EP2979461A1

EP2979461A1 - Generation and delivery of a stream representing audiovisual content

Info

Publication number: EP2979461A1
Application number: EP14717159.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Chantal Guionnet; Pierre Fevrier
Original assignee: Orange SA
Current assignee: Orange SA
Priority date: 2013-03-26
Filing date: 2014-03-21
Publication date: 2016-02-03
Also published as: FR3004054A1; US20160044388A1; WO2014154975A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for generating a stream (F) representing audiovisual content (CA) that can be distributed by a distribution network, characterised in that the method includes the following steps performed prior to the distribution of the content, namely: determining (E2) a plurality of time sequences (ST_a1, ST_a2, …, ST_ai,…, ST_aM) in the audiovisual content; associating (E3) sequence-start and -end information with each of the predetermined sequences; and adding (E5) this information to the stream to be distributed.

Description

Generation and playback of a representative stream of audiovisual content

Field of the invention

The field of the invention is that of telecommunications, and more particularly of broadcasting representative streams of audiovisual content, via a broadcast network, to terminals capable of rendering such contents.

Presentation of the prior art

Today, when a representative stream of audiovisual content is broadcast in real time, via a broadcast network, to a content rendering terminal, such as for example a digital television receiver equipped with a decoder of the type Set-Top-Box, all audiovisual content can be recorded, for example in the decoder, for later viewing by the user.

When the user subsequently wants to view recorded audiovisual content among others, the user may have difficulty deciding for which audio-visual content is recorded. In order to stop his choice on one content rather than another, the user may be forced to view for a few moments some of the previously saved content, or all. Such manipulation is not ergonomic and takes time. In order to decide on a content, the user can also connect to a dedicated website in order to retrieve a summary of the audiovisual content he has recorded, such as a trailer. Such manipulation is also not very practical, the user must necessarily have an Internet connection. In addition, such manipulation is often proposed only for certain types of audiovisual content only, including films. In the case where the user wishes, for example, to visualize a concert, a television program, etc., there are not always extracts of this type of content. Object and summary of the invention

One of the aims of the invention is to overcome disadvantages of the state of the art mentioned above.

For this purpose, an object of the present invention relates to a method for generating a representative stream of audiovisual content that can be broadcast by a broadcast network.

Such a method is remarkable in that it comprises, prior to the dissemination of the aforementioned content, the following steps:

determination in the audiovisual content of a plurality of temporal sequences,

associating, for each of the determined temporal sequences, information of beginning and end of a sequence,

- adding this information to the stream to broadcast.

Such an arrangement allows a user having previously recorded audiovisual content extracted from a broadcast stream, via a broadcast network, to have the ability to view either all of the recorded audiovisual content, or a summary associated with this audiovisual content. The visualization of the summary is advantageously carried out by sequencing the various sequences identified by their respective start and end sequence information.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the summary of the audiovisual content is included in the audiovisual content itself, which avoids any broadcasting or downloading in parallel of a summary of this content.

In addition, such a provision makes it possible systematically to have a summary, regardless of the type of audiovisual content recorded.

According to a particular embodiment, the start and end information of the time sequence are added either to the data of the audiovisual content or to broadcast parameters associated with the stream to be broadcast.

Such a provision makes it possible, during the restitution of the summary of the audiovisual content, to sequence the temporal sequences automatically and very fluid, without interruption of visualization by the user.

In a particularly advantageous manner, the user who wishes to view the summary of audiovisual content previously broadcast, then recorded or downloaded, does not need to select itself the temporal sequences of the audiovisual content, nor to manage itself. sequence of these sequences. Such operations are indeed set by the audiovisual content provider, prior to the broadcast of the audiovisual content.

According to another particular embodiment, the time sequences are each numbered according to a predetermined order.

Such an arrangement makes it possible, when viewing the summary of an audiovisual content, for example the trailer of a film, to avoid a linear sequence over time of the temporal sequences. Thus, the summary or trailer can be characterized according to the wishes of the supplier or producer of audiovisual content to show in the summary / trailer of the film first the final scene of the film, then a return in the disorder on several temporal sequences different from the film, to surprise the user without necessarily revealing all the content.

According to yet another particular embodiment, the generation method according to the invention further comprises the following steps:

determination in said audiovisual content of another plurality of temporal sequences different from said plurality of temporal sequences,

associating, for each of the determined temporal sequences of this other plurality, corresponding beginning and end information of the sequence,

- adding this information corresponding to the stream to be broadcast. Such a provision makes it possible to associate with the audiovisual content several resumes of different types that meet the wishes of the user or the audiovisual content provider. For example, for a content given audiovisual, the user could view either a summary that reveals the highlights of the content, a summary that reveals only the mood of the content, or a summary that reveals only the scenes in which appears the favorite character of the user , etc.

Particularly advantageously, such resumes of a different type are easily identifiable in the diffused stream, thanks in particular to the start and end of sequence information which characterize each plurality of temporal sequences.

associating, for at least one of the determined temporal sequences, audio data,

- adding audio data to the stream to broadcast.

Such an arrangement makes it possible to enrich the visualization of a summary of the audiovisual content by allowing during visualization, for a given temporal sequence:

- the addition of audio data synchronized with this time sequence, for example a particular music,

or replacing the audio data of this time sequence with audio data synchronized with the latter, for example a language different from that of the original version of the audiovisual content.

The invention also relates to a device for generating a representative stream of audiovisual content that can be broadcast by a broadcasting network, such a device being adapted to implement the aforementioned generation method.

Such a generation device is remarkable in that it comprises the following modules capable of being activated prior to the broadcasting of the aforementioned audiovisual content:

- determination in the audiovisual content of a plurality of time sequences,

- adding this information to the stream to broadcast.

The invention also relates to a telecommunications signal carrying a representative stream of audiovisual content intended to be broadcast by a broadcast network.

Such a signal is remarkable in that it comprises a plurality of time sequences with associated start and end sequence information respectively, such sequences and information being implemented by the aforementioned generation method.

The invention also relates to a method for rendering a representative stream of audiovisual content, such a stream having been generated according to the aforementioned generation method.

Such a rendering process is remarkable in that it comprises the following steps:

- access to the aforementioned flow,

selecting, from the aforementioned stream, all of the audiovisual content, or selecting, from the aforementioned stream, the plurality of temporal sequences of the audiovisual content, by identifying, in the stream, information of start and end end of sequence respectively associated with each of the time sequences,

- Playback control of all the selected audiovisual content or the plurality of selected time sequences.

According to a particular embodiment, the read control step consists in linking one after the other each of the time sequences respectively corresponding to each of the identified beginning and end of sequence information.

According to another particular embodiment, the identified temporal sequences are selected according to an order of predetermined numbering.

According to yet another particular embodiment, during the step of selecting the plurality of temporal sequences of the audiovisual content, it is proceeded to the identification, for at least one of the selected time sequences, audio data associated with this at least one temporal sequence, the read command of this at least one temporal sequence implementing simultaneously the restitution of the audio data associated with this at least one temporal sequence.

According to yet another particular embodiment, the restitution method according to the invention comprises, following the step of accessing the aforementioned flow, the following steps:

selecting, from the above-mentioned flow, another plurality of temporal sequences of the audiovisual content different from the plurality of temporal sequences mentioned above, by identifying, in the stream, start and end information of sequence respectively associated with each time sequences of this other plurality,

reading control of this other plurality of selected time sequences.

The invention also relates to a device for rendering a representative stream of audiovisual content, such a device being adapted to implement the restitution method mentioned above.

Such a rendering process is remarkable in that it comprises the following modules:

- access to the aforementioned flow,

- control of reading of all audiovisual content selected or of the plurality of selected time sequences.

The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the generation method according to the invention, when it is executed on a computer.

The invention also relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the rendering method according to the invention, when it is executed on a computer.

Each of these programs can use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or intermediate code between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any form what other form is desirable.

The invention also relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which a computer program is recorded, this program comprising instructions adapted to the implementation of the generation method according to the invention, as described above. .

The invention also relates to a recording medium readable by a computer on which a computer program is recorded, this program including instructions adapted to the implementation of the restitution method according to the invention, as described above. .

Each of these recording media can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a USB key or a hard disk.

On the other hand, each of the recording media may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The programs according to the invention may in particular be downloaded on an Internet-type network. Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the aforementioned generation or reproduction method.

The generation device, the telecommunications signal, the reproduction method, the rendering device and the corresponding computer programs mentioned above have at least the same advantages as those conferred by the generation method according to the present invention.

List of Figures

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will emerge more clearly on reading the following description of a particular embodiment of the invention, given as a simple illustrative and nonlimiting example, and the appended drawings, among which: :

Figure 1 schematically shows a broadcasting system of an audiovisual signal according to the invention;

FIG. 2 schematically shows the steps of a method for generating an audiovisual stream according to the invention;

Figures 3a to 3d schematically illustrate the structure of a signal carrying a stream of audiovisual data according to four embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 schematically shows the steps of a method for rendering an audiovisual stream according to the invention;

FIGS. 5a to 5c show examples of interfaces displayed on the user's television set when the rendering method of FIG. 4 is implemented;

FIG. 6 shows the simplified structure of a device for generating an audiovisual stream according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 shows the simplified structure of a device for rendering a first audiovisual stream according to one embodiment of the invention. Description of a particular embodiment of the invention

The general principle of the invention is based on the insertion, in a representative stream of audiovisual content whose distribution is provided later or in the course of broadcasting, a plurality of information of beginning and end of time sequences. Such a stream thus constituted enables a user having previously accessed this broadcast stream, to directly select, at the time of the return of the audiovisual content associated with this stream, either the viewing of all the audiovisual content, or a summary of this content. audiovisual which consists of the only concatenation of the aforementioned temporal sequences.

In relation with FIG. 1, there is presented a data stream SD broadcasting system encoding audiovisual contents broadcast by a head-end server equipment TR. In a known manner, the broadcasting of such streams is, for example, over the air, or satellite or IP multicast, in accordance with a digital television standard, such as for example the DVB (for "Digital Video Broadcasting") ", in English).

The head end TR communicates with a PFS service platform from which a user has previously registered, so as to access audiovisual content provided by the service platform.

For this purpose, the broadcasting system SD comprises an access terminal STB representative of such audiovisual contents, such access terminal being able to receive said streams, to process them and to return them to a user. This access terminal comprises, or depending on the case, is connected to a display terminal, for example a TV set. The access terminal STB is also provided with means for storing audiovisual contents, in particular those that are broadcast by the RD network. Alternatively, it can also be connected to an external audiovisual content recording module.

The user can interact with the access terminal STB using a remote control TC comprising keys dedicated to commands prerecorded. For example, the user can request the selection of audiovisual content previously received by simply pressing the directional keys "<-", "→", "†", "J" in a menu associated with the visualization of the contents received. It can also validate the selected audiovisual content by pressing the "OK" key. When the user activates a key on his remote control, a message comprising the command associated with this key is sent to the access terminal STB according to a known and standardized communication protocol, for example an infrared remote control protocol RC5 (for " Remote Control 5 ", which will not be detailed here.

Alternatively, a smart terminal ("smartphone" in English) or a tablet equipped with a suitable software application, can advantageously replace the physical remote control. For example, the intelligent terminal communicates with a remote server that sends a control message corresponding to the action chosen by the user by means of the remote control application to the access terminal STB.

In relation with FIG. 2, the steps of the audio-visual stream generation method implemented by the head-end server equipment TR of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, are now presented.

During a step E1 shown in FIG. 2, the server equipment TR receives, from the platform PFS of FIG. 1, a data stream F representative of a audiovisual content CA intended to be broadcast at the terminal of STB access via the RD broadcast network. Such audiovisual content consists for example of a film, a television show, a concert, a sports event such as in particular a football match, etc.

During a step E2 shown in FIG. 2, the server equipment TR determines, in said stream F, a plurality of time sequences ST _a , ST _a2 , ST _ai ,..., ST _aM , with 1 <i ≤M. Said temporal sequences follow temporally in the audiovisual content CA and are representative of a summary of a first type of the latter.

According to one example, such a determination step consists in selecting the temporal sequences of the audiovisual content selected to make the summary or trailer of the first type. Such a summary or trailer of the first type includes for example the most important facts of audiovisual content.

During an optional step E'2 shown in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented in dotted lines, the server equipment TR determines, in said stream F, another plurality of time sequences ST _b i, ST _b 2, ST _b j,. . . , ST _b N, with 1 <j≤N. Said temporal sequences follow one another temporally in the audiovisual content CA and are representative of a summary of a second type of the latter.

According to one example, such a determination step consists in selecting temporal sequences representative of the facts relating the atmosphere of the audiovisual content.

According to other examples, the temporal sequences could be representative of a short version of the audiovisual content or a longer version of the audiovisual content depending on the number and / or duration of the determined temporal sequences.

During a step E3 represented in FIG. 2, the server equipment TR associates, for each of said time sequences determined in the above-mentioned step E2, start and end information of the sequence (ID _a ; IF _a ), (ID _a2 , IF _a2 ), ... , (I Dai; IF _ai ), ... (ID _aM , IF _aM ).

During an optional step E'3 shown in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented in dashed line, the server equipment TR associates, for each of said time sequences determined in the above-mentioned step E'2, information start and end of sequence (ID _b i; IF _b i), (ID _b 2; IF _b2), ... , (I Dbi; I Fbj), ... (ID _bN , IF _bN ). Sequence start and end information (ID _a ; IF _a ), (ID _a2 ; IF _a2 ), ..., (ID _ai ; IF _ai ), ... (ID _aM ; IF _aM ), likewise that the start and end of sequence information (ID _b1 ; IF _b1 ), (ID _b2 ; IF _b2 ), ..., (ID _bi ; IF _bj ), ... (ID _bN ; IF _bN ) constitute typing information that, during the playback of the audiovisual content, to identify in real time, to which type of summary or trailer, first or second, the time sequences read belong.

Said determined time sequences are each further numbered according to a predetermined order.

For a given time sequence, the end of sequence information may alternatively be a parameter that defines the duration of said sequence, in association with the start of sequence information.

According to a first variant embodiment, the start and end information of the temporal sequence are added to the data of the stream F representative of the audiovisual content CA.

According to a second variant embodiment, the start and end information of the time sequence are added in broadcast parameters associated with said stream F.

During an optional step E4 shown in Figure 2, and for this reason is shown in dotted lines, the server equipment TR associates, for at least one of said time sequences determined in step E2 above, audio data.

In the example shown, said time sequences determined in step E2 are respectively associated with audio data DA _a , DA _a2 ,..., DA _ai ,..., DA _aM .

During an optional step E'4 represented in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented in dashed line, the server equipment TR associates, for at least one of the said time sequences determined in the above-mentioned step E'2, audio data. In the example shown, said time sequences determined in step E'2 are each respectively associated with audio data DA _b1 , DA _b2 ,..., DA _bj ,..., DA _bN .

According to a first example, such audio data are for example intended to complement the sound data present in each time sequence. It may be for example a dedicated music or an explanatory comment.

According to a second example, such audio data is for example intended to replace the sound data present in each time sequence. This may be for example a language desired by the user that is different from the original language of the audiovisual content.

During a step E5 shown in FIG. 2, the server equipment TR adds the start and end information of the time sequence (ID _a ; IF _a i), (ID _a2 ; IF _a2 ), ..., (ID _ai ; IF _ai ), ... (ID _aM ; IF _aM ) that he associated in step E3 to the flow F representative of the audiovisual content.

During an optional step E'5 shown in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented in dotted lines, the server equipment TR adds the start and end information of the time sequence (ID _b i; IF i). (ID _2; IF _b2), ..., (ID _bi, _bj IF), ... (ID _bN, _bN IF) that has associated with E'3 step, the stream F representative of the content audio-visual.

During an optional step E6 represented in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented by a dashed line, the server equipment TR adds the audio data associated with the step E4 to the stream F representative of the audiovisual content. .

During an optional step E'6 represented in FIG. 2, and for this reason is represented in dotted lines, the server equipment TR adds the audio data that it has associated with step E'4 to the stream F representative of audiovisual content. At the end of step E5 and / or E'5 or at the end of step E6 and / or E'6, an enriched flux Fe representative of the audiovisual content CA is delivered.

The set of steps that has just been described above is implemented prior to the broadcast of the stream containing the audiovisual content.

Such steps can be implemented well before the decision to broadcast the audiovisual content, in the case where the latter is a film for example.

As a variant, such steps can be implemented in real time during the broadcasting of audiovisual content, such as, for example, a live sports event.

The stream Fe thus generated is able to be broadcast via the broadcast network RD to the access terminal STB shown in FIG.

With reference to FIG. 1, the audiovisual content CA is conveyed by the broadcasting network RD in a signal S carrying the enriched data stream Fe, of which various possible structures will now be presented schematically in relation to FIGS. 3a and 3b. , 3c and 3d.

3a, 3b, 3c and 3d, the Fei flux represented in FIG. 3a (Fe ₂ , Fe ₃ , Fe ₄ respectively in FIGS. 3b, 3c and 3c) comprises a first sub-flux SFe-n (FIG. SFe ₂ i, SFe ₃ i, SFe ₄ i respectively in Figures 3b, 3c and 3d) which contains the data encoding the CA content and a second signaling sub-flux SFe-i ₂ (SFe ₂ 2, SFe ₃ 2, SFe ₄₂ respectively in Figures 3b, 3c and 3d), which contains information permitting the Fei flux (respectively Fe ₂ , Fe ₃ , Fe ₄ ) to be analyzed by the access terminal STB of the user.

In relation to FIG. 3a, the SFe-i ₂ signaling sub-stream contains, in a manner known per se, at least one identifier IDi of the audiovisual content CA, information DESCi of the audiovisual content CA, such as for example its kind , associated time information, start time of broadcast type, end time. In relation to FIG. 3a and according to a first aspect of the invention, the first sub-flux SFe-n furthermore contains a plurality of temporal sequences STa-ii, STan,..., STa _M i which succeed one another temporally and which are respectively identified by sequence start and end information (IDa-11; IFa-π), ..., (IDan; IFan), ... (IDa _M i; IFa _M i) - such sequences temporal patterns are represented by diagonal hatching in Figure 3a.

For this purpose, the SFe-i ₂ signaling sub-flux contains 2xM flux pointers (PDan; PFa-n), ..., (PDan; PFan), ... (PDaMi; PFaMi) which are respectively associated with sequence start and end information (IDan; IFan) (IDa _h ; IFa _h ), ... (IDa _M i; IFa _M i).

According to one embodiment shown in Figure 3b, the first sub flow SFe i ₂ further contains a plurality of time sequence STa-i _2, STa _i2, ..., STa _M2 which follow one another in time and which are identified respectively by sequence start and end information (IDa-i ₂ ; IFa-i ₂ ), ..., (IDa _i2 ; IFa _i2 ), ... (IDa _M2 , IFa _M2 ). The latter are respectively associated with the flux pointers (PDa-i ₂ , PFa-i ₂ ), ..., (PDai ₂ , PFai ₂ ), ... (PDaM ₂ , PFaM ₂ ) directly in the SFe signaling sub-stream. ₂₂ . Such time sequences are represented by diagonal hatching in Figure 3b.

In Figures 3a and 3b, the time sequences are numbered in the order they appear in the audiovisual content.

Optionally, as explained above in the description, the time sequences STan, STan,..., STa _M i of FIG. 3a are respectively respectively associated with audio data DAa-n, DAan, ... , DAa _M i - Such audio data is synchronized with its corresponding time sequence in the SFe-i ₂ signaling sub-stream ₂ .

Optionally, as explained above in the description, the time sequences STa-i ₂ , STa _i2 ,..., STa _M2 of FIG. 3b are each respectively associated with audio data DAa-i ₂ , DAa _i2 , ..., DAa _M2 . Such audio data is synchronized with its corresponding time sequence in the SFe signaling sub-stream ₂₂ . In relation to FIG. 3c, there is shown a third embodiment of a stream Fe ₃ according to the invention.

According to this third embodiment, the temporal sequences STa-i ₃ , STai ₃ ,..., STaM 3, which are represented by diagonal hatching, follow each other temporally in the first sub-flux SF e ₃ i of the flow Fe ₃ are numbered in a predetermined order which is different from the temporal order in which these sequences succeed one another.

In the example shown, the first time sequence read is the ith time sequence STa _i3 , the ith time sequence read is the first time sequence STa-i ₃ , and the last time sequence read is the M-th time sequence STa _M3 .

In relation to Figure 3d, there is shown a fourth embodiment of a stream Fe ₄ according to the invention.

According to this fourth embodiment, the first sub-stream SFe ₄ i contains two different temporal sequence pluralities, a first plurality of time sequences STa-i ₄ , STai ₄ , ..., STa _M4 , and a second plurality of time sequences IBRA _4, bST _j4, ..., _N4 bST.

As explained above in the description, the first plurality of temporal sequences is representative of a summary of a first type of audiovisual content, while the second plurality of temporal sequences is representative of a summary of a second type of content. audio-visual.

The temporal sequences STa-i ₄ , STai ₄ ,..., STa _M4 follow each other temporally and are respectively identified by information of beginning and end of sequence (IDa-i ₄ ; IFa-i ₄ ), ..., (IDa, ₄ , IFai ₄ ), ... (IDaM ₄ , IFaM ₄ ). Such time sequences are represented by straight diagonal hatching in Figure 3d.

For this purpose, the SFe signaling sub-flux ₄₂ contains 2xM flux pointers (PDa-i ₄ , PFa-i ₄ ), ..., (PDai ₄ , PFai ₄ ), ... (PDaM ₄ , PFaM ₄ ) which are respectively associated with the start information and end sequence (IDa-i _4; IFAI _4), ..., (IDa _i4; IFa _i4) ... (IDa _M4; IFa _M4). The temporal sequences IBRA _4, bST _j4, ..., _N4 bST successive temporally and are respectively identified by the start information and end sequence (IDb-i _4; ₄ I Fb) ■■■ (IDb _j4 ; _j4 IFB) ... (IDb _N4; IFB _N4). Such time sequences are represented by left diagonal hatching in Figure 3d.

For this purpose, the signaling sub-stream ₄₂ contains SFe 2xN flow pointers (PDbi _4; PFb _4-i), ..., (PDb _j4; PFb _j4) ... (PDb _N4; PFb _N4) which are respectively associated with the start information and end sequence (Idbi _4; IFB _14), ..., (IDb _j4; IFB _j4) ... (IDb _N4; IFB _N4).

Optionally, as has been explained above in the description, the time sequences STa-i _4, STa _i4, ..., _M4 STa of Figure 3d are each respectively associated with DAa _i-4 audio data DAa _i4 , ..., DAa _M4 . Such audio data is synchronized with their corresponding time sequence in the SFe signaling sub-stream ₄₂ .

Optionally, as has been explained above in the description, the time sequences IBRA _4, bST _j4, ..., _m STb of Figure 3d are each respectively associated with Dhabi ₄ audio data, DAb _j4 .. ., Such audio data is synchronized with their corresponding time sequence in the SFe signaling sub-stream _42.

Said information which has just been described above in relation to the signaling sub-stream advantageously constitutes additional information associated with the audiovisual content and of which the access terminal STB of FIG. 1 needs to implement the action commissioned by the user to allow him to view either the audiovisual content in its entirety or a summary thereof.

Such additional information according to the invention may, relative to a first aspect, be inserted in a "private" field of a description element of the signaling sub-stream event table of a broadcast data stream, such a table being specified in the DVB-SI standard, which provides data fields, called "private", whose use is free. According to a second aspect, a specific field could be created for the use provided by the invention and specified, for example in the DVB-SI standard. This would have the advantage of providing universal compatibility of the access terminals available on the market.

With reference to FIG. 4, the steps of the method for reproducing a stream representative of an audiovisual content, as implemented by the access terminal STB of the present invention, are now presented according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 1.

During a step R1 shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB accesses the broadcast stream as previously generated according to the steps represented in FIG. 2.

Access to the stream is performed via an audiovisual content storage module which is contained in the access terminal STB and in which the stream has been previously recorded or from which the stream is downloaded.

Alternatively, such an audiovisual content storage module could be external and therefore connected to the access terminal STB.

During a step R2 shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB detects a first user interaction U 11 on its remote control, requiring the display of the list of audiovisual contents received. Such an interaction U 11 is shown in FIG.

During a step R3 shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB responds to this request by sending a command CD1 to the television set of FIG. 1, so that the latter displays a list L of audiovisual contents received. Such a list L is shown by way of example in Figure 5a. It comprises a succession of audiovisual contents CA _; CA ₂ ,..., CA _k ,..., CA _q (1 <k≤q) which are respectively associated with a title Ti, T ₂ , ..., T _k , ... T _q .

During a step R4 represented in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB detects a second user interaction UI2 on its remote control, requiring the selection of one of the audiovisual contents of the list L, for example audiovisual content CA _k . Such an interaction UI2 is shown in Figure 1.

During a step R5 shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB responds to this request by sending a command CD2 to the television set of FIG. 1, for the latter to display information relating to the audiovisual content CA _k . The display of such information is shown by way of example in Figure 5b. In a manner known per se, are displayed in association with an identification sticker audiovisual content CA _k , an IC1 icon entitled for example "General Information", and an IC2 icon entitled for example "view".

In a conventional manner, the general information contains, for example, the year of the content, its duration, a textual summary of the content, the list of the main actors / actresses of this content, etc.

In accordance with the invention, a third IC3 icon, for example "trailer", is also associated with audiovisual content CA _k .

Such an interface allows the user to be able to decide to immediately view the audiovisual content CA _k or rather, initially, to view a summary of audiovisual content CA _k .

A variant IC'3 of the third icon IC3 is shown in FIG.

5c, in association with audiovisual content CA _k . In the same way as in Figure 5b are displayed in association with an identification sticker audiovisual content CA _k , an IC'1 icon entitled for example "General Information", and an IC'2 icon entitled for example "view ".

According to this variant, the icon IC'3 is subdivided into two sub-icons

IC'a3 and IC'b3 which are for example entitled respectively "trailer 1" and "trailer 2". Such sub-icons appear when the audio-visual content CA _k contains for example two pluralities of different temporal sequences such as the first plurality of time sequences STa-i ₄ , STai ₄ , ..., STa _M4 , and the second plurality of sequences temporal IBRA _4, bST _j4, ..., _N4 bST which are shown in Figure 3d.

During a step R6 shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB detects a third user interaction UI3 on its remote control, requiring the selection:

or viewing the audiovisual content CA _k in its entirety, by selecting the IC2 icon with its TC remote control,

or viewing a summary of the audiovisual content CA _k in its entirety, by selecting the IC3 icon with its TC remote control.

Such an interaction UI3 is shown in FIG.

If the third UI3 interaction detected is the visualization of the audiovisual content CA _k in its entirety, during a step R7a shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB selects the entire audiovisual content CA _k from said received stream and then responds to the request of the user by sending a CD3a playback command to the TV set of Figure 1, for the latter to render the audiovisual content CA _k to the user without searching and automatically selecting sequences.

If the third UI3 interaction detected is the visualization of the summary of the audiovisual content CA _k , the access terminal STB, during a step R7b shown in FIG. 4, identifies from said stream containing the audiovisual content CA _k :

the time sequences STa-n, STan, ..., STa _M i respectively identified by the flux pointers (PDan; PFa-n), ..., (PDan; PFan), ... (PDa _M i; PFa _M i) which are respectively associated with the start and end of sequence information (IDan; IFa-n), ..., (IDan; IFan), ... (IDaMi; IFaMi), in the case where the stream concerned is the Fe1 flux shown in Figure 3a;

- the temporal sequences STAI _2, STAI _2, ..., STaM2 identified respectively by the flow of pointers (PDa-i _2; PFa _i-2), ..., (PDa _i2; PFa _i2) .. (PDaM ₂ , PFaM ₂ ) which are respectively associated with the start and end of sequence information (IDa-i ₂ ; IFa ₂ ), - - -, (IDa _i2 ; IFa _i2 ), ... (IDa _M2 ; IFa _M2 ), in the case where the flow in question is the Fe2 flux represented in FIG. 3b; the time sequences STa-i ₃ , STa _i3 , ..., STa _M 3 respectively identified by the flux pointers (PDa-i ₃ , PFa-i ₃ ), ..., (PDai ₃ , PFai ₃ ), ... (PDa _M3 , PFa _M3 ) which are respectively associated with the beginning and end of sequence information (IDa-i ₃ ; IFa-i ₃ ), ..., (IDa, 3; IFai ₃ ), .. (I DaM3; I FaM3), in the case where the flow concerned is the Fe3 flux represented in FIG. 3c;

- on the one hand the time sequences STAI _4, STAI _4, ..., _M4 STa identified respectively by the flow of pointers (PDa-i _4; ISRP _4), ..., (PDa _i4; ISRP ₄₎ ... ₍₄ pdam; Pfam ₄₎ which are respectively associated with the start information and end sequence (IDa-i _4; IFa _4), - - -, (IDa _i4; IFa _i4) .. . (IDa _M4; IFa _M4) and, on the other hand, the time sequences IBRA _4, bST _j4, ..., _m bST identified respectively by the flow of pointers (PDbi _4; PFb _4-i) .. ., (PDb _j4; PFb _j4) ... (PDbm; PFbisw) which are respectively associated with the start information and end sequence (Idbi _4; ₄ I Fb) ■■■ (IDb _j4; IFB _j4 ), ... (IDb _N4 ; IFb _N4 ), in the case where the flow concerned is the flux Fe4 shown in Figure 3d.

During a step R8b shown in FIG. 4, the access terminal STB searches for and then selects the identified time sequences in the predetermined order indicated in the corresponding stream.

During a step R9b shown in FIG. 4, as soon as the access terminal STB selects a time sequence, it sends the latter to the TV set of FIG. 1 via a read command CD2b. Said selected temporal sequences representative of the summary of audiovisual content CA _k are then successively restored on the fly by the access terminal STB, which allows a fluid display of this summary on the TV TV.

In relation to FIG. 6, we now consider the simplified structure of a generation device 100 of a representative stream of audiovisual content according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The generation device 100 implements the generation method according to the invention as described above. In this example, the device 100 is integrated with a server equipment or headend TR of an audiovisual data stream broadcasting network RD. Alternatively, the device 100 could be independent and connected to the equipment TR. The equipment TR comprises a broadcasting unit BRC which is adapted to broadcast, via the network RD, the streams generated by the generation device 100.

For example, the device 100 comprises a processing unit 1 10, equipped for example with a processor P1, and driven by a computer program Pg1 120, stored in a memory M1 130 and implementing the stream generation method. according to the invention.

At initialization, the code instructions of the computer program Pg1 120 are for example loaded into a RAM memory (not shown) before being executed by the processor P1 of the processing unit 1 10. The processor processing unit 1 10 implements the steps of the generation method described above, according to the instructions of the computer program Pg1 120. According to the invention, the generation device 100 comprises at least one determination unit DET in said content. audiovisual of a plurality of temporal sequences, an association ASS unit, for each of the determined time sequences, start and end of sequence information, and an INS unit for adding said information to the stream to be broadcast. These units are driven by the processor P1 of the processing unit 1 10.

In relation to FIG. 7, the simplified structure of a device 200 for restitution of a representative stream of audiovisual content according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention is now considered. The restitution device 200 implements the restitution method according to the invention as described above.

In this example, the rendering device 200 is integrated with an access terminal STB to a data flow broadcasting network. audiovisual. According to one variant, the device 200 could be independent and connected to the access terminal STB.

For example, the device 200 comprises a processing unit 210, equipped for example with a processor P2, and driven by a computer program Pg2 220, stored in a memory 230 and implementing the restitution method according to the invention. .

At initialization, the code instructions of the computer program Pg2 220 are for example loaded into a RAM (not shown) before being executed by the processor P2 of the processing unit 210. The processor of the processing unit 210 implements the steps of the restitution method described above, according to the instructions of the computer program 220. According to the invention, the restitution device 200 comprises at least one DTC unit for detecting an interaction U a user of the access terminal STB, a selection unit SEL from said recorded stream of all the audiovisual content or of said plurality of time sequences of the audiovisual content, and a control unit CLEC of reading the whole of said selected audiovisual content or of the plurality of selected time sequences. These units are driven by the processor P2 of the processing unit 210. The reproduction device 200 is thus arranged to cooperate with the access terminal STB and, in particular the following modules of this terminal: a module INT of processing of user interactions, an audiovisual content stream receiving REC module broadcast on the broadcast network RD, an audiovisual content recording module STR in an MS storage memory.

The invention that has just been presented applies to different use cases. A first use case is for example to access the trailer / automatic summary of audiovisual content broadcast live and previously recorded or downloaded in the access terminal STB of Figure 1.

According to this first use case, a user programs, for example, several audiovisual contents during the week and when the weekend arrives, he displays directly on his television TV, via the interface represented in FIG. 5a, the list of recordings or downloads he owns. In order to make his choice, the user requests for each audiovisual content recorded / downloaded the trailer / associated summary, using the interface shown in Figure 5b. The access terminal STB then only controls, for requested audiovisual content, the visualization of the time sequences identified respectively by their respective information of beginning and end of the sequence. The visualization of these temporal sequences is carried out without additional intervention of the user on the choice and the duration of the sequences and without adding dead time between the latter, which allows a great fluidity in the sequence of these sequences.

A second use case is to access the trailer / summary of a given type. As in the first use case, the trailer / summary in question is that of audiovisual content broadcast live and previously recorded or downloaded in the access terminal STB of Figure 1.

According to this second use case, a user has for example recorded or downloaded during his holidays several episodes of his favorite series in order not to miss any. Imagine that one evening, is broadcast live the last episode of his favorite series that he is very eager to see. The user does not have time to watch, before the broadcast of the last episode, the missed episodes. As a result, the user chooses to access the trailer / summary of a first type, such as "highlights," in order to properly track the last episode that will be broadcast. Imagine also that a friend of the user does not yet know the series. Therefore, this friend chooses to access the trailer / summary of a second type, such as "scene atmosphere" of the first episode recorded or downloaded, to get just an idea of the series.

It goes without saying that the embodiments which have been described above have been given for purely indicative and non-limiting purposes, and that many modifications can easily be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope. of the invention.

Thus, for example, the generation method according to the invention could be implemented, not directly in the equipment TR of Figure 1, but in equipment that would be interposed between the equipment TR and the service platform PFS.

It could also be envisaged to consider, for the same audiovisual content, more than two different types of abstracts. In the case of Figure 3d, the Fe4 flux could then contain more than two sets of time sequences.

Claims

1. A method for generating a representative stream of audiovisual content that can be broadcast by a broadcasting network (RD), characterized in that said method comprises, prior to broadcasting said content, the following steps:

- determining (E2) in said audiovisual content of a plurality of time sequences _(ST i, ST _A2, ST _ai, ..., _aM ST),

- association (E3), for each of said determined time sequences, of start and end of sequence information,

adding (E5) said information to the stream to be broadcast.

2. Generation method according to claim 1, wherein said start and end of time sequence information is added to the data of the audiovisual content, or in broadcast parameters associated with said stream to be broadcast.

3. Generation method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said determined time sequences are each numbered in a predetermined order.

4. Generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the following steps:

determination (E'2) in said audiovisual content of another plurality of time sequences (ST _b i, ST _b 2, ST _b j, ..., ST _b N) different from said plurality of time sequences (ST _a i, ST _a2 , ST _ai , ..., ST _aM ),

- associating (E'3), for each of said determined time sequences of said other plurality, corresponding beginning and end of sequence information,

- adding (E'5) said information corresponding to the flow to broadcast.

The generating method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising the steps of:

associating (E4), for at least one of said determined time sequences, with audio data,

adding (E6) said audio data to the stream to be broadcast.

6. Device for generating (1 00) a representative stream of audiovisual content that can be broadcast by a broadcasting network (RD), said device being adapted to implement the generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, said device being characterized in that it comprises the following modules capable of being activated prior to the broadcasting of said audiovisual content:

determination (DET) in said audiovisual content of a plurality of time sequences (ST _a i, ST _a2 , ST _ai , ..., ST _aM ),

- association (ASS), for each of said determined time sequences, of start and end of sequence information,

adding (INS) said information to the stream to be broadcast.

7. Telecommunications signal carrying a representative stream of audiovisual content intended to be broadcast by a broadcast network, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of time sequences (ST _a , ST _a2 , ST _ai , .. ., ST _aM ) to which sequence start and end information are respectively associated, said sequences and information being implemented by the generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

8. Method for restoring a representative stream of an audiovisual content, said stream having been generated according to the generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said method comprises the following steps :

- access (R1) to said stream,

selecting (R8b), from said stream, all of the audiovisual content, or selecting, from said stream, said plurality of temporal sequences of the audiovisual content, by identifying, in said stream, start information and end of sequence respectively associated with each of said time sequences,

- command (R9b) for reading all of said selected audiovisual content or of said plurality of selected temporal sequences.

The rendering method according to claim 8, wherein said read control step comprises sequencing each of said time sequences corresponding respectively to each of said identified beginning and ending sequence information.

The rendering method of claim 8 or claim 9, wherein said time sequences are selected in accordance with a predetermined numbering order.

1 1. Device for reproducing a representative stream of audiovisual content, said device being adapted to implement the rendering method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that it comprises the following modules:

- access (STR) to said stream,

selection (SEL), from said stream, of the entire audiovisual content or selection (SEL), from said stream, of said plurality of temporal sequences of the audiovisual content, by identifying, in said stream, information of beginning and end of sequence respectively associated with each of said time sequences, - read command (CLEC) of all of said selected audiovisual content or of said plurality of selected temporal sequences.

A computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when said program is executed on a computer.

A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the generation method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, when said program is executed by a computer.

A computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the rendering method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, when said program is executed on a computer.

15. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising program code instructions for performing the steps of the rendering method according to any one of claims 8 to 10, when said program is executed by a computer.