EA045167B1 - METHOD OF SIGNALING TO THE TERMINAL ABOUT REPLACEMENT, METHOD OF REPLACEMENT THROUGH THE TERMINAL AND RELATED COMPUTER SOFTWARE PRODUCTS, SYSTEM AND TERMINAL - Google Patents

Description

Field of technology to which the invention relates

The technical field to which the invention relates is the field of replacing content within a broadcast stream (ie, replacing one content with another). This is also referred to as content insertion or opt-out.

More specifically, the invention relates to a method for signaling to a terminal to replace content broadcast over a broadband network to which the terminal is connected with content addressed to the terminal in question, as well as a corresponding replacement method implemented in the terminal.

The invention has many applications, in particular, but not exclusively, in the field of targeted advertising, wherein the described method allows the provision of customized (targeted) advertising on the terminal instead of broadcast advertising transmitted by a broadcast network, for example a network compliant with the DVB-T/T2 standard (abbreviation , adopted for Digital Video Broadcasting - Terrestrial), the ISDB-T standard (abbreviation adopted for Integrated Services Digital Broadcasting - Terrestrial), the ATSC-3 standard (abbreviation adopted for the Advanced Television Systems Committee) or also the DTTB standard (abbreviation adopted for Digital Television Terrestrial Broadcasting).

State of the art and its disadvantages

Today, protocols exist for inserting opt-out orders into a data stream broadcasting content within a broadcast network.

For example, SCTE 104 (an acronym for the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) allows the transmission of such orders, typically between a broadcast channel recording studio and an encoder enclosed in a network header. More specifically, the orders in question are either inserted into the SDI stream (short for Serial Digital Interface) output from the recording studio, or transmitted in parallel with the SDI stream, for example, over an IP connection (short for the Internet). protocol, Internet Protocol).

Orders in SCTE 104 format are usually received by the encoder, which translates them into SCTE 35 format (another protocol) and inserts them into the corresponding MPEG-TS output stream (abbreviation adopted for Moving Picture Experts Group - Transport Stream) of the multiplexer, which is also inserted into the network header .

Thus, the multiplexer switches between the national program and the local program based on such received orders to generate a corresponding multiplexed data stream.

Solutions for signaling a terminal to replace content broadcast via targeted advertising have been developed based on such protocols. For example, the solution of the British operator SKY is based on the use of the SCTE35 protocol.

However, the SCTE 35 or 104 protocol (standard) is not standardized for terminals intended to present the target content in question, and therefore is not implemented by default on them. Thus, such terminal signaling solutions require the use of a proprietary receiver at the terminal level to be able to interpret received orders according to one of the SCTE 35 and 104 protocols.

In addition, a content replacement signaling technology based on generating event notification messages is known from WO 2019/011655. According to this technology, the replacement is implemented by the terminal after receiving the corresponding event notification message.

The technology for inserting advertisements into a live broadcast video stream, based on knowledge of the specified limits of advertisements in the stream, is also known from document US 2011/0145857.

However, there is a need for a way to signal replacement of content to a conventional public terminal that can be found in the market to minimize the cost of the solution as well as ease its deployment. In particular, there is a need for a solution that allows a terminal to perform a replacement at a specific time point.

Disclosure of the invention

In an embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for notifying a terminal to replace broadcast content via a broadcast network to which the terminal is connected with replacement content intended for at least that terminal. Such a method comprises obtaining at least one replacement information packet containing a piece of timing information indicating a time for the terminal to perform at least one action to replace the broadcast content with the replacement content; a piece of temporal information corresponds to the date of provision of an image of said broadcast content with reference to a reference clock signal included in the broadcast content;

generating at least one event notification message containing at least one piece of temporary information from a plurality of pieces of temporary information received through the at least one replacement information packet; and inserting into the data stream carrying the broadcast content within the broadcast network, said at least one event notification message at a time preceding the at least one piece of temporal information, in the chronological order of receiving the broadcast content images.

Thus, the invention provides a new and inventive solution that allows a terminal to be notified via a broadcast network to replace the broadcast content with targeted content (eg, a targeted advertisement for the user of the terminal in question).

More specifically, the execution time of the replacement action(s) by the terminal corresponds to the date of receipt of the broadcast content image with reference to a reference clock contained directly in the broadcast content. Thus, based on the received event notification message and the reference clock contained in the broadcast content, the terminal has timing information necessary to synchronize the execution of the broadcast content replacement action(s).

In addition, replacement signaling may be based on standards already implemented in some terminals, for example, through streamevent messages in DSM-CC format (the common abbreviation for Digital Storage Media Command and Control).

In some embodiments, the at least one replacement information packet contains at least one piece of identification information, wherein the at least one action depends on the at least one piece of identification information. The framing comprises encapsulating said at least one piece of identification information in said at least one event notification message.

Thus, an event notification message can trigger multiple replacement actions associated with multiple pieces of identity information.

In some embodiments, the at least one replacement information packet contains a unique piece of identification information that may contain multiple values, each of which is associated in the terminal with a separate set of at least one action. The framing comprises encapsulating a unique piece of identification information in the at least one event notification message.

Thus, the event notification message may trigger a specific sequence of replacement actions associated with a given piece of identification information.

In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining at least one piece of identification information not included in the at least one replacement information packet. Said at least one action depends on said at least one piece of identification information. The framing comprises encapsulating said at least one piece of identification information in said at least one event notification message.

In some embodiments, the method comprises obtaining a unique piece of identification information that can take on multiple values, each of which is associated in the terminal with a separate set of at least one action. The unique piece of identification information is not included in the at least one replacement information packet. The framing comprises encapsulating a unique piece of identification information in the at least one event notification message. Thus, the broadcast system implementing the reporting method receives identification information through a channel different from the channel over which the replacement information packet transmits timing information. For example, the advertising management platform directly provides, eg via a broadband network, identification information to the broadcast system implementing the message method. In this case, the subject system, for example, in accordance with a predetermined order (for example, in accordance with the order of reception) sequentially associates identification information received from the advertising management platform with temporary information received through replacement information packets to generate notification messages about event.

In some embodiments, the at least one replacement information packet conforms to the SCTE 35 protocol.

In another embodiment of the invention, a method is provided for replacing, by a terminal, content broadcast over a broadcast network to which the terminal connects to replace content directed to at least the terminal. According to such a method, the terminal performs a method of receiving at least one event notification message inserted into a data stream carrying broadcast content within said broadcast network; the at least one event notification message contains at least one piece of timing information indicating a time for the terminal to perform at least one action to replace the broadcast content with the replacement content; mentioned at least

- 2 045167 one piece of temporal information corresponds to the date of receipt of the image of said broadcast content with reference to a reference clock signal contained in said broadcast content; and performing the at least one action at the time of execution depending on the at least one piece of temporary information.

Thus, based on the received event notification message and the reference clock contained in the broadcast content, the terminal has the timing information necessary to synchronize the execution of the broadcast content replacement action(s).

In addition, signaling to the terminal about the replacement may be based on existing standards, such as StreamEvents messages in DSM-CC format.

In some embodiments, the implementation comprises receiving at least one piece of identification information encapsulated in the at least one event notification message. Said at least one action depends on said received at least one piece of identification information.

In some embodiments, execution comprises obtaining a unique piece of identification information that can take on multiple values, each of which is associated at the terminal with a separate set of at least one action. The at least one action depends on the received unique piece of identification information.

In some embodiments, the terminal receives the target content through a broadband network to which the terminal connects.

In some embodiments, said at least one action belongs to a group comprising selecting a data stream clock used to perform replacement type synchronization (e.g., PCR, an abbreviation adopted for a program clock reference, Program Clock Reference, or TEMI, abbreviation, external media adopted for synchronized information, Timed External Media Information);

the order of uploaded information of said target content via the broadband network;

downloading said target content through said broadband network based on said uploaded information;

a notification signaling that said terminal is ready to proceed with said replacement; decoding said target content;

providing targeted content in a decorated form;

a notification signaling that said target content has been replaced by said broadcast content; and resuming decoding of said broadcast content.

In some embodiments, the terminal is a hybrid terminal supporting the HbbTV standard, a common abbreviation for Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV.

In some embodiments, the data stream is in MPEG-TS format. The at least one event notification message is a streaming event, streamevent, in DSM-CC format.

In some embodiments, the data stream is in MPEG-TS format. The presentation date of the broadcast content image is PTS (Presentation TimeStamp). The reference clock contained in the broadcast content is the PCR clock (an abbreviation for Program Clock Reference). Complementary clock signals may be carried in a data stream, such as a TEMI component. In particular, such a TEMI component may be carried in TS packets, for example in an adaptation field (adaptation_field). In particular, the use of this clock type may require additional signaling, similar to the component_TAG definition for the TEMI clock.

The invention also relates to a computer program containing control program instructions for implementing a signaling method or replacement method (corresponding to any of the various embodiments described above) when executed on a computer.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a broadcast system configured to signal to a terminal a replacement of content broadcast through a broadcast network to which the terminal is connected to replace content intended for at least the terminal. Such a broadcast system comprises a programmable computer or dedicated computer configured to implement the steps of the signaling method of the invention (corresponding to any of the above embodiments).

Thus, the features and advantages of this system are the same as the features and advantages of the previously described signaling method. Therefore, they are not discussed in further detail here.

In particular, such a broadcast system contains at least one encoder (or encoding module), one multiplexer (or multiplexing module) and one signaling device. Such objects, hardware or software may belong to one or more pieces of equipment.

In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a terminal configured to replace content broadcast through a broadcast network to which the terminal is connected to replace content intended for at least the terminal. Such a terminal contains a programmable computer or a dedicated computer configured to implement the steps of the replacement method in accordance with the invention (in accordance with any of the above-mentioned embodiments).

Therefore, the features and advantages of this terminal are the same as the features and advantages of the replacement method described above. Therefore, they are not discussed in further detail here.

Brief description of drawings

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become clearly apparent upon reading the following description, which is provided as a merely illustrative and non-limiting example with reference to the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a television broadcast system to which a terminal according to an embodiment of the invention is connected;

fig. 2 is an example of an event notification message structure used for communication between some of the entities shown in FIG. 1, corresponding to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 3 shows steps of a method for notifying a terminal of a replacement of content broadcast over a broadcast network in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 4 is an example of a structure of a broadcast television system corresponding to the method shown in FIG. 3;

fig. 5 illustrates steps of a method for replacing content broadcast via a broadcast network by a terminal in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 6 is an example of a terminal structure that allows the implementation of the method shown in FIG. 5;

fig. 7 is an example of actions performed by the objects shown in FIG. 1, during the implementation of the methods shown in FIG. 3 and 5, in accordance with embodiments of the invention.

Carrying out the invention

Throughout the drawings of this document, identical elements and steps bear the same reference numerals.

The general principle of the invention is to encapsulate in an event notification message timing information indicating the time at which a terminal has performed at least one content replacement action to replace in broadcast content. Such timing information corresponds to the date of provision of the broadcast content image with reference to a reference clock embedded in the broadcast content. The event notification message is inserted into the data stream carrying content broadcast to the terminal within the broadcast network.

Thus, based on the received event notification message and the reference clock contained in the broadcast content, the terminal has the timing information necessary to synchronize the execution of the broadcast content replacement action(s). Additionally, replacement signaling may be based on standards already implemented in some terminals, e.g. on standards whose notification messages do not contain a temporary reference allowing synchronous execution on the broadcast data stream.

With reference to FIG. 1 further describes a television broadcast system 100 to which a terminal 110 is connected in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

More specifically, the terminal 110 is a conventional broadcast television receiver connected on the one hand to a television broadcast network 120 and on the other hand to a broadband network 130 such as the Internet. Such terminal 110 is sometimes also referred to as connected TV, smart TV, digital TV, Internet TV, interactive TV, hybrid TV, PCTV, hybrid broadcast broadband TV, HbbTV or H4TV.

The terminal 110 is compatible with the HbbTV standard to be able to download, over the broadband network 130, a specific HbbTV application (enabling replacement by the terminal 110, as detailed hereinafter) from the static Internet server 100a. Such loading is done on the basis of received information (for example, an address such as a URL (abbreviation for a uniform resource locator, Uniform Resource Locator), for example, through the DVB AIT table (abbreviation for Digital Video Broadcasting, and information tables). 4 045167 application information, Application Information Table) contained in the MPEGTS data stream received from the television broadcast system 100 via the broadcast network 120.

In more detail, the broadcast network 120 is, for example, a DTTV (Digital Terrestrial Television) network using the DVB-T standard to broadcast a data stream in MPEG-TS format. In other embodiments, broadcast network 120 is a satellite network using the DVB standard or a cable network using the DVB-C standard. In other embodiments, the broadcast network 120 is identified with a network based on an IP transport protocol and the terminal 110 is, for example, a set-top box containing (or communicating with) a network gateway connected to the broadband network 130. Such an IP transport protocol is , for example, UDP/IP (an abbreviation for the User Datagram Protocol), which allows multicast broadcasting, or TCP/IP (an abbreviation for the Transmission Control Protocol), which allows unicast broadcasting. type as the preferred one, through the so-called OTT broadcasters (abbreviation adopted for Over The Top). In some embodiments, the IP transport network shares physical resources with the broadband network 130.

Returning to FIG. 1, terminal 110 is configured to receive event notification messages 200 contained in an MPEG-TS format data stream transported by broadcast network 120. For example, these event notification messages 200 are StreamEvents messages in DSM-CC format (abbreviation, adopted for Digital Storage Media Command and Control).

Television broadcast system 100 includes an advertising management platform 100c that provides one (or more) identification information (eg, by reference to one (or more) action(s) to be performed by terminal 110) for encapsulation in message 200c. notification of the event to the terminal 110. In more detail, the advertising management platform 100c transmits identification information on one side to the static Internet server 100a, which in turn transmits it to the terminal 110 via the broadband network 130 (for example, through an XML file ( abbreviation adopted for denoting extensible Markup Language)); as discussed above, such information allows the terminal 110 to identify the replacement action(s) to be implemented; and on the other hand, a video production system 100e (comprising, for example, a CSDI player and equipment capable of inserting a data packet into the SCTE 104 format).

The video production system 100e generates an SDI stream for multiplexing into a broadcast the data stream via the broadcast network 120 after being encoded by the video encoder 100f, multiplexed by the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g, and broadcast modulated by the DVB modulator 100h.

The advertising management platform 100c also provides a video production system 100e with a broadcast content identifier to be replaced. Thus, based on the ID of the content to be replaced received from the advertising management platform 100c, the video production system 100e determines the first synchronized timing information of the SDI stream. Such first timing information determines the time at which one or more actions must be performed by the terminal 110 to replace the broadcast content identified by the identification information for the replacement content. Thus, the video production system 110e generates first replacement information packets in SCTE format 104. Thus, the first replacement information packets contain first timing information and corresponding identification information. In practice, the first time information belongs to a group containing at least one absolute time reference with respect to a so-called SDI stream timecode clock; and at least one timing difference with respect to the timing position at which the first replacement information packet carries the timing information in question is inserted into the SDI stream (eg, a value before the SCTE standard 104 roll).

Optionally, the video production system 100e also inserts a replacement duration associated with the timing information and associated identification information in the first packets of replacement information in SCTE format 104. The video production system 100e transmits the first packets of replacement information to the video encoder 100f (eg, via an Internet connection).

Video encoder 100f generates an MPEG-TS stream in MPEG4 format from an SDI stream received from video production system 100e. In particular, video encoder 100f is configured to convert 104 SCTE format commands in the received SDI stream into 35 SCTE format commands. In more detail, video encoder 100f is capable of converting time references (eg, time code or pre-trigger value) used by the SCTE 104 standard into PTS time references (abbreviation for Presentation TimeStamp) used by the SCTE 35 standard. More In detail, a given PTS time reference corresponds to the provision date of the corresponding broadcast content image with reference to a reference clock embedded in the broadcast content, in this case the PCR or TEMI clock. Thus, video encoder 100f converts the first substitution information packets in SCTE format 104 present in the received SDI stream into substitution information packets in SCTE format 35 inserted into the MPEG-TS stream thereby delivered to the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g. Thus, replacement information packets in SCTE 35 format contain timing information and associated identification information.

For example, temporary information, i.e. PTS, transmitted in any of the following frames/descriptors/fields, as defined in the SCTE 35 standard:

- Time signal ()-> splice_Time ();

- splice schedule ()-> utc splice time; And

- splice insert()->splice time()->pts time

Similarly, identification information, for example, is carried in any of the following loops/descriptors/fields as defined in the SCTE 35 standard:

- splice info section () about splice info commands

- splice schedule () o splice_event_id (32 bits) o unique_program_id (16 bits) o avail_num (8 bits) o avails expected (8 bits)

- splice insert() o splice_event_id (32 bits) o unique_program_id (16 bits) o avail_num (8 bits) o avail sexpected (8 bits)

- splice descriptor() o avail_descriptor provider_avail_id (32 bits) o DTMF descriptor()

DTMF_char (N bits) o segmentation descriptor() segmentation_event_id segmentation upid (N bits, depending on segmentationupidtype),

Optionally, video encoder 100f also inserts the replacement duration associated with the timing information and associated identification information into the replacement information packets in SCTE 35 format.

Returning to FIG. 1, based on replacement information packets in SCTE 35 format (eg, obtained by extracting from an MPEG-TS stream originating from video encoder 100f), signaling device 100i generates corresponding event notification messages, in this case Streamevents messages in DSM-format. SS. Such event notification messages 200 encapsulate information carried in replacement information packets, and in particular, timing information (PTS in SCTE 35 format) and associated identification information. In a particular implementation, the event notification message 200 may transport an entire SCTE section 35 (eg, splice_info_section()). In a particular embodiment, a single PTS value is included in the event notification message. Device 100i transmits event notification messages 200 to MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g.

The MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g inserts each event notification message 200 into the multiplexed stream thus generated by it at a point in time preceding the images representing dates corresponding to the timing information conveyed in the event notification message 200 in question. In this manner, the terminal 110 receives an event notification message 200 prior to the scheduled date of execution of the corresponding replacement actions with respect to the broadcast content.

- 6 045167

In other embodiments, device 100i is a module present in video encoder 100f. In this case, device 100i receives, for example, replacement information packets in the format

SCTE 35 directly, i.e. without having to extract them from the MPEG-TS stream.

In other embodiments, the device 100i is a module contained in the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g, or a module located after the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g. In these embodiments, device 100i inserts, for example, event 200 notification messages 200 into an MPEG-TS stream.

In other embodiments, the device 100i is a module located in parallel with the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g. In these embodiments, device 100i takes as input a multiplexed stream coming from MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g and outputs all or part of the components of the stream into event notification messages 200 that have been inserted. The stream components into which the event notification messages 200 have been inserted are thus reintroduced into the input signal of the 100gMPEG/DVB multiplexer.

As used herein, it should be noted that the term module may correspond to both a software component and a hardware component, or a number of hardware and software components, wherein the software component itself corresponds to one or more computer programs or routines, or, more generally, to any program element , configured to implement a function or set of functions, as described for the modules in question. Likewise, a hardware component corresponds to any piece of hardware configured to implement a function or set of functions for the module in question (integrated circuit, smart card, memory card, etc.).

In other embodiments, device 100i receives identity information directly from static Internet server 100a, for example, via broadband network 130. In these embodiments, replacement information packets in SCTE format 35 may encapsulate only temporary information. In other words, in these embodiments, identification information is optional in SCTE 35 format replacement information packets.

Returning to FIG. 1, DVB modulator 100h generates a modulated signal carrying a data stream supplied from MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g via broadcast network 120.

Thus, the terminal 110 receives, on the one hand, a modulated signal carrying event notification messages 200 transmitted by the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g over the broadcast network 120 and, on the other hand, identification information coming from the static Internet server 100a via the broadband network 130.

To implement the replacement method (described further below with reference to FIG. 5), the terminal 110 implements a specific HbbTV type application 110app, which the terminal 110 downloads from the static Internet server 100a, as described above.

More specifically, the 110app application creates the following various modules, in this case software:

a module 110syn that controls the reception of event notification messages 200 and retrieves temporary information (PTS in SCTE 35 format), from which it also, when necessary, retrieves identification information and optionally a replacement duration associated with the temporal information in question;

a module 110sub controlling the identification of replacement contents, their preloading and their storage on the terminal 110; module 110sub then performs the replacement and reports the status of the completed operations; such actions implemented by module 110sub are further shown hereinafter with reference to FIG. 7.

In other embodiments, the functions implemented in modules 110syn, 110sub, and 110api are grouped into a single module within application 110app. In other embodiments, functions implemented in modules 110syn, 110sub, and 110api are implemented in multiple modules within application 110app. In all embodiments of the application 110app, the application 110app, and therefore the terminal 110, can be said to implement the functions of the aforementioned modules 110syn, 110sub and 110api.

In fig. 2 now provides an example of an event notification message structure 200 that is used to transmit messages between the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g and the terminal 110 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

More specifically, the payload portion of the event notification message 200 includes a field 200a always containing the same ascii encoded information, such as SC. Field 200a allows terminal 110, such as syn unit 110, to identify whether the received event notification message 200 is an event notification message 200 containing replacement information.

The event notification message 200 includes a field 200b containing one or more pieces of temporary information (one or more PTS in SCTE 35 format) to be replaced. For example, PTS is encoded at thirty-three bits according to the SCTE 35 format.

Event Notification Message 200 contains a field 200c which specifies in bytes the size

- 7 045167 the 200d data field itself.

The data field 200d contains identification information associated with the temporary information of the field 200b. For example, it contains the identifier of one (or more) replacement action(s) to be performed by the terminal 101 and/or optionally the duration of the replacement associated with the timing information in question.

In turn, field 200e carries a CRC (abbreviation for Cyclic Redundancy Check), such as CRC 32, calculated on all of the above fields. In this manner, it can be verified that the payload portion of the event notification message 200 actually contains a replacement notification.

In fig. 3 illustrates the steps of a method for transmitting a replacement message to a terminal 110 via a broadcast network 120 by a television broadcast system 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

During step E300, the alarm device 100i receives a replacement information packet. For example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, signaling device 100i extracts such replacement information packets from an MPEG-TS stream originating from video encoder 100f. In other embodiments of the system 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and in which device 100i is a module included in video encoder 100f, device 100i receives, for example, replacement information packets in SCTE 35 format directly, i.e. without having to extract them from the MPEG-TS stream.

Returning to FIG. 3, the replacement information packet contains a piece of timing information (eg, a PTS in SCTE format 35, as described above with reference to FIG. 1) indicating the timing of the terminal 110 performing one (or more) action(s) to replace the broadcast content with replacement content. The timing information corresponds to the date of provision of the broadcast content image with reference to a reference clock signal (eg, a PCR or TEMI clock signal, as described above with reference to FIG. 1) embedded in the broadcast content.

In other embodiments, messaging device 100i receives multiple replacement information packets containing such timing information.

Returning to FIG. 3, during step E310, the messaging device 100i obtains identification information. The action(s) performed by the terminal 110 depends on the identification information in question. For example, device 100i receives identity information from a static Internet server 100a, for example, through broadband network 130. In this case, identity information is optional in SCTE 35 format replacement information packets. For example, SCTE 35 format replacement information packets encapsulate only temporary information.

In other embodiments, step E310 is not implemented and the device 100i obtains identification information through the replacement information packet received in the above-mentioned step E300. Optionally, the device 100i also receives the replacement duration associated with the corresponding timing information in the replacement information packets in SCTE 35 format.

In some embodiments, signaling device 100i receives multiple pieces of identification information. For example, all or part of the identity information in question is obtained through one or more replacement information packets received in the aforementioned step E300 (a given replacement information packet may optionally carry multiple pieces of identification information). In this case, the remaining identification information is obtained directly from the static Internet server 100a, for example, through the broadband network 130.

In some embodiments, a piece of identification information is associated with an action performed by terminal 110. In other embodiments, a piece of identification information may take on multiple values, each of which is associated at terminal 110 with a separate set of one or more actions. For example, such an action belongs to the group containing the selection of the data stream clock signal used to perform switch synchronization (for example, type PCR or TEMI);

requesting information to download target content via broadband network 130;

downloading the target content through the broadband network 130 based on the download information;

a notification indicating that the terminal 110 is ready to proceed with the replacement;

decoding target content;

providing target content in decoded form;

a notification indicating that the target content has been replaced by broadcast content; and resuming decoding of broadcast content.

Such actions are explained further below with reference to FIGS. 7.

Returning to FIG. 3, during step E320, signaling device 100i generates an event notification message 200 (e.g., a StreamEvents message in DSM-CC format as described above

- 8 045167 with reference to FIG. 1) containing at least one piece of temporary information from among the temporary information received through the replacement information packet(s) received during the above-mentioned step E300.

During step E320a, signaling device 100i encapsulates at least one received piece of identification information in event notification message 200. For example, in embodiments in which the signaling device 100i receives several pieces of identification information directly from the static Internet server 100a and several pieces of temporary information via replacement information packets in SCTE format 35, the signaling device 100i communicates, for example, sequentially, for example, in according to a predetermined order (eg, according to a reception order) identification information with timing information to generate event notification messages 200.

In some embodiments, signaling device 100i generates multiple such event notification messages 200 from multiple pieces of timing information and multiple pieces of identification information received in advance.

In some embodiments, device 100i does not implement encapsulation step E320a and event notification message(s) 200 do not contain identification information. In this case, such event notification message 200 initiates one (or more) predetermined action(s) at terminal 110.

In some embodiments, the event notification message 200 contains timing information and associated identification information.

In some embodiments, the event notification message 200 contains temporary information and several associated identifying information (eg, to identify replacement content and one or more associated actions).

In some embodiments, the event notification message 200 contains multiple pieces of temporary information and multiple identification information associated therewith.

Returning to FIG. 3, during step E330, the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g inserts into the data stream carrying the content broadcast within the broadcast network 120 the event notification message(s) 200 generated during step E320. To this end, the event notification message(s) 200 have been transmitted in advance by the signaling device 100i to the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g. More specifically, the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g inserts each event notification message 200 into the multiplexed stream at a time point prior to pictures whose receipt dates correspond to the timing information conveyed in the event notification message 200 in question.

In this manner, the terminal 110 receives an event notification message 200 prior to the scheduled date of execution of the corresponding replacement actions with respect to the broadcast content.

In other embodiments of system 100 discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1 and in which the device 100i is a module included in the MPEG/DVB multiplexer 100g, the device 100i, for example, itself inserts the event notification message(s) 200 into the data stream.

In fig. 4 shows an example of the structure of a television broadcasting system 100 allowing the implementation of the signaling method corresponding to FIG. 3. The system 100 includes a random-access memory (RAM) 403, a processing unit 402 equipped with, for example, a processor, and controlled by a computer program stored in a read-only memory (ROM or hard disk) 401. During initialization, computer program code instructions, for example, are loaded into RAM 403 before being executed by the processor of processing unit 402.

In this fig. 4 shows only one particular path among several possible for implementing system 100, such that it performs some of the steps of the signaling method detailed above with reference to FIG. 3 (in any one of various embodiments). Indeed, these steps can be performed on any programmable computer (PC, DSP or microcontroller) running a program containing a sequence of instructions, or on a specialized computer (for example, a set of logic elements such as an FPGA or ASIC , or on any other hardware module). In the case where the system 100 is implemented on a flash computer, the corresponding program (i.e., sequence of instructions) may or may not be stored on a removable storage medium (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, flash card, etc. .), wherein the medium is partially or fully readable by a computer or processor.

In some embodiments, the objects or modules 100a-100i comprising the system 100 shown in FIG. 1, are implemented in the form of completely or partially separate hardware components. In this case, all of the hardware components in question include features equivalent to those described above with reference to FIG. 4.

- 9 045167

In fig. 5 illustrates steps of a method for terminal 110 to replace content broadcast via broadcast network 120 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

During step E500, terminal 110 receives event notification message(s) 200 inserted into a data stream carrying content broadcast within broadcast network 120. As described above, for example, with reference to the signaling method shown in FIG. 3, the event notification message(s) include at least one piece of timing information indicating the time at which terminal 110 performs at least one action of replacing broadcast content with replacement content. Said at least one piece of temporal information corresponds to the date of provision of the broadcast content image (for example, a PTS in SCTE 35 format, as described above with reference to FIG. 1) with reference to a reference clock (for example, a PCR or TEMI clock, as described above with reference to Fig. 1), enclosed in broadcast content. Thus, based on the received event notification message and the reference clock embedded in the broadcast content, the terminal 110 has the timing information necessary to synchronize the execution of the replacement action(s) with the broadcast content.

During step E510, the terminal 110 performs the at least one run-time action depending on the at least one piece of timing information.

To this end, during step E510a, the terminal 110 receives one (or more) identification information encapsulated in the event notification message(s). Said at least one action depends on the identification information thus obtained.

In some embodiments, the identity piece is associated with an action performed by terminal 110. In other embodiments, the identity piece can take on multiple values, each of which is associated at terminal 110 with a separate set of one or more actions. In other embodiments, no identifying information is included in the event notification message(s). In this case, such event notification message 200 initiates one (or more) specified action(s) at terminal 110.

Examples of such actions have been presented here above with reference to FIGS. 3, and also here below with reference to FIG. 7.

During step E520, the terminal 110 receives target content, for example, from the content server 100d via the broadband network 130 to which the terminal is connected.

For example, the target content is identified by a piece of identification information obtained during the implementation of step E510a.

In other embodiments, terminal 110 does not implement step E520 and the target content is included, for example, in application 110app implemented on terminal 110.

In fig. 6 illustrates an example of a terminal 110 structure capable of implementing the replacement method shown in FIG. 5. The terminal 110 contains a random-access memory 603 (RAM), a processing unit 602 equipped, for example, with a processor, and controlled by a computer program stored in a read-only memory 601 (ROM, or on a hard disk) . During initialization, computer program code instructions, for example, are loaded into read-only memory 603 before they are executed by the processor of processing unit 602.

In this fig. 6 shows only one particular way, of several possible ways, to implement terminal 110 so that it performs some of the steps of the replacement method described in detail above with reference to FIG. 6 (in any one of various embodiments). Indeed, these steps can be performed either on a programmable computer (PC, DSP or microcontroller) running a program containing a sequence of instructions, or on a dedicated computer (for example, a set of logic gates such as an FPGA or ASIC, or on any other hardware module). In the case where the terminal 110 is implemented by a programmable computer, the corresponding program (i.e., sequence of commands) may be stored on a removable medium (such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, flash card, etc.) or other wherein the medium is partially or completely readable by a computer or processor.

In fig. 7 shows an example of actions performed by the objects shown in FIG. 1, during the implementation of the methods shown in FIG. 3 and 5, corresponding to an embodiment of the invention.

Phase P1: Preparation for broadcast content replacement.

During step P1E1, video production system 110e generates a first packet of replacement information in SCTE format 104 and transmits it to video encoder 100f via an SDI stream. Thus, the first replacement information packet contains a first piece of temporary information and several corresponding pieces of identification information. Here, the identification information identifies a sequence of actions to be performed by the terminal 110 to prepare to replace the broadcast content with the target content.

During step P1E2, video encoder 100f converts the first replacement information packet into the format

- 10 045167

SCTE 104 present in the received SDI stream into a replacement information packet in SCTE 35 format inserted into the MPEG-TS stream which is output to the 100g MPEG/DVB multiplexer. The SCTE 35 replacement information packet contains a piece of timing information corresponding to the conversion of the first piece of SCTE 35 timing information (e.g., PTS in the format

SCTE 35), as well as related identification information.

Alarm device 100i implements some steps of the method shown in FIG. 3 and receives the replacement information packet in SCTE 35 format. Thus, device 100i generates a corresponding event notification message 200 (eg, StreamEvents in DSM-CC format). The event notification message 200 encapsulates temporary information and associated identification information. According to the first example, the timing information is PTS information, the value of which indicates the time at which the terminal executes a sequence of actions allowing preparation of replacement of the broadcast content with the target content. According to the second example, the timing information is PTS information, the value of which indicates the time at which the terminal performs the replacement. An event notification message 200 is inserted into the MPEG-TS stream.

During step P1E3, HbbTV application 110app module 110syn of terminal 110 receives event notification message 200 and extracts timing information as well as associated identification information from it (eg, implementing some steps of the method shown in FIG. 5).

During step P1E4, module 110sub receives timing information as well as related identification information. On this basis, module 110sub controls the identification of replacement content, its preloading and storage in the terminal 110.

To this end, during step P1E5, module 110sub sends a content request to distribution server 100b.

During step P1E6, the distribution server 100b returns a response to the module 110sub, for example, in the format VAST (abbreviation for Digital Video Ad Serving Template) or VMAP (abbreviation for Video Multiple Ad Playlist). This response contains necessary information, such as one or more URLs (abbreviation for Uniform Resource Locator), so that terminal 110 can upload replacement content that should be displayed, possibly as well as information that should be used when reporting the status of the replacement process to replacement content.

During step P1E7, module 110sub preloads the first replacement content from content server 100d based on the information received during step P1E6.

During step P1E8, module 110sub preloads second replacement content from content server 100d based on information received during step P1E6.

During step P1E9, module 110sub reports a technical signal to the static.

An Internet server 100a indicating that the terminal 110 is ready to replace the broadcast content.

Phase P2: The replacement content is broadcast by the first replacement content.

Steps P2E1-P2E4 are identical to phase 1 steps P1E1-P1E4 except that they herein relate to replacing broadcast content for replacement content received during phase P1. Thus, the difference is only in the nature of the identification information for initiating corresponding actions at the terminal 110. As for the timing information, it consists of, for example, a PTS, the value of which indicates the time the terminal performs the replacement. In particular, the timing information may be identical to the information carried in the event notification message used to prepare the replacement during step P1E2.

During step P2E5, module 110syn prepares a replacement via module 110api, implementing the HbbTV TA (abbreviation for Targeted Advertisement) API. More specifically, during implementation of step P1E7, module 110sub transmits temporary information (eg, PTS) and a link for the preloaded first replacement content to module 110api.

During step P2E6, module 110api proceeds to replace the broadcast content with the preloaded first replacement content.

During step P2E7, module 110sub signals the progress of replacing the broadcast content with the first replacement content, for example, by sending VAST requests to server 100b.

During step P2E8, module 110sub transmits a technical signal to static Internet server 100a to allow efficient management of authorized terminals. For example, static Internet server 100a analyzes information sent to it by all terminals, implementing one or more substitutions. If the analysis shows a systematic failure of functionality on a terminal type, the static Internet server 100a identifies the terminals of the type in question as unwanted. Static Internet server 100a refrains from providing new replacement information to terminals of the type in question.

-

Claims (14)

Phase P3: The replacement content is broadcast by the second replacement content. Steps P3E1-P3E8 are identical to phase 2 steps P2E1-P2E8 except that here they relate to replacing the broadcast content with the second replacement content instead of the first replacement content. Therefore, steps P3E1 to P3E8 are not further specified. CLAIM 1. A method for signaling to a terminal (110) to replace content broadcast via a broadcast network (120) to which said terminal is connected with replacement content intended for at least said terminal, characterized in that said method comprises the steps of: broadcast to the system on which at least one replacement information packet in SCTE 35 (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers) format is received (E300) containing a piece of PTS (Presentation TimeStamp) time information indicating a time for said terminal to perform at least one action to replace the broadcast content with the replacement content, said piece of timing information corresponding to a date of provision of an image of said broadcast content with reference to a reference clock included in said broadcast content; generating (E320) at least one message (200) with notification of an event of type StreamEvent in DSM-CC format (Digital Storage Media Command and Control), containing at least one fragment of temporary information from the fragments temporary information received via the at least one replacement information packet; and inserting (E330) into a data stream carrying said content broadcast within said broadcast network to said terminal, said at least one event notification message at a time prior to said at least one piece of temporal information in the chronological order of providing the images said broadcast content. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one replacement information packet contains at least one piece of identification information, wherein said at least one action depends on said at least one piece of identification information, and at the step the formations encapsulate (E320a) said at least one piece of identification information in said at least one event notification message. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said at least one replacement information packet contains a unique piece of identification information that can take on several values, each of which is associated in the terminal with a separate set of at least one action, and on the generation step encapsulates (E320a) said unique piece of identification information in said at least one event notification message. 4. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of obtaining (E310) at least one piece of identification information not contained in said at least one replacement information packet, wherein the at least one action is dependent on said at least one piece of identification information, wherein the generation step encapsulates (E320a) said at least one piece of identification information in said at least one event notification message. 5. The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of obtaining (E310) a unique piece of identification information, which can take on several values, each of which is associated in the terminal with a separate set of at least one action, wherein said unique piece of identification information is not contained in the at least one replacement information packet, wherein the generation step encapsulates (E320a) said unique piece of identification information in the at least one event notification message. 6. A method for replacing, by a terminal (110), content broadcast via a broadcast network (120) to which said terminal is connected, with replacement content intended for at least said terminal, characterized in that said terminal performs the steps of receiving ( E500) at least one event notification message (200) of type StreamEvent in DSM-CC format inserted into a data stream carrying said broadcast content within said broadcast network to said terminal, wherein the at least one event notification message contains at least one piece of PTS time information indicating the time at which said terminal performs at least one action to replace the broadcast content with the replacement content, wherein said at least one piece of time information corresponds to the date of provision of the image of said broadcast content with reference to the reference a clock signal embedded in said broadcast content; and performing (E510) said at least one run-time action depending on said at least one piece of timing information. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein said at least one piece of identification information encapsulated in said at least one event notification message is received (E510a), wherein said at least one action depends on said received at least one piece of identification information. 8. The method according to claim 6, in which at the execution stage (E510a) a unique piece of identification information is obtained, which can take on several values, each of which is associated in the terminal with a separate set of at least one action, wherein said at least one action depends on said received unique piece of identification information. 9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said terminal receives (E520) said target content via a broadband network to which said terminal is connected. 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said at least one action belongs to the group comprising selecting a data stream clock signal used for replacement synchronization; requesting information about downloading said target content via a broadband network; downloading said target content through said broadband network based on said download information; a notification indicating that said terminal is ready to proceed to said replacement; decoding of said target content; provision of target content in decoded form; a notification indicating that said broadcast content has been replaced by said target content; and resuming decoding of said broadcast content. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, in which the terminal is a hybrid terminal supporting the HbbTV TA standard (Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV Targeted Advertisement). 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein said data stream is in MPEG-TS (Moving Picture Experts Group - Transport Stream) format, with said reference clock embedded in said broadcast content is PCR (Program Clock Reference) or TEMI (Timed External Media Information). 13. A broadcast system (100), characterized in that it is configured to signal to a terminal (110) the replacement of content broadcast through a broadcast network (120) to which said terminal is connected with replacement content intended for at least said terminal , characterized in that it contains a reprogrammable computer (402) or a dedicated computer configured to receive at least one packet with replacement information in SCTE 35 format, containing a fragment of PTS temporary information indicating the execution time of the said terminal at least one acts for replacing the broadcast content with the replacement content, wherein said timing information corresponds to a date of provision of an image of said broadcast content with reference to a reference clock embedded in said broadcast content; generating at least one event notification message (200) of type StreamEvent in DSM-CC format, containing at least one piece of temporary information from the pieces of temporary information received through the at least one packet with replacement information; and inserting into a data stream carrying said content broadcast within the broadcast network to said terminal at least one event notification message at a time prior to said at least one piece of temporal information in the chronological order of providing images of said broadcast content. 14. A terminal (110), characterized in that it is configured to replace content broadcast through a broadcast network (120) to which said terminal is connected, with replacement content intended for at least said terminal, characterized in that it contains a reprogrammable a computer (602) or a dedicated computer configured to receive at least one message (200) notifying an event of type StreamEvent in -