EP4690815A1

EP4690815A1 - A device, system, computer program and method of handling service switching

Info

Publication number: EP4690815A1
Application number: EP24710491.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Gustaf Lööv; Robert ALM; Henrik STRAND; Nigel Moore
Original assignee: Sony Europe BV; Sony Group Corp
Current assignee: Sony Europe BV; Sony Group Corp
Priority date: 2023-03-31
Filing date: 2024-02-29
Publication date: 2026-02-11
Also published as: GB2628653A; WO2024200992A1; GB202304845D0

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method of handling service switching. The method comprises: receiving service content based on a request of a first service; monitoring programme metadata associated with the first service; detecting overrun of the programme event based on the programme metadata; and overriding service switching scheduled at the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event, based on schedule information extracted from the programme metadata.

Description

A DEVICE, SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM AND METHOD OF HANDLING SERVICE SWITCHING

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present technique relates to a method, apparatus and computer program for handling service switching.

Description of the Related Art

The “background” description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in the background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present technique.

Modem reception devices of digital video broadcasting services such as TVs are typically equipped with a scheduling function which allows the user to schedule a specific future TV programme that he or she does not want to miss. The scheduling function will perform service switching automatically such that the reception device switches from a service that delivers the current TV programme, to another service delivering the scheduled TV programme at the scheduled time. However, the user may be watching a live event on the current TV programme which is overrunning and does not want to switch to the scheduled TV programme and skip the end of the event.

In view of this, there is expected to be a desire for current reception devices of digital video broadcasting services to provide intelligence for managing TV programme scheduling in the situation of programme overrun.

It is an aim of embodiments of the present disclosure to at least address this issue.

SUMMARY

According to embodiments of the disclosure, there is provided a method of handling service switching. The method comprises: receiving service content based on a request of a first service; monitoring programme metadata associated with the first service; detecting overrun of the programme event based on the programme metadata; and overriding service switching scheduled at the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event, based on schedule information extracted from the programme metadata.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 describes a service delivery system according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 2 describes the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to some other embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 3 describes an example scenario in which the event of a TV programme overruns and the reception apparatus handles switching of a service or a programme according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 4 describes an example TV programme schedule in the scenario of Figure 3 according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 5 shows a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus for handling switching of a service or a programme in Figure 3 according to embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 6 describes another example scenario in which the event of the current TV programme overruns and the reception apparatus handles switching of a service or a programme according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 7 describes an example TV programme schedule in the scenario of Figure 6 according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 8 shows a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus for handling switching of a service or a programme in Figure 6 according to some embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 9 describes an example programme metadata containing a Present/Following Event Information Table according to embodiments of the disclosure; and

Figure 10 describes an example schedule information response containing a program information table and a program location table according to embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

The present disclosure provides a reception apparatus which automatically “follows” the broadcasting of an overrun event on the current channel or on an alternative channel without user intervention, irrespective of the delivery technologies used, for example, internet protocol television (IPTV) service such as DVB-DASH, or traditional broadcasting services such as satellite (DVB-S), cable (DVB-C), and terrestrial (DVB-T) networks. In particular, embodiments of the disclosure use programme metadata embedded in multimedia service content of digital broadcast to detect when a broadcast event is simulcast or sectioned over multiple services or service instances. According to some embodiments, the delivery of service content and metadata is based on digital television transmission standards, for example, ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) and ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses) standards. According to some embodiments, the delivery of content and metadata is based on telecommunications standards, for example, 3GPP (Third Generation Partnership Project) standards such as 4G standards including LTE Advanced and LTE Advanced Pro, 5G NR and related 5G standards including 5G-Advanced, and 6G standards. Service contents and metadata delivered by various modes of operation for example point-to-point, broadcast or point- to-multipoint modes of operation is within the scope of the disclosure. IPTV services delivered using streaming standards and proprietary technologies other than DVB-DASH is envisaged, such as HLS (HTTP Live Streaming).

The scheduling function will perform service switching automatically such that the reception device switches from a service which delivers the current TV programme, to another service which delivers the scheduled TV programme at the scheduled time.

In digital TV broadcasting, multimedia contents are provided by various service providers such as a terrestrial, cable, satellite or a streaming service provider. The user may choose to receive service contents on different channels by issuing a service switching instruction to a receiving apparatus through a user interface, such as pressing channel keys on a remote control, or navigating a TV guide graphical user interface. The receiving apparatus subsequently communicates with the new service provider to establish a connection and authenticate the user’s access. Upon successful authentication, the receiving apparatus is able to receive programmes on the channel provided by the service, for instance, by tuning in the broadcast frequency of the service or requesting streaming data from the service provider. Programme metadata is commonly inserted in digital TV broadcast signal and IPTV streaming data to provide information about the service contents delivered. In some embodiments, programme metadata is carried in association with the TV broadcast signal or streaming data, such as a side channel. In some embodiments, the side channel may be delivered via the same delivery mechanism as the main channel. In other embodiments, the side channel may be delivered via a different delivery mechanism or different network. For example, where the service contents are delivered via a terrestrial, satellite or cable network, the side channel can be delivered by an IP broadband network. In some embodiments, the side channel is delivered via RF and has the same bandwidth as the main channel. In other embodiments, the side channel delivered via RF has a different bandwidth to the main channel, for example, a lower bandwidth. Among various parameters contained in the programme metadata, the time descriptor is related to the broadcast time of a programme and includes schedule information about the start time, end time and duration of the programme. Based on the programme metadata extracted and decoded from the delivered multimedia contents, the reception apparatus can provide schedule information of various programmes available from different TV stations and broadcasting companies through a user interface, such as an electronic programme guide (EPG) or an application for managing TV programmes.

TV programmes occasionally overrun due to a variety of reasons, such as technical difficulties, unexpected delays, or the event running longer than planned. For example, sports events being interrupted by accidents or bad weather conditions, football games running into extra time, tennis matches going five sets, and the like. The TV station or broadcasting company usually have two options to handle an overrun event. The first option is to let the programme continue broadcasting until the event finishes, especially if it is a live event or a critical part of the programme. Alternatively, the TV station may decide to interrupt the current programme and switch to the next scheduled program on time, in order to avoid disrupting the schedule for the rest of the day and to ensure that viewers can watch their favourite programs as planned.

If the TV station, network operator or rights holder (hereinafter TV station) decides to extend the current programme, this will result in change of the programme schedule and potential conflicts with existing scheduled channel switching or scheduled recording set by the user in the receiving apparatus. For example, the user may have programmed a scheduled viewing for a favourite programme on another channel which is due to start at the expected end time of the broadcast event on the current channel. The scheduled channel switching that interrupts the live event broadcast may cause the user to miss out a critical moment of the live event, even though the user can manually switch back to the live event channel, the interruption may still have an impact on the viewing experience. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the reception apparatus regularly monitors programme schedule information in the metadata in order to detect overrunning of the current programme. In case of event overrun, the reception apparatus will override automatic channel switching caused by scheduled viewing arrangement and remain on the current programme at the original end time of the event. As such, a smooth viewing experience is provided despite of unexpected overrunning of the broadcast event.

In the alternative situation, where the TV station chooses to interrupt the programme, the reception apparatus, in embodiments, will look up the programme metadata and search for other services or channels which are simulcasting the same event. The reception apparatus will then determine whether the event on any of these other channels will overrun, in which case, the reception apparatus will automatically switch to the alternative channel at the original end time of the event so that the user can continue to watch the overrun event. This will again ensure a smooth viewing experience despite the unexpected overrunning of the event. In embodiments, the reception apparatus initially receives service content for the event from a service or service instance in one format (e.g. HD) which is scheduled or selected by the user, and subsequently switches to an alternative service or service instance in a different format (e.g. SD) as configured by the TV station or broadcaster when the event overruns.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus extracts programme schedule information for TV programmes delivered by traditional broadcasting, such as satellite, cable, and terrestrial networks from Program-Specific Information (PSI) tables such as the Event Information Table present/following (EITpf) metadata, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 9. In embodiments, the reception apparatus extracts programme schedule information for TV programmes delivered by IPTV from DVB-I metadata, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 10. In some embodiments, the present information and following information (for example, EITpf) respectively detailing the current (now) and next TV programme is received by the reception apparatus frequently, for example, every 2 seconds. Any updates of the programme schedule from the TV Station or other metadata are reflected in this present and following information. Specifically, the EITpf has two events - the present and following. The present event is implicitly running, and the following event is implicitly not running. The running status can be indirectly obtained from that.

For example, assuming the EITpf of the present event has schedule 9:30 start, and Ihr duration. If the event has overrun and it is now at 10:31, a contradiction can be detected. Accordingly, if the programme remains to be the “present” event outside the schedule, it can be assumed that the programme have overrun.

A reception apparatus implementing a hybrid platform to receive DVB-T/C/S services and DVB- DASH service can receive service instances of the same service via different broadcast delivery systems. In embodiments, corresponding same services (for example simulcast versions of the same sporting Grand Prix event) are delivered in different formats such as SD, HD, or UHD, at different bitrates. In embodiments, corresponding same services are delivered with different accompanying services, for example, streams using different Audio Codecs, or different accessibility features such as signing for hard of hearing users. In embodiments, the reception apparatus acquires programme metadata from individual delivery systems, such as EITpf metadata and DVB-I metadata, then merges the metadata by performing service instance matching. For example, service instance matching can be conducted based on a unique parameter assigned to the relevant service, such as the service name element, to produce a service list combining DVB-T/C/S and DVB-I services. With the merged programme metadata, the reception apparatus can associate the service instances from DVB-T/C/S and DVB-I services, and thereby perform a switch between different delivery systems to handle overrunning of a broadcast event.

In some cases, an overrun event may further extend and the reception apparatus, in embodiments, continues to keep track of the programme metadata for any further schedule update. This allows the reception apparatus to perform necessary channel switching again in order to follow the extended event and ensure a smooth viewing experience.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a service delivery system 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure in which various services are delivered to multiple apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c. The apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c may be a smart TV, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet or a mobile phone capable of receiving the services such as video services, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 2. Although Figure 1 shows only three apparatuses, any number of apparatuses is envisaged.

In some embodiments, the service delivery system 100 involves IP servers 102a, 102b and internet network 103. Reception apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c are connected to the IP servers 102a, 102b via the network 103 for accessing services, for example, based on Over-the-Top (OTT) technology. In some embodiments, the service delivery system 100 additionally involves satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b, satellite transmitters 105a, 105b, a satellite 106, and a satellite receiver 107. The satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b respectively connected to the satellite transmitters 105a, 105b deliver services by transmitting signals to the satellite 106, which re-transmits the signals to the reception apparatus 101a via the satellite receiver 107, for example, by using Satellite Direct-to-Home (DTH) technology. In some other embodiments, the service delivery system 100 further involves terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b, land-based transmitters 109a, 109b, and a TV aerial 110. The terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b respectively connected to the land-based transmitters 109a, 109b deliver services by broadcasting signals, for example, based on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTV or DTT, or DTTB) technology. The reception apparatus 101a can then access the services via the TV aerial 110.

In embodiments, the services delivered by the IP servers 102a, 102b, satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b, and terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b are multimedia contents in known video formats, for example, 4K 2160p, 4K 2160PsF, 1080p, 1080i, 1080PsF or 720p. Although Figure 1 shows only three technologies for delivering multimedia contents, i.e.: internet network, satellite transmission, and land-based broadcasting, other technologies for delivering video services is envisaged, for example, cable TV or delivery by 5G or 6G wireless telecommunications technology in a point to point or broadcast mode .

Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the reception apparatus 101 according to some embodiments of the disclosure, for accessing services delivered by the IP servers 102a, 102b, satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b, or terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b.

The reception apparatus 101 comprises a device processor 201. The device processor 201 is embodied as processing circuitry such as a microprocessor or an Application Specific Integrated Circuit or another circuit design and controls the operation of the reception apparatus 101 using a computer program which is embodied as software code, for example, a receiving software. The reception apparatus 101 is controlled by the device processor 201 to perform embodiments of the disclosure. A memory unit 208 is connected to the device processor 201 and stores thereon computer-readable instructions which control the device processor 201. According to embodiments of the invention, the memory unit 208 also stores data such as user preferences of the reception apparatus 101, as will be described later with reference to Figures 5, 7, 10 and 12.

The reception apparatus 101, in embodiments, further comprises communication circuitry 202. The communication circuitry 202 includes a network adapter for connecting the reception apparatus 101 to the network 103. The network 103 to which the reception apparatus 101 connects via the network adapter is a wide area network, such as the Internet, or a local area network, and the like. The purpose of the network adapter is to receive from the IP servers 102a, 102b communication signals containing services, for example, by means of streaming data.

The reception apparatus 101, in embodiments, further comprises a tuner 203 and a demultiplexer 204. The tuner 203 receives RF signal such as satellite TV signals through the satellite receiver 107, or terrestrial TV signals via the TV aerial 110 and converts it to communication signals. The demultiplexer 204 is connected to the device processor 201 and transmits communication signals from the communication circuitry 202 or the tuner 203 to the audio and video decoder 205 based on instructions received from the device processor 201. Additionally connected to the device processor 201 is an audio and video decoder 205 for obtaining audio signals and video signals from the demultiplexer 204. The audio and video decoder 205, in embodiments, support audio formats, such as MPEG-1 audio, MPEG-2 audio, AC-3 and Enhanced AC-3 audio, DTS Audio, MPEG-4 AAC, MPEG-4 HE AAC, AC-4, MPEG-H Audio, and DTS-UHD Audio. The audio and video decoder 205, in embodiments, further support known video coding formats, for example, MPEG-2 video, H.264/AVC, MVC, SVC, HEVC, VVC and VC-1. The apparatus 101 further comprise a display 206 and speakers 207 for respectively play back the video signals and audio signals decoded by the audio and video decoder 205.

Additionally connected to the device processor 201 is interface circuitry 209. The purpose of the interface circuitry 209 is to display a visual interface in the display 206 and to receive user inputs, such as from a touch screen of the display 206, or from an external control device 210, thereby allowing a user to enter commands to the reception apparatus 101, such as to configure the scheduled viewing or to control the programme switch in case of broadcast event overrun.

Figure 3 illustrates an example scenario in which the broadcast event on a TV programme overruns and the reception apparatus 101 handles switching of a service or a programme according to embodiments of the disclosure. In the example scenario of Figure 3, a user is watching TV programme 301, for example a live broadcast of a Grand Prix event on channel CHOI. The broadcast event is expected to run past its expected end time and the broadcaster decides to let the TV programme 301 continue broadcasting until the event finishes. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the reception apparatus 101 detects from the programme metadata that the Grand Prix event will overrun, and the TV programme 301 is extended on channel CHOI to continue the live broadcast. In the meantime, the user has previously configured scheduled viewing in the reception apparatus 101 such that scheduled switching to another channel CH02 will be automatically performed at 19:00, which is the original end time of the Grand Prix event.

At 19:00, the reception apparatus 101 notifies the user by triggering a message 302 on its screen display, informing that the overrun event will continue to be broadcast on channel CH01. The message also notifies the user that he or she can press a predetermined key on the remote control 210, such as the green button, if it is desired to proceed with the scheduled viewing and switch to channel CH02 for watching a drama programme 303, for example. If the user takes no action within a predetermined period of time, for example 5 seconds, after the message 302 displays, the reception apparatus 101 will remain on channel CHOI. Nevertheless, if the user presses the predetermined key on the remote control 210 to intervene the process, the reception apparatus 101 will carry on the scheduled viewing and jump to channel CH02. In embodiments, the predetermined key is a specific key assigned by the manufacturer that matches the UI text instruction rendered by the terminal UI according to the terminal OS. For example, some manufacturers include coloured buttons on the remote control 210 and in embodiments, the user will be asked to press a specific coloured button to intervene in the process. In other embodiments, where the switching functionality is realised by an associated application environment such as HbbTV, the predetermined key is a key defined by the application.

Figure 4 shows an example TV programme schedule 400 in the scenario of Figure 3 according to embodiments of the disclosure. For illustration purpose, the TV programme schedule 400 only covers the time period 17:00 to 20:00 for three TV channels, namely CHOI, CH02 and CH03. In this example, the user tunes in channel CH01 to watch a live event 401 which is, for example, a Grand Prix race. Initially, the event 401 is scheduled to end at 19:30 and the user has programmed the reception apparatus such that it automatically performs a jump 402 to channel CH02 for watching a drama programme 403. However, it happens that the Grand Prix event 411 has overrun and the new end time in the updated TV programme schedule 410 becomes 20:00. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the reception apparatus 101 notifies the user at the original event end time 19:30, that the current channel CH01 will continue to broadcast the overrun Grand Prix event 411. Nevertheless, the user may still choose to continue with the scheduled channel switching 404 to channel CH02 by pressing a predetermined key on the remote control 210 in order to watch the drama programme 403. Obviously, the use of other human machine interface technologies to instruct the reception apparatus is envisaged, such as via a touch screen or voice control.

In the event that the user takes no action, the reception apparatus 101 will override the scheduled viewing on channel CH02, and stay on the current channel CH01 to continue the broadcast of the overrun event 411. In some embodiments, when the overrun programme 411 finishes at 20:00, the apparatus 101 resumes the scheduled viewing and performs a jump 405 to channel CH02 for showing the drama programme 403.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 determines whether the user is engaged in the current TV programme 401. For example, it is determined that the user is sufficiently engaged if no significant body movement has been detected for a predetermined period of time, for example 15 seconds, by a motion sensor of the reception apparatus 101. In another example, it is determined that the user is sufficiently engaged if visual attention has been detected for a predetermined period of time, for example 15 seconds, by an eye tracking device of the reception apparatus 101. The reception apparatus 101 only overrides scheduled viewing to follow the overrun event on the current channel CHOI if it is determined that the user is engaged in the programme.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 keeps track of the viewing history of the user and stores the viewing history data in memory unit 208. In embodiments, where the reception apparatus learns the user preferences from the viewing history, the output of the learning result is associated with a confidence score representing the confidence level that the output is likely to be correct. For example, for a confidence score representing the user’s preference among a drama series and a Grand Prix Race event, a confidence score less than a predetermined first threshold, such as 30%, indicates that the user prefers the drama series; a confidence score above the first threshold but below a predetermined second threshold, such as 70%, reflects that it is unclear about the user’s preference and the reception apparatus may ask the user for input; and a confidence score above the second threshold indicated that the user prefers the Grand Prix Race event. Such arrangement allows the user to make a final arbitration in situations where the result of the learning output is uncertain.

Based on the viewing history, the reception apparatus 101 then determines the user’s preference on different events, programmes, and genres. When the reception apparatus 101 detects the event on a programme will overrun, it will only override scheduled viewing to follow the overrun event on the current channel if it is determined that the user has a preference on the overrun event over the programme on the viewing schedule based on the viewing history. For example, if the viewing history indicates that the user has a desire to watch live Grand Prix race event 411 over a drama programme 403 on the viewing schedule, the reception apparatus 101 will override scheduled viewing to follow the overrun Grand Prix race event 411 on the current channel CH01. On the other hand, if the user watches the drama programme on a regular basis and seldom watches a live Grand Prix race event according to the viewing history, the reception apparatus 101 will not override the scheduled viewing but will switch to the drama programme at the original end of the Grand Prix race event. In some embodiments, the user preference on a programme genre or a particular event can directly be set up by the user, such as flagging a genre, a drama series or a particular event as a favourite in the TV guide user interface.

Figure 5 illustrates a flow chart 500 describing a process in the reception apparatus for handling switching of a service or a programme when a programme event overruns, according to embodiments of the disclosure. Process 500 begins at step 505, where the reception apparatus 101 receives service content based on a request of a service. The service content can be delivered by various delivery technologies, for example, internet protocol television (IPTV) service such as DVB-DASH, or traditional broadcasting services such as satellite (DVB-S), cable (DVB-C), and terrestrial (DVB-T) networks.

At step 510, the reception apparatus 101 loads from the memory unit 208 a viewing schedule. The viewing schedule is set up by the user, based on which the reception apparatus 101 will automatically switch to a programme channel at the scheduled time.

At step 515, the reception apparatus 101 determines whether channel switching has been scheduled by the viewing schedule at the end time of the TV programme. In the event that no channel switching has been scheduled, the process moves to step 520, where the reception apparatus 101 stays on the current channel at the expected end time of the event. Returning to step 515, in the event that channel switching has been scheduled by the viewing schedule at the end time of the TV programme, the process moves to step 525, where the reception apparatus 101 monitors the programme metadata embedded in the received service content. In embodiments, the reception apparatus extracts the time descriptor from the programme metadata to obtain schedule information about the start time, end time and duration of the programme. By comparing with the history of the schedule information of the programme, the reception apparatus 101 can determine whether the programme will overrun.

In the case of receiving the programme contents via terrestrial, cable and satellite services, the programme metadata in relation to the description, start time and duration of the event is provided in the Event Information Table, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 9. In some embodiments, the current service is received by the reception apparatus based on a broadcasting service instance such as a terrestrial, cable and satellite service, the reception apparatus will monitor the programme metadata on the broadcasting service instance, for example, an event information table embedded in the service content, for detecting overrunning of the programme. In some embodiments, the reception apparatus will additionally monitor the programme metadata on other IP service instances for delivering the same programme event, such as program information tables and program location tables, so as to detect programme overrun.

In the case of receiving programme contents via IPTV services, the programme metadata in relation to description, start time and end time of the event is provided in the program information table and program location table, which can be acquired in a response to a schedule information request, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 10. In some embodiments, the current service is received by the reception apparatus based on an IP service instance, the reception apparatus will monitor the programme metadata on the IP service instance, for example, program information table and program location table, for detecting overrunning of the programme. In some embodiments, the reception apparatus will additionally monitor the programme metadata on other IP service instances, as well as programme metadata on broadcasting service instances for delivering the same programme event, such as an event information table, in order to detect programme overrun.

In some embodiments, a programme overrun is signalled by DASH media content itself, outside of the programme metadata. For example, the signalling can be based on event mechanism using ‘emsg’ boxes (DASH Event Message Box) within the DASH segments. Suitable schemes for using inband events to signal programme overrun are envisaged. In some embodiments, the broadcaster continues signalling content programme metadata (as defined by DVB-DASH) in-band even though the schedule of that event has expired. The signalling can be similar to how EIT present/following table is used to show event overruns. At step 530, the reception apparatus 101 determines whether the programme metadata indicates that the TV programme will overrun. In the event that the TV programme will finish on time, the process moves to step 535, where the reception apparatus 101 determines whether it has reached the expected end time of the broadcast event, in which case the process moves to step 540, where the reception apparatus 101 performs service or programme switching, for example, to channel CH02 according to scheduled viewing.

Returning to step 535, in the event that it is not yet the expected end time of the broadcast event, the process goes back to step 525, where the reception apparatus continues to monitor programme metadata for event overrun at regular intervals, for example, for every five minutes.

Returning to step 530, in the event that the programme metadata indicates that the TV programme will overrun, the process moves to step 545, where the reception apparatus 101 triggers a message on the screen to notify the user that the current channel will continue to broadcast the overrun event at the original end time of the broadcast event. In embodiments, the message also notifies the user to press a predetermined key on the remote control if he or she wants to proceed with the scheduled viewing and perform channel switching, for instance, to channel CH02 for watching a drama programme. Obviously, the use of other human machine interface techniques to notify the user is envisaged, such as a voice message which would not block the image of the live broadcast.

The process then moves to step 550, where the reception apparatus 101 waits for the user’s instruction to carry on the scheduled channel switching. In the event that the user instructs to perform channel switching, for example, by pressing a predetermined key on the remote control, the process moves to step 540, where the reception apparatus 101 performs service or programme switching in accordance with the scheduled viewing. Although the disclosure is not so limited and the use of other human machine interface techniques to instruct the reception apparatus is envisaged, such as via a touch screen or voice control.

Returning to step 550, in the event that the reception apparatus 101 has not received user instruction within a predetermined period of time, for example 5 seconds, after the message displays, the process moves to step 555, where the reception apparatus 101 overrides the scheduled viewing and stays on the current channel to continue showing the overrun event.

Finally, the process moves to step 560, where the overrun event reaches the extended end time and the reception apparatus 101 resumes the scheduled viewing by switching to channel CH02. In some circumstances, the overrun of an event may happen one or more times when it is unknown by the TV station the length of the extension needed to be assigned to the newly extended programme. For example, a tennis match event or news coverage might be increased in chunks of 10 or 15 minutes at a time. In such scenario where an overrun event may further extend, the reception apparatus 101, in embodiments, continues to keep track of the programme metadata for any further schedule update. This allows the reception apparatus to perform necessary channel switching again in order to follow the extended event and ensure a smooth viewing experience.

In such a way, embodiments of the disclosure enable a reception apparatus to detect based on programme metadata whether the broadcast of the event will overrun on the current channel. Smooth viewing experience is therefore achieved by automatically following the broadcast of the overrun event on the current channel and overriding a scheduled channel switch without user intervention.

Figure 6 illustrates another example scenario in which the broadcast event of the current TV programme overruns and the reception apparatus 101 handles switching of a service or a programme according to some embodiments of the disclosure. In the example scenario of Figure 6, a user is watching a TV programme 601, for example a live broadcast of a Grand Prix event on channel CHOI. The event of the programme 601 is expected to run longer than planned, and the broadcaster decides to interrupt the current program 601 and switch to the next scheduled program on time, in order to avoid disrupting the schedule for the rest of the day. In the meantime, the overrun live event continues to be broadcast in programme 603 on an alternative channel CH03. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the reception apparatus 101 learns from the programme metadata that the Grand Prix event will overrun, and although the programme 601 will not be extended on channel CHOI to continue the live broadcast, the same event is being broadcast in full in programme 603 on the alternative channel CH03.

At 19:00, the original end time of the Grand Prix event, the reception apparatus 101 notifies the user by triggering a message 602 on its screen display, informing that the event will overrun and the channel will be automatically switched to the alternative channel CH03 which will continue to broadcast the event. The message also notifies the user that he or she can press a predetermined key, such as the green button, on the remote control 210 if the user objects to the proposed channel switching and wants to stay on channel CH01 for watching an entertainment programme 604, for example. If the user takes no action within a predetermined period of time, for example 5 seconds, after the message 602 displays, the reception apparatus 101 will switch to channel CH03 and broadcast the overrun event in the programme 603. Nevertheless, if the user presses the predetermined key on the remote control 210 to intervene the process, the reception apparatus 101 will remain on channel CHOI for presenting the entertainment programme 604.

In a further example scenario, the reception apparatus 101 has been configured with scheduled viewing such that channel switching to another channel, for example CH02 (not shown in Figure 6) will be automatically performed at the original end of the live event. In embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 instead notifies the user to press the predetermined key on the remote control 210 if he or she desires to proceed with the scheduled viewing and switch to channel CH02. Figure 7 shows an example TV programme schedule 701 in the scenario of Figure 6 according to some embodiments of the disclosure. For illustration purpose, the TV programme schedule 700 only covers the time period 17:00 to 20:00 for three TV channels, namely CHOI, CH02 and CH03. In this example, the user tunes in channel CHOI to watch a live event 701 which is, for example, a Grand Prix race. At the same time, the same Grand Prix race event is simulcast in programme 702 on channel CH03. Initially, the event 701 is scheduled to end at 19:30 and the channel will deliver an entertainment programme 703 afterwards. However, it happens that the Grand Prix event 701 has overrun and the broadcast will be interrupted because channel CH01 has to move on to the entertainment programme 703. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the reception apparatus 101 notifies the user at the original event end time 19:30, that the event will overrun and an automatic switch 704 to an alternative channel CH03 will be performed, where the overrun event 712 will be broadcast. Nevertheless, the user may still choose to stay on channel CHOI by pressing a predetermined key on the remote control 210 in order to watch the entertainment programme 703. Obviously, the use of other human machine interface techniques to instruct the reception apparatus is envisaged, such as via a touch screen or voice control.

In embodiments, the TV station or the broadcasting company creates a custom event, such as a custom DSM-CC (Digital storage media command and control) event and inserts a pointer into the media content, for example, “this broadcast continues on CH02”. In some embodiments, the pointer can be in the same language as the language of the programme, although it is envisaged that a different language or multiple languages can be used. In some embodiments, where the language of the pointer is different from the language of the programme or the user’s language preference, the reception apparatus automatically translates the pointer using a local translation engine or a remote translation engine, such as an on-line translation engine. The reception apparatus 101 can simply follow the pointer and jump to channel CH02 instead of searching for alternative broadcasting channels based on programme metadata. A custom DSM-CC event can be added with information required for the programme move, such as event type, name of the services that continue the broadcast, and time information.

In the event that the user takes no action, the reception apparatus will override the scheduled viewing on channel CHOI, and perform channel switching 704 to the alternative channel CH03 to continue broadcasting the overrun event 712. In some embodiments, when the overrun event 712 on channel CH03 finishes at 20:00, the apparatus 101 resumes the scheduled viewing and performs ajump 705 back to channel CHOI for showing the entertainment programme 703.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 determines whether the user is engaged in the current TV programme 701. For example, it is determined that the user is sufficiently engaged if no significant body movement has been detected for a predetermined period of time, for example 15 seconds, by a motion sensor of the reception apparatus 101. In some embodiments, the motion sensor is a modular or integrated camera, and motion is detected by imaging processing of the captured images. In some embodiments, the motion sensor is a time of flight sensor, which detects changes of the depth of objects in its view, such as distance variation between the user and the reception apparatus due to motions of the user. In another example, it is determined that the user is sufficiently engaged if visual attention has been detected for a predetermined period of time, for example 15 seconds, by an eye tracking device of the reception apparatus 101. The reception apparatus only performs channel switching to follow the overrun event on channel CH03 if it is determined that the user is engaged in the programme.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 keeps track of the viewing history of the user and stores the viewing history data in memory unit 208. Based on the viewing history, the reception apparatus 101 then determines the user’s preference on different events, programmes, and genres. When the reception apparatus 101 detects the event on a programme will overrun, it will only override scheduled viewing to follow the overrun event on the alternative channel if it is determined that the user has a preference on the overrun event over the programme on the viewing schedule based on the viewing history. For example, if the viewing history indicates that the user has a desire to watch live Grand Prix race event over an entertainment programme on the viewing schedule, the reception apparatus 101 will override scheduled viewing to follow the overrun Grand Prix race event 411 on the alternative channel CH03. On the other hand, if the user watches the entertainment programme on a regular basis and seldom watches a live Grand Prix race event according to the viewing history, the reception apparatus 101 will not override the scheduled viewing but will stay on the current channel CHOI to show the entertainment programme 703. In some embodiments, the user preference on a programme genre or a particular event can directly be set up by the user, such as flagging a genre, a drama series or a particular event as a favourite in the TV guide user interface.

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart 800 describing a process in the reception apparatus for handling scheduled switching of a service or a programme when a programme event overruns, according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Process 800 begins at step 805, where the reception apparatus 101 receives service content based on a request of a service. The service content can be delivered by various delivery technologies, for example, internet protocol television (IPTV) service such as DVB- DASH, or traditional broadcasting services such as satellite (DVB-S), cable (DVB-C), and terrestrial (DVB-T) networks.

At step 810, the reception apparatus 101 loads from the memory unit 208 a viewing schedule from memory. The viewing schedule is set up by the user, based on which the reception apparatus 101 will automatically switch to a programme channel at the scheduled time. The process moves to step 815, where the reception apparatus 101 monitors the programme metadata embedded in the received service content. In embodiments, the reception apparatus extracts the time descriptor from the programme metadata to obtain schedule information about the start time, end time and duration of the programme. By comparing with the history of the schedule information of the programme, the reception apparatus 101 can determine whether the programme will overrun.

For terrestrial, cable and satellite services, the programme metadata in relation to the description, start time and duration of the event is provided in the Event Information Table, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 9. For IPTV services, the programme metadata in relation to description, start time and end time of the event is provided in the program information table and program location table, which can be acquired in a response to a schedule information request, as will be explained later with reference to Figure 10.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus launches an HbbTV application, or a general application for managing TV programmes, to query programme information with MetaDataSearch-API based on a unique Event ID parameter, in order to identify service instances which continue to broadcast the overrun event. In some embodiments, HbbTV application for making programme information query is triggered and launched on the reception apparatus in anticipation of receiving a message to continue receiving an overrunning event. The HbbTV application making programme information query, in embodiments, is configured to perform only this task. In other embodiments, the HbbTV application making programme information query is incorporated in another HbbTV application, for example one giving interactive features relating to the received TV programme, such as sports statistics and video streams from different viewing angles.

In some embodiments, the reception apparatus anticipates the receiving of the message based on the stream or broadcast, for example, the DASH Event Message Box within the DASH segments may carry event information such as the scoring or status of the sports event. In another example, the event information may be carried in the programme metadata for IP service instance or broadcasting service instance. The stream or broadcast, in embodiments, is configured to trigger and launch the HbbTV application in certain circumstances. If the HbbTV Application is not already installed in the reception apparatus, the trigger will also cause the reception apparatus to download the HbbTV application.

In some embodiments, instructions or event information are included in the content or metadata of the stream or broadcast, for example, a football match event that has the possibility of going into extra time, causing the programme event to overrun. In another example, instructions or event information may be included in a football match event if the score is tied with only a few minutes remaining and that the game is likely to proceed to extra time or penalties. In a further example, instructions or event information may be included in a cricket match which may be extended by, for example, 30 minutes because an umpire determines that a decisive outcome is possible before nightfall. In yet another example, instructions or event information may be included in a concert event where a weather warning was issued during the event and the adverse weather condition causes interruption of the event and likely overrun of the programme event. Therefore instructions or event information in the stream or broadcast may be included from the beginning of the event, or at any point in the event when the likelihood of programme event overrun is increased.

If the Event ID parameter is not unique in a different service, the query can still be made based on the unique TV-Anytime Content Reference Identifier (CRID).

Below is an example search-result of a query with MetaDataSearch-API:

"{""ID_TVA_CRID"":O,

""ID_DVB_EVENT"":1,

""ID TV A GROUP CRID"" :2,

""name"": ""Event 1, umlaut a"",

""programmeID"":""dvb://l.ff03.6elb;7d"",

" "programme IDType " " : 1 ,

""description"":""subtitle"",

""longDescription"":""Test"",

""startTime"": 1673946420,

""duration"": 7200,

""channelID"":""ccid:dvb: 1:65283:28187:0:0"",

" "parentalRatings" " : { " "length" " : 0 } } ' } "

The example search result indicates that the broadcast of event name “Event 1, umlaut a” on channel ID "ccid:dvb: 1:65283:28187:0:0" starts at time code “1673946420” and lasts for a duration of 72 minutes. Based on the programme metadata, the reception apparatus can compare against the event duration of the current programme and determine whether the broadcasting of the event will overrun on this channel.

If the reception apparatus creates an event at the original end time of an overrun event to trigger a request for DVB-I metadata information, this will likely cause an enormous amount of reception apparatuses to retrieve metadata at the same time, leading to the risk of DVB-I server overload. Given that the programme metadata is usually updated at least some minutes before the original end time of an overrun event, the reception apparatus, in embodiments, requests the metadata at regular interval, for example 1 minute, in advance of the end time to avoid server overload.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus is configured to contact a DVB-I server at random time intervals to prevent server overload. For example, a parameter of the reception apparatus such as its serial number may be used as a seed for a random number generator to determine the time of request, although the disclosure is not so limited and it is envisaged that other techniques to spread or “smear” the requests across a time period can be used to avoid a large fleet of devices from accidentally synchronising their requests, which could cause adverse effects such as overloading the DVB-I server.

Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method of handling service switching, comprising: receiving service content based on a request of a first service via a server such as an internet server delivering metadata, for example, a DVB-I server; detecting overrun or likely overrun of the programme event, such as by detecting programme metadata on other services and signalling; or by analysing the actual audio/video content by signal processing, such as image recognition and voice recognition, to detect for example a commentator’s notification that the service content will continue on another channel or stream; or by detecting programme metadata on the RF EITpf; inhibiting repeated polling by a receiver of the DVB-I server, the polling having a polling time separation below a predetermined threshold, the polling corresponding to instructions requesting an alternate instance; awaiting instructions as to an instance to the service to switch to, for example, the instructions can be contained in a message; and performing a switch at or before the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

If more than one alternative service instance is found that will continue to broadcast the overrun event, the reception apparatus, in embodiments, chooses the most appropriate service instance for user requirements, such as the screen resolution, bitrate, and accessibility feature.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus monitors the linkage descriptor on RF to determine if a DVB-I service continues the broadcast of the overrun event.

At step 820, the reception apparatus 101 determines whether the programme metadata indicates that the TV programme on the current channel will overrun. In the event that the TV programme will not overrun on the current channel, the process moves to step 825, where the reception apparatus 101 goes on the look up the programme metadata and determine whether the programmes broadcasting the same event on other channels, for example under a simulcast arrangement, will overrun or have an extended end time. In the event that neither of these TV programmes on other channels will overrun, the process moves to step 830, where the reception apparatus 101 determines whether it has reached the original end time of the broadcast event, in which case the process moves to step 835, where the reception apparatus 101 stays on channel CHOI or performs programme switching, for example, to channel CH02, depending on the scheduled viewing. Returning to step 830, in the event that it is not yet the expected end time of the broadcast event, the process goes back to step 815, where the reception apparatus continues to monitor programme metadata for event overrun at regular intervals, for example, for every five minutes.

Returning to steps 820 and 825, in the event that the programme metadata indicates that the TV programme will overrun either on the current channel or on an alternative channel broadcasting the same event, the process moves to step 840, where the reception apparatus 101 pops up a message on the screen to notify the user that the overrun event will continued to be broadcast at the original end time of the broadcast event, either on the current channel CHO 1 or the alternative channel CH03 depending on the availability. In embodiments, the message also notifies the user to press a predetermined key on the remote control if he or she wants to interrupt the broadcast event and proceed with the scheduled viewing. Obviously, the use of other human machine interface techniques to notify the user is envisaged, such as a voice message which would not block the image of the live broadcast.

In embodiments, the reception apparatus launches a user interface, such as a Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) application, just in advance of a switch, to allow the user to control the switch.

The process then moves to step 845, where the reception apparatus 101 waits for the user’s instruction to carry on the scheduled viewing. In the event that the user instructs to execute the scheduled viewing, for example, by pressing a predetermined key on the remote control, the process moves to step 835, where the reception apparatus 101 stays on the current channel CHOI for watching an entertainment programme, or performs channel switching, for instance, to channel CH02 for watching a drama programme, depending on the scheduled viewing. Although the disclosure is not so limited and the use of other human machine interface techniques to instruct the reception apparatus is envisaged, such as via a touch screen or voice control.

Returning to step 845, in the event that the reception apparatus 101 has not received user instruction within a predetermined period of time, for example 5 seconds, after the message displays, the process moves to step 850, where the reception apparatus 101 overrides the scheduled viewing and continue to broadcast the overrun event, either on the current channel CHO 1 or the alternative channel CH03 depending on the availability.

Finally, the process moves to step 855, where the overrun event reaches the extended end time and the reception apparatus 101 resumes the scheduled viewing, for example, by performing a jump to channel CHOI and requests content of the entertainment programme. In some cases, an overrun event may further extend and the reception apparatus 101, in embodiments, continues to keep track of the programme metadata for any further schedule update. This allows the reception apparatus to perform necessary channel switching again in order to follow the extended event and ensure a smooth viewing experience.

In such a way, embodiments of the disclosure enable a reception apparatus to detect based on programme metadata whether the broadcast of the event will overrun on the current channel or on an alternative channel. Smooth viewing experience is therefore achieved by automatically following the broadcast of the overrun event on the current channel or on an alternative channel, and overriding a scheduled channel switch without user intervention.

Apart from sending query request to the server for obtaining programme metadata, embodiments of the disclosure additionally acquire programme metadata embedded or encapsulated in the service contents in order to handle schedule service switching during overrun of a programme event. The arrangement can advantageously reduce the spikes in requests to server especially towards the expected end time of a programme event.

In some embodiments, a receiving apparatus captures DVB-I metadata, start a DASH stream based on the metadata, receives encapsulated data in the DASH stream which are recognised by the receiving apparatus. In particular, the receiving apparatus “patches” the DVB-I data with an updated patch. The patch, in embodiments, includes the location of streams that continue the overrunning program. This avoids the need to request DVB-I data frequently and advantageously reduces the network traffic. In some embodiments, the patch identifies and replaces a small set of the DVB-I metadata, for example, to update any streams impacted by the overrunning program. This can further reduce the network traffic by avoiding the need to download the full DVB-I data every time.

Figure 9 illustrates an example programme metadata containing Present/Following Event Information Table (EITpf) 901. The programme metadata is received from service providers and stored in the memory unit 208 of the reception apparatus 101. Standards for TV broadcast signal normally encode broadcast data with the service content, for example, the MPEG-2 (Moving Picture Experts Group-2) transport stream used for compressing digital video audio for broadcasting digital TV signals defines the programme metadata in program-specific information (PSI) tables. In particular, one of the PSI tables, the Event Information Table (EIT), provides information concerning events being broadcast, such as the event name, start time, duration, and descriptors. This allows the receiving apparatus to acquire differ kinds of event information for different service types. The Present/Following Event Information Table (EITpf) is one of the sub-tables of the EIT table. In Figure 9, the example EITpf table 901 provides information regarding the present event 902 and the chronologically following event 903. The present event 902 has an Event ID “British Grand Prix” and is contained within the service “Channel 1 SAT”. The EITpf table 901 further specifies the start time of the present event 902 on 03.07.2022 at 17:00:00 and the expected duration of the present event 902 to be 1.5 hours. Additionally contained in the EITpf table 901 are descriptors which provides further details of the present event 902, for example, the event name is “British Grand Prix” and the language of broadcast is English. Further provided in the EITpf table 901 is the information concerning the following event 903, which also includes the start time and the expected duration. In the case of event overrun, the programme remains to be the “present” event outside the schedule, and it can be determined that the programme have overrun. These data fields in the EITpf table, especially the Event ID, Event Name and Event Description, allow the receiving apparatus 101 to associate programmes delivered by various services which are broadcasting the same event.

Figure 10 illustrates an example schedule information response containing a program information table and a program location table. The DVB-I standard provides a mechanism for the receiving apparatus to send a Schedule Information Request to a Content Guide Server of the broadcasters to query information concerning schedule, programme and on-demand programme for a particular service. The response to a Schedule Information Request contains event specific information in the Program Information Table and Program Location Table. In Figure 10, the example Schedule Information Response 1001 comprises Program Information Table 1002 and Program Location Table 1003. The Program Information Table 1002 contains parameters such as the program ID element which specifies the CRID of the programme; and the Basic Description element which defines the program metadata, for example, the title “British Grand Prix” and the synopsis “British Grand Prix 2022 Day 3”.

In addition, the Program Location Table 1003 contains the Schedule element, which provides information on which service the schedule is associated with and the period covered by defining the service ID reference “1234”; the start time on 2022-07-03 at 18:00; and the end time on 2022-07-03 at 19:30. The Program Location Table 1003 further contains the Schedule Event element, which identifies the individual programme with the schedule period, such as the program CRID and the program URL, for example, a DVB service URL.

In so far as embodiments of the disclosure have been described as being implemented, at least in part, by software-controlled data processing apparatus, it will be appreciated that a non-transitory machine- readable medium carrying such software, such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, semiconductor memory or the like, is also considered to represent embodiments of the present disclosure.

It will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments with reference to different functional units, circuitry and/or processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, circuitry and/or processors may be used without detracting from the embodiments. Described embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. Described embodiments may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors. The elements and components of any embodiment may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units, circuitry and/or processors. The different units, circuitry and/or processors may be physically distributed across any distance. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented based on processing and storage units located in a remote system, such as in the Cloud.

Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique.

Embodiments of the present technique can generally be described by the following numbered clauses:

1. A method of handling service switching, comprising: receiving service content based on a request of a first service; monitoring programme metadata associated with the first service; detecting overrun of the programme event based on the programme metadata; and overriding service switching scheduled at the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event, based on schedule information extracted from the programme metadata.

2. The method of clause 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving user instruction to stop overriding the scheduled service switching; and performing the scheduled service switching at the original end time of the programme event.

3. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, further comprising triggering a message prompting for a user instruction to override the scheduled service switching.

4. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step of overriding scheduled service switching further comprises requesting a second service to continue accessing service content of the programme event. 5. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the step of overriding scheduled service switching further comprises staying in the first service to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

6. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the programme metadata comprises a linkage descriptor.

7. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the programme metadata comprises a time descriptor defining schedule of the service content.

8. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first service is received based on a broadcasting service instance, and the programme metadata is selected from the group consisting of: an event information table embedded in the service content, and metadata on IP service instances for delivering the same programme event.

9. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first service is received based on an IP service instance, and the programme metadata is selected from the group consisting of: metadata on the current IP service instance, metadata on other IP service instances for delivering the same programme event, and an event information table embedded in a broadcasting service instance for delivering the same programme event.

10. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first service is received based on an IP service instance, and the programme metadata comprises metadata in Extensible Markup Language or JavaScript Object Notation format.

11. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first service is received based on Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, the method further comprising the step of sending a search request for programme metadata based on a service identifier.

12. The method of clause 11, wherein a Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV application for sending the search request for programme metadata is triggered in anticipation of receiving a message to continue receiving an overrunning event.

13. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the overriding of scheduled service switching is based on user engagement in the programme event.

14. The method of clause 13, wherein the user engagement in the programme event is determined based on factors selected from the group consisting of user motion detected by a motion sensor and visual attention detected by an eye tracking device.

15. The method according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the overriding of scheduled service switching is based on user preferences associated with the programme event. 16. The method of clause 15, wherein the user preferences are determined based on a viewing history of the user.

17. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to any preceding clause.

18. An apparatus, comprising circuitry configured to: receive service content based on a request of a first service; monitor programme metadata associated with the first service; detect overrun of the programme event based on the programme metadata; and override service switching scheduled at the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event, based on schedule information extracted from the programme metadata.

19. A method of handling service switching, comprising: receiving service content based on a request of a first service via a server; detecting overrun or likely overrun of the programme event; awaiting instructions as to an instance to the service to switch to; and performing a switch at or before the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

20. An apparatus, comprising circuitry configured to: receive service content based on a request of a first service via a server; detect overrun or likely overrun of the programme event; await instructions as to an instance to the service to switch to; and perform a switch at or before the original end time of the programme event to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

Claims

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of: receiving user instruction to stop overriding the scheduled service switching; and performing the scheduled service switching at the original end time of the programme event.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising triggering a message prompting for a user instruction to override the scheduled service switching.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of overriding scheduled service switching further comprises requesting a second service to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of overriding scheduled service switching further comprises staying in the first service to continue accessing service content of the programme event.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the programme metadata comprises a linkage descriptor.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the programme metadata comprises a time descriptor defining schedule of the service content.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service is received based on a broadcasting service instance, and the programme metadata is selected from the group consisting of: an event information table embedded in the service content, and metadata on IP service instances for delivering the same programme event.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service is received based on an IP service instance, and the programme metadata is selected from the group consisting of: metadata on the current IP service instance, metadata on other IP service instances for delivering the same programme event, and an event information table embedded in a broadcasting service instance for delivering the same programme event.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service is received based on an IP service instance, and the programme metadata comprises metadata in Extensible Markup Language or JavaScript Object Notation format.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein the first service is received based on Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV, the method further comprising the step of sending a search request for programme metadata based on a service identifier.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein a Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV application for sending the search request for programme metadata is triggered in anticipation of receiving a message to continue receiving an overrunning event.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein the overriding of scheduled service switching is based on user engagement in the programme event.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the user engagement in the programme event is determined based on factors selected from the group consisting of user motion detected by a motion sensor and visual attention detected by an eye tracking device.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the overriding of scheduled service switching is based on user preferences associated with the programme event.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the user preferences are determined based on a viewing history of the user.

17. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to any preceding claim.