate array, such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special computer, any comparable means or similar. General can any device / device or device which are able to implement the methodology presented here, Be used to the different aspects of this invention to implement. Examples of hardware that can be used for the present invention belong Computers, mobile devices, phones (eg mobile phones, Internet-capable, digital, analogue, hybrid and other telephones), and other hardware known in the art. Some These devices include processors (for example, a single or more microprocessors), memory, non-volatile Memory, input devices and output devices. Furthermore can also include alternative software implementations including, without however, to be limited to distributed processing or component / object distributed processing, parallel processing or virtual machine processing to be constructed to implement methods described herein.

In another embodiment, the described methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software that utilizes object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used in a variety of computer or workstation platforms , Alternatively, the described system may be implemented in whole or in part in hardware using standard logic circuits or a VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems of this invention is dependent upon the system's requirements in terms of speed and / or efficiency, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor systems used. or microcomputer systems. In another embodiment, the method described may be partially implemented in software stored in a storage medium and executed on a programmed general-purpose computer in cooperation with a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this invention may be implemented as an integrated in a PC program, such as an applet, JAVA ^® - or CGI script, as a resident in a server or computer workstation resource as a routine integrated in a dedicated measuring system, a system component or the like. The system may also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and / or method into a software and / or hardware system.

While the present invention describes the components and functions implemented in the embodiments with respect to particular standards and protocols, the invention is not limited to these standards and protocols. There are other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein which are considered to be included in the present invention. In addition, the standards and protocols mentioned here and the other similar standards and protocols not mentioned here are replaced at regular intervals by faster or more efficient equivalents, which have essentially the same functions. Such substitute standards and protocols which have the same functions as in the present Considered equivalents.

The present invention includes in various embodiments Configurations and Aspects Components, processes, processes, systems and / or devices as essentially illustrated herein and are described, including various embodiments, Subcombinations and subsets thereof. The specialist will, after he understood the present description, understand how the to make and use the present invention. The present Invention includes in various embodiments, Configurations and aspects of the provision of equipment and processes without the ones not illustrated and / or described herein Elements or in their various embodiments, Configurations and aspects including those without Elements that may be in previous devices or processes z. B. to improve performance, to achieve user friendliness and / or used to lower implementation costs.

The The foregoing discussion of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description set forth. The above statements The invention is not intended to the shape or forms described herein restrict. In the foregoing detailed Description is, for example, various features of the invention in one or more embodiments, configurations or Summarized in order to keep the description more concise. The features of the embodiments, configurations or Aspects of the invention may be used in other alternative embodiments, Configurations or aspects than those discussed above are combined become. This type of description should not be construed as it reflects the intention that the claimed invention is more Characteristics as expressly mentioned in each claim should require. Rather, as in the following claims reproduced, inventive aspects in less than all features a single embodiment described above, Configuration or aspect. Thus, the following claims hereby incorporated into this detailed description, each claim taken separately is a separate one preferred embodiment of the invention.

Furthermore includes the scope of the invention, although the description of the invention the description of one or more embodiments, configurations or aspects and certain variants and modifications, other variants, combinations and modifications, the z. B. within the skill and knowledge of the skilled person after having understood the present description. It is intended to obtain rights that are within the permissible Extent of alternative embodiments, configurations or aspects, including structures, functions, Areas or steps leading to the claimed structures, functions, Areas or steps alternatively, interchangeably and / or equivalent are, whether or not these alternative, interchangeable and / or equivalent structures, functions, areas or steps described here or not, and without the intention of favor to renounce the public to a patentable subject.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited non-patent literature

• - http://www.opencable.com/ocap/ [0004]

Claims (10)

Means for operating a set-top box with an operating system layer that is operable to support cable network connectivity and to provide an application platform comprising: medium for creating one or more profiles, each one Profile commercial data and commercial preferences includes and the commercial data and / or the commercial Preferences in association with a service application or Communication application for the respective operation of Service application or the communication application are used; and means for the administration of one or more Profiles, where the administration is the facility and / or editing of the one or more profiles. Method for operating a set-top box with an operating system layer that is operable to to support a cable network interconnectability and to provide an application platform comprising: creation one or more profiles, each profile being commercial data and includes commercial preferences and commercial Data and / or commercial preferences in association to a service application or communication application for the respective operation of the service application or the communication application be used; Management of the one or more profiles wherein the administration means the establishment and / or the editing of the includes one or more profiles. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the one or more profiles are commercial data and / or Communication preferences and / or commercial preferences and / or Payment data and / or supplier data and / or priority data and / or contextual preferences, on or several sub-profiles, alternative contact modalities, bank details, Financial data, employee data, operational data and one or more include trusted contacts. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the set-top box is adapted for TV programming and / or data and / or voice data and / or Internet communications and / or VoIP communications and / or e-commerce communications and / or communication of connected electronic devices and To receive content. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the set-top box includes an input / output interface, which is operable to be trusted with one or more To communicate tuples. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the set-top box includes a menu module and the Menu module is operable to one or more Menus based on customer service applications and / or the communication application and / or a service or Goods provider. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the service application is a request, a service transaction which includes data from one or more profiles with the request to initiate a service transaction, Internet-based protocols used to come up with a trusted tuple and / or a content / service provider and / or another Tuple to communicate. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, where the set-top box comprises a linking module, which is operable to one or more additional Link devices to the set-top box, and when the one or more devices have a phone, a SIP enabled device, an electronic communication device, a softphone, a multimedia device, an audio device, include a video device and an electronic device. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, in which the set-top box comprises a security module that can be actuated is to filter data in the one or more profiles and / or to analyze and / or restrict access to it and / or to restrict and / or control their distribution. Invention according to one of the preceding claims, in which the set-top box comprises one or more subprofiles whose Behavior is regulated by the one or more profiles.