EP1493066A4 - Improved utilization of data broadcasting technology with handheld control apparatus - Google Patents
Improved utilization of data broadcasting technology with handheld control apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- EP1493066A4 EP1493066A4 EP03746568A EP03746568A EP1493066A4 EP 1493066 A4 EP1493066 A4 EP 1493066A4 EP 03746568 A EP03746568 A EP 03746568A EP 03746568 A EP03746568 A EP 03746568A EP 1493066 A4 EP1493066 A4 EP 1493066A4
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- data
- television
- vertical blanking
- blanking interval
- top box
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
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- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
- H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
- H04N21/41265—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
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- H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
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- H04N21/235—Processing of additional data, e.g. scrambling of additional data or processing content descriptors
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- H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
- H04N21/4402—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
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- H04N21/47202—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for requesting content on demand, e.g. video on demand
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- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
- H04N21/658—Transmission by the client directed to the server
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- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
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- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
- H04N5/765—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus
- H04N5/775—Interface circuits between an apparatus for recording and another apparatus between a recording apparatus and a television receiver
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- H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
- H04N7/087—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only
- H04N7/088—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
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- H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
- H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
- H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
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- H04N21/47—End-user applications
Definitions
- the present invention relates to the practice of placing supplementary data within a television broadcast signal, such as within the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of analog television broadcasts or transport stream of digital broadcasts. More specifically, the present invention discloses a method for utilizing the supplementary data to communicate digital information and providing an interactive interface to a user.
- VBI vertical blanking interval
- the present invention implements a handheld control device to optimize a user's view of data communicated within a television broadcast signal, such as within the VBI in analog broadcast or transport stream in digital broadcast.
- Broadcasters place supplementary information (also referred to as digital data or meta data) within a broadcast signal.
- supplementary information include triggers, electronic program guides (EPG), interactive games associated with an ongoing program, and others.
- EPG electronic program guides
- the supplementary information is usually transmitted in sync with TV programs, resulting in limited available bandwidth; therefore, only a limited amount of data can be communicated.
- the aforementioned handheld control device contains a metadata manager that cooperates with the data decoder and parser to receive data embedded in a broadcasting signal. By using applications operating within the handheld control device, a user can utilize metadata more efficiently and take advantage of faster, optimized information access.
- the utilization of data includes, but is not limited to: the use of data to trigger applications on the handheld device; data synchronization with an external source, such as a data card or the Internet, to trigger other applications on the handheld device; and the ability to search data content, such as electronic program guides, via user inputs, including, but not limited to, handwriting input, a keyboard, or a user interface.
- Figure 1 is one embodiment of the handheld control device of the present invention.
- Figure 2 is one embodiment of the system architecture of the present invention.
- Figure 3 describes an integrated closed caption device that is able to extract all VBI data in analog broadcasting and present it to an external device through a general purpose data port.
- Figure 4 describes an integrated data formatter that is able to reformat data from the general purpose data port to be compatible with various media interfaces.
- Figure 5 describes a set-top box that is able to process both data from an integrated VBI decoder and enhanced closed caption data from an external source via a general purpose data port.
- Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating the detailed operation of the handheld device and the set-top box of Figure 2 according to a second embodiment of the current invention.
- the control device generally includes a housing assembly 10, a user interface 12, and a display screen 14.
- a user interacts with the control device by way of the user interface 12.
- the user interface 12 may include a keyboard or keypad, functional buttons or switches, a touchscreen, or any combination thereof.
- the user interface 12 may provide means for manipulating applications and data on the control device itself, as weli as conventional interaction with electronic devices such as televisions, video cassette recorders (VCRs), digital video disk (DVD) players, and other home appliances.
- VCRs video cassette recorders
- DVD digital video disk
- a user may interact with the control device by direct contact with touch elements on the display screen 14 using, for example, a stylus pen.
- the handheld control device also includes a communication means 18 for transmitting and receiving wireless data.
- the handheld control device is a personal data assistant (PDA). In another embodiment, the handheld control device includes a PDA stylus pen for handwriting input.
- PDA personal data assistant
- the handheld control device includes a PDA stylus pen for handwriting input.
- the handheld control device includes additional communications means 18 for uploading and downloading data to and from a personal computer.
- the handheld control device includes additional communication means for transmitting and receiving wireless data, including, but not limited to, wireless Internet data.
- the handheld control device includes external peripherals such as a secure digital (SD) memory card for storing additional data.
- SD secure digital
- the handheld device 20 comprises a data manager 22 incorporating the aforementioned data parser and metadata database, and a data request command processor; a synchronization engine 34; a handwriting interpreter 24; the graphical user interface (GUI) applications 26 and any other necessary applications 28; the aforementioned user interface 12; and a wireless interface 29A (such as IEEE 802.11 b or Bluetooth interface).
- the handheld device may also incorporate one or more IR interfaces 30.
- the data manager 22 incorporates a metadata database that stores the data downloaded from the television set-top box (STB) 36. Storing the data locally on the handheld device allows a user to quickly retrieve information. This information can then be presented to the user through a GUI application 26 on the handheld device. Because the data is stored locally, the user can view the information at any time, whether a television is present or not.
- the data is stored on the handheld device in a convenient format, such as extensible markup language (XML), to ease the transition between the device and various contents from service providers.
- the data parser interprets the downloaded data to be transmitted to the handheld device.
- a data request processor is also included in the data manager 22 and is used to download data to the handheld device upon a user's demand. This functionality allows the handheld device to avoid the necessity of continuously polling the data from the STB 36, thereby conserving central processing unit (CPU) resources.
- CPU central processing unit
- the data request processor receives the input requests from the user and relays the requests to the STB 36 through the wireless interface 29A and 29B.
- the user requests can be used to control the functions of an electronic device such as a television, VCR, or DVD player.
- the request message is in XML format, although it is to be understood that other message formats are possible.
- user datagram protocol UDP
- transmission control protocol TCP
- IP Internet protocol
- the handheld device may also include a handwriting interpreter 24.
- the interpreter 24 receives handwriting requests from the user and integrates handwriting recognition and searching functions to optimize existing technologies to enhance information browsing and searching with the present invention.
- a small writing input area is provided on the display screen for a user to input handwriting with the stylus pen.
- the writing input area is provided in another location on the handheld device.
- a user can request specific channel control functions or channel information by writing the channel's mnemonic in the appropriate area.
- This mnemonic can be a default designation for the channel recognized by the handheld device, or a name assigned by the user.
- the GUI application 26 may provide a list of potential channels so that the user can select the correct channel.
- the GUI applications 26 on the handheld device provide most of the interaction to the user.
- the GUI applications 26 present the data to the user for viewing and manipulation.
- the user can request such information as electronic program guides (EPG's), supplementary program information, advertisement or product information, news highlights, or sporting event scores and statistics.
- EPG's electronic program guides
- the GUI applications 26 may provide the user with games related to currently viewed content, such as trivia, coupon opportunities, and the ability to play along with game shows.
- the GUI applications 26 or other resident applications 28 may communicate with other external data sources 32 such as household appliances, telephones, or other home electronics.
- the handheld device may also implement a synchronization (sync) engine 34.
- the sync engine 34 synchronizes data with content downloaded from the Internet or other sources (such as SD Card, Compact Flash, and similar sources).
- This functionality allows the user to receive real-time supplementary program lists and information related to the currently-viewed programs.
- One embodiment allows the user to request information about an advertised product, request coupons for a product, or purchase a product online.
- Another embodiment allows the user to request more detailed information about a program that is not otherwise available in the data downloaded from broadcasting channels.
- the handheld device communicates with the STB 36 through wireless interface 29A and 29B.
- this wireless communication uses either IEEE 802.11 b or Bluetooth interface protocol.
- Both the handheld device 20 and STB 36 comprise a communication interface 29A and 29B applicable to the chosen wireless protocol.
- the STB 36 comprises a television signal tuner 38, a demodulator 40, a metadata decoder 42, an STB data parser 44, a data buffer 46, a data formatter 48, and a user command processor 50.
- the STB unit 36 decodes and caches data.
- the STB 36 may be a unit separate from the television 52, as shown in Figure 2, or it may be integrated within the television 52.
- the broadcast television signal 54 is routed through a tuner 38 and a demodulator 40, then routed to both the television 52 and the STB's decoder 42.
- the decoder 42 is a hardware device that is able to receive a broadcast signal and to decode data transmitted in that signal, for example VBI decoder in analog broadcast, or a section filtering in digital broadcast. Data is only sent during certain time intervals, and therefore cannot be instantly available upon a user's request.
- An STB data buffer 46 may therefore be implemented and used in conjunction with the decoder 42 to continuously collect data to store in the data buffer 46, which is time-stamped and channel-stamped. The presence of the STB parser 44 allows the user to retrieve data instantly from the data buffer 46.
- the data buffer 46 When the STB 36 receives a request from the handheld device 20 pertaining to a specific channel and time, the data buffer 46 will already contain the desired data. Using this method, data is available immediately upon request, allowing the user to receive apparently real-time responses. In another embodiment, data is transmitted continuously from the decoder 42 to the handheld device 20 rather than residing on an external buffer, and is available to the user upon request.
- the data buffer 46 may be able to store different classes of data for different durations.
- the buffer 46 may store EPG data indefinitely, but store distinct program or program content data for a limited duration. Storage durations may be fixed or customizable by the user.
- EPG or program data is stored indefinitely until purged by the user.
- EPG data is purged upon receipt of a predetermined trigger (such as expiration of a time limit or a power shutdown).
- Program data storage may be implemented in a similar manner, or implement additional features.
- program data is purged from the buffer 46 upon the termination of the program.
- program data is purged when the user tunes into a different broadcast channel. It is to be understood that many embodiments of the data buffer behavior are possible, and the invention is not limited to those embodiments disclosed above. Before being transmitted through the wireless interface 29A and 29B
- the data may be routed through a data formatter 48.
- the data formatter 48 reformats the data to be compatible with different forms of media, then transmits the results.
- the data formatter 48 allows the handheld device to make use of a broader range of media formats.
- a user command processor 50 processes the commands and requests from the handheld device 20.
- the command processor 50 receives the commands from the wireless interface 29A and 29B.
- the processor 50 receives a command requesting data, the correct data is retrieved from the data buffer 46 and transmitted back to the handheld device 20 through the wireless interface 29A and 29B.
- the processor 50 receives a command for controlling the television, VCR, or DVD player, appropriate commands are sent to the infra-red (IR) transmitter 60.
- IR infra-red
- the IR transmitter 60 allows the handheld device to control the functions of televisions, VCR's, DVD players, and other appliances.
- the IR transmitter 60 is located in a position that allows it to communicate efficiently with any desired electronic devices.
- the implementation of the IR transmitter 60 allows a user, as well as the applications, to send commands and requests to electronic devices from anywhere within the limits of the wireless interface 29A and 29B (Bluetooth or IEEE 802.11 b), rather than the relatively inadequate limitations of IR transmissions.
- data can be received from analog or digital broadcast channels. Further embodiments described below relate more specifically to analog broadcast and therefore VBI data handling, but one skilled in the art will recognize applicability to data handling in many instances. With reference to Figure 3, another embodiment of the present invention is described.
- the existing closed caption (CC) device is enhanced to extract all VBI data to form an integrated CCA B1 decoder 62.
- This integrated decoder 62 is able to transmit the decoded CC/VBI data from the television 52 to an external device through a general purpose data port (GPDP) 64.
- GPDP general purpose data port
- Figure 3 demonstrates this embodiment by describing the external device as an STB 36, but it is to be understood that other external devices are possible.
- the integrated decoder 62 transmits the data directly to the handheld device 20 described in the present invention. With reference to Figure 4, another implementation of the integrated decoder 62 is described.
- the integrated decoder 62 transmits data through the GPDP 64 to one or more media bridges 66.
- the media bridge 66 comprises a data formatter 68 and a media interface 70.
- the data formatter 68 reformats the data stream received from the integrated decoder 62 to be compatible with the desired media interface 70. Once the data is reformatted to the desired media type, it is transmitted through the media interface 70 to the desired external device.
- an STB 36 incorporating the CCA BI decoder is described.
- the STB 36 functions substantially as described in Figure 2, although a switch 72 is incorporated.
- This switch 72 is able to receive data from either an integrated VBI decoder 42 or a GPDP 64 on a television or other external device.
- the GPDP 64 transmits data to the STB switch 72, which is able to route the data to the VBI data buffer 46.
- the switch 72 is actuated by the user via a command on the handheld device 20.
- the switch 72 is able to determine what type of data is being received and is actuated automatically depending on the content.
- the switch 72 in all embodiments, may be automatic or manual, and may be implemented using software, hardware, an external switch, or any combination thereof.
- the tuner 38, demodulator 40, and CC/VBI decoder 42 may either be permanently integrated with the STB 36 or be an optional removable plug-in card or module.
- a plurality of modules may be used, with each separate module comprising separate components (such as a tuner, demodulator, GPDP interface, or decoder).
- STB 36 and hand-held device 20 may be operated according to a second embodiment as illustrated.
- the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 2.
- the second embodiment deals with a digital broadcast signal particularly.
- the STB 36 includes a digital tuner 74, a demodulator 76 that outputs the transport stream (TS) from a digital broadcasting signal, and a TS decoder 78 that splits the transport stream into a data section and an A/V section.
- the data section from the transport stream may be cached in the data buffer 86.
- the A/V section from TS decoder 78 can be decoded with the use of an AV decoder 80.
- the digital A/V data from AV decoder 80 can be directed to a digital TV set 84 through a standard digital port such as digital visual interface (DVI) or high definition multimedia interface (HDMI).
- AV data from AV decoder 80 can also be encoded by NTSC/PAL encoder 82 and encoded analog signals sent to an analog TV.
- the second embodiment also includes a data buffer 86, a data parser
- the handheld device 20 of the second embodiment is the same as in the first embodiment.
- the handheld device comprises a user interface, a wireless interface, and a display. All non-GUI applications, data management, and decoding capabilities reside on a separate device, such as the STB 36. In another embodiment, all non-GUI applications, data management, and decoding capabilities are integrated within the television, and the handheld device acts only as a means for displaying data to the user. In such a system, any functions of the STB 36 may also be integrated within the television. In still another embodiment, the handheld device comprises an Internet gateway, and all supplementary data related functions reside at a remote location.
- the present invention may utilize supplementary data other than, or in addition to, VBI data or transport stream data.
- supplementary data is information which is embedded in the video signal itself, and therefore is transmitted concurrently with the video signal.
- Such methods of embedding supplementary data into the video signal are presently known in the art, as taught by Broughton et al. in U.S. Patent 4,807,031 , incorporated by reference herein.
- Another method for providing supplementary data is to transmit it concurrently on an alternative channel; methods such as this are also presently known in the art.
Abstract
Description
Claims
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PCT/US2003/009874 WO2003087961A1 (en) | 2002-04-05 | 2003-03-31 | Improved utilization of data broadcasting technology with handheld control apparatus |
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JP (1) | JP2005522922A (en) |
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CN103379380B (en) * | 2012-04-20 | 2016-06-29 | 鸿富锦精密工业(深圳)有限公司 | Set Top Box and the method that TV programme relevant information is provided thereof |
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- 2003-03-31 EP EP03746568A patent/EP1493066A4/en not_active Withdrawn
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JP2005522922A (en) | 2005-07-28 |
AU2003226165A1 (en) | 2003-10-27 |
CN1647001A (en) | 2005-07-27 |
WO2003087961A1 (en) | 2003-10-23 |
EP1493066A1 (en) | 2005-01-05 |
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