ES2253075B1 - INTERACTIVE VISUAL TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEM VIA TELEVISION. - Google Patents

Abstract

Interactive visual telecommunication system via television. New telecommunication system to provide a plurality of users, in response to individualized demands of each of them, audiovisual content that can be presented on a television set, comprising a Server and a plurality of Terminals. The Server has the means to generate and store the audiovisual contents demanded by the users and to send them to the Terminals. The Terminals also have the means to receive the audiovisual content sent by the Server and the means to process and transmit them to a television set in a predefined format. The system preferentially uses the mobile telephone network to send audiovisual content from the Server to the Terminals.

Description

Interactive visual telecommunication system via television

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system of telecommunication and more particularly to a system of interactive visual telecommunication via television that allows provide a plurality of users, in response to demands individualized of each of them, audiovisual content liable to be presented on a television set.

Background of the invention

The most used media in the Today are television and radio.

The main advantages of television They are:

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Great reach and penetration of the advertising.

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Multimedia contents

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It's a good medium definite.

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It is relatively cheap Buy a TV.

The main disadvantages of television They are:

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Does not allow true interaction.

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They do not easily allow you to reach A certain audience.

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It's getting harder to get the attention of the audience.

As for the radio, it should be mentioned as advantages:

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Powerful and penetration.

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It's a good medium definite.

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It is economical to acquire a radio.

And as disadvantages:

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The audience is saturated and hard to get your attention

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It is not possible to offer content multimedia.

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Does not offer interactivity

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They do not easily allow to reach A certain audience.

On the other hand, they are well known systems of communication that provide audiovisual content on demand such as video on demand in cable television environments or from Multimedia content via broadband on the Internet.

There are no known, however, systems that allow the transmission of audiovisual content with a high degree of interactivity like that which is the object of the present invention.

Summary of the invention

Through the present invention a new telecommunication system that can distribute content static and interactive through several channels, such as networks of cellular mobile telephony, digital or analog type connections air or land, either directly or through third networks. These contents will be requested through mobile or programmed directly into the system and will be presented in TV sets

A central element of the system is the taking advantage of the great expansion of telephone networks Mobile in the world. By making use of them so that users request the desired content is allowed to reach large numbers of users and the control of the receivers of the contents.

Through this system, said contents they can occupy the entire screen or only partially overlap what is being shown on the TV at that time. For his part can include both static and dynamic content and with possibilities of interaction with anyone who has a Mobile phone.

The system includes:

a) a Server with means to generate and store the audiovisual content demanded by users and means to send them through a communication network;

b) a plurality of Terminals with means for receive the audiovisual content sent by the Server and means for processing and transmitting them to an apparatus of television.

How well it will be understood by the expert in the matter, the invention also comprises a set of systems composed, each of them, by a Server and a plurality of Associated terminals oriented towards a certain area geographical or a certain theme of the content offered to the users.

The system supports both individual demands of content formulated by users via phones mobile phones, for which purpose the system includes means for exchange information with users' mobile phones, as demands susceptible to temporary planning and that may be transmitted to the system by various means.

The preferred medium for the transmission of audiovisual contents from the Server to the Terminals are the mobile phone networks and, in that context, Terminals they have the means to transform audiovisual content sent by the Server in audio and video (AV) signals acceptable for the television set to which they are connected, mixing them with AV signals from other sources such as a video, a decoder or a television station according to predefined formats (total, partial overlap, etc.).

The audiovisual content presented in the screen can have a dynamic character in which case the user will interact with the system through a mobile phone.

The main advantages of the system according to the Present invention are:

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Offers A new channel for promotions and entertainment.

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Provides from a new source of profit to establishments with television and numerous clientele.

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Allows high level of specificity in the audience you want to reach.

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Lets offer content interactive.

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It allows you to plan the contents for events not necessarily linked to one hour. For example, deploy certain messages when a goal is scored in a game of football.

Other features and advantages of this invention will follow from the detailed description that follows from an illustrative, and in no sense limiting, embodiment of its object in relation to the accompanying drawings.

Description of the figures

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the components of the system and the main data flows among them.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of the System terminal

Detailed description of the invention

We will describe an embodiment below preferred of the invention to provide contents audiovisual system users through a network of mobile telephony

As shown in Figure 1, the system is composed of a central Server 1 and a plurality of Terminals of user 9, 9 ', 9' '. Its purpose is to meet the demands of audiovisual content made by system users via mobile phones 7, 7 ', 7' '. Once received those demands, Server 1 generates the requested audiovisual content and distributes it to the user's Terminal 9, which transmits it to a television set (not shown) to which it is connected so that the user can view it.

Server 1 centralizes and coordinates all System processes Preferably, it is a computer Intel X86-based architecture with the necessary features to offer critical business resources.

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In addition to a commercial operating system of broad user base and support, Server 1 is equipped with a specific software consisting of three modules: The Module Communications 2, the Applications Module 4 and the Module Broadcast 3.

Communications Module 2 interacts with the mobile phones 7, 7 '7' '. Accept commands from these in the form of SMS messages, MMS or tones and sends them corresponding answers.

Applications Module 4 stores and manages the content. It has the possibility of defining new Applications capable of generating content. These contents They can be interactive, the applications will take care of generate them at the time for dissemination.

Broadcast Module 3 distributes the contents to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'and execution orders thereof. Store the way to reach each Terminal 9, 9 ', 9' 'at the time these are connected to register, and when the time comes to distribute content use the information stored to reach Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'that be told

Server 1 receives the contents and orders for transmission and presentation at Terminals 9, 9 ', 9``. These orders can originate well from a telephone mobile 7, 7 ', 7' ', in which case the Communications Module 2 receives the transmission orders and passes them to the Module Applications 4 that stores them, or from a Station of Programming 5 that is also responsible for transmitting the contents and  applications to Applications Module 4 for storage.

Through Application Module 4, the Server 1 determines when the content should be transmitted to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'so that they are available in the moment your presentation has been indicated. For shipment contents are passed to Broadcast Module 3 which transmits them to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'indicated. Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' ' They store the contents.

Through Application Module 4, the Server 1 is in charge of planning when the contents. At the time of presenting any of the contents planned send the order to submit it to the Dissemination Module 3 which transmits it to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'indicated. These, at Receive the order, show the previously stored content.

The system allows users to interact endings through your mobile 7. 7 '7' 'with the contents that shows Terminal 9, 9 ', 9' 'on the TV. The commands are they receive in the Communications Module 2 and it passes them to the Module of Applications 4 to be interpreted by the application that correspond. This application generates the content and passes it to the Module Broadcast 3 which in turn sends it to Terminal 9, 9 ', 9' 'which Correspond to present it on the TV.

Dissemination Module 3 coordinates and organizes all transmissions to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' '.

Telephone and data calls to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'are executed by Server 1.

Applications Module 4 controls the contents available in Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'and determines when it is necessary to issue the order to eliminate them.

Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' ', as we have already advanced, they are physically connected to the user's TV and by mobile wireless communication to Server 1 in the embodiment preference that we are describing (in other embodiments this communication could take place via landline)

The hardware of Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'has, preferably, an architecture based on Intel X86 with the necessary features for a light terminal. It has a cellular modem depending on the network and provider available and a TV output on the corresponding TV system (PAL / SECAM / NTSC).

The Terminal, which will be externally simple and robust, it will include a PC compatible architecture element with ability to mix audio and composite video signals analog (PAL / SECAM / NTSC) and to generate an audio output and analog video that can be input directly to a TV conventional.

The Terminal has EUROCONECTORS (also known as SCART connector) on its back, intended for Connecting several devices (Video, Signal decoder via satellite, TV, etc.). The EUROCONECTORS receive Stereo audio and composite video signals (PAL / SECAM / NTSC) of signal generating devices, including the TV itself which has a composite audio and video output with the signal TV program selected at any time. Also, in the EUROCONECTOR dedicated to the connection to the TV, the signal will be injected composite audio and video (PAL / SECAM / NTSC) mixed with the signal of video generated within the system itself, that is, the contents audiovisuals requested by users, using the PC that It is part of it.

This PC is ordered through a Module 23 of Communications (GPRS / GSM / Network) to manage the reception of audiovisual content issued by Server 1 and to prepare these contents so that they appear in a format and in a certain position of the TV screen. That content it becomes a composite audio and video signal that is mix with one of the input signals to the Terminal, specifically the active input at each moment (Video, Decoder, TV, etc.).

Following Figure 2 you can see all the modules that make up the Terminal and the input signals and exit from it.

All AV signal inputs 35, 37, 38 are they do through the corresponding scart. As we pointed before, each AV signal generating device (eg video, satellite TV decoder, TV with scart, etc.) that We want to be part of the audiovisual system must connect in a scart for the corresponding type of AV source, so It will have two or three scart connectors for VIDEO sources 35 or DECODER 37, a scart for a TV type 38 source which will be used to introduce the mixed AV signal to be displayed on the TV itself. In the event that the TV does not have scart, an antenna output (RF) 39 will be used to Connect the Terminal to the TV.

A Communications Module 23 (GSM / GPRS / Network) is responsible for receiving audiovisual content and other information Control from Server 1, as well as sending information of control to said Server 1 for administration tasks and maintenance. Thanks to this Module it will be possible to even give a remote maintenance to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'installed, minimizing the cost of it and enabling updates of the system.

An LCD screen 21 is arranged on the front of the Terminal to display status information of the own system as well as errors that may occur in a certain moment. The Terminal also includes a power supply 27.

A Module 29 Audio and Video mixer Compound will be responsible for preparing the signals AV 25, 37, 38 from different sources through a Module 31 of Automatic selection of the active AV signal as well as the signal generated by the graphics card of a Processing Module 25 and Control, and to mix the AV signal of the active source and the card. To do this you must separate the chrominance signals, luminance and synchronism pulses of each of the signals to mix Once the chrominance signals are mixed and luminance, the synchronism signals of one of the the sources or new synchronization signals. A alternative is to work with RGB components instead of the chrominance and luminance and convert the mixed signal to Video PAL / SECAM / NTSC compatible compound. In this way, we will have the AV 41 signal mixed and ready to be sent to the TV.

In addition to a basic software that includes a Commercial operating system with broad user base and support, The Terminal will have a specific software capable of run multimedia content under an architecture of "plugins" allowing flexibility in the formats of contents.

That specific software will receive the contents issued by Server 1, of storing them, of show the contents when you receive the order from the Server 1 and also execute the delete orders contents, issue status reports, receive updates from Terminal and operating system when sent by the Server 1.

The Terminal only allows incoming calls from certain numbers When a call comes in, a communication authentication process to ensure which is established with the corresponding Server.

Although the description we have come to make the expert in the field should be enough to correctly understand the invention, we then relate the data flows more typical between system components illustrated with arrows in Fig. 1 for a better illustration of the invention.

Arrow 11 - Data flow from the Module Broadcast 3 from Server 1 to Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' '.

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Terminal status request. (The Status information contains: Terminal version, model, free, historical space of content received and presented).

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Contents

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Order of content presentation.

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Removal Orders contents.

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Terminal Update.

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Acceptance of registration

Arrow 12 - Data flow from Terminals 9, 9 ', 9' 'to Broadcast Module 3 of Server 1.

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Notification of failures in the Terminal.

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Failures to show certain content.

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Failures in the Terminal update.

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Failures in the Terminal.

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Status Information Terminal.

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Order notification received.

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Content Notification received.

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Content Notification removed.

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Update Notification received

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high (The Alta contains: type of network, location in said network of the Terminal).

Arrow 13 - Data flow from a telephone mobile 7, 7 ', 7' 'to Server Communications Module 2 one.

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Content Request (Terminal)

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Account statement request (Terminal)

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Content interaction commands (Final user). The format can be SMS, MMS or tone messages DMTF

Arrow 14 - Data flow from the Module Communications 2 from Server 1 to a mobile phone 7, 7 '. 7``.

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Content request acceptance (Terminal)

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State Account (Terminal)

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Responses to interaction commands with contents (End User). The format can be SMS messages, MMS or voice prompts.

Arrow 15 - Data flow from the Station Programming 5 towards the Applications Module 4.

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Order Temporary content planning to Terminals.

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Order of presentation of content in Terminals.

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Order Content removal

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Contents

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Terminal Updates

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Status request Terminal.

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Request for Information from Terminals

Arrow 16 - Data flow from the Module Applications 4 to the Programming Station 5.

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Order notification received.

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Content Notification received.

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Content Notification removed.

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Update Notification Terminal Received

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Notification of failures in the Server.

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Terminal Information.

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Order notification received.

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Content Notification received.

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Update Notification received

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Status Information Terminal.

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Failure Notification in Terminal.

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Failures to show certain content.

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Failures in the Terminal update.

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Failures in the Terminal.

Arrow 17 - Data flow from the Module Applications 4 towards the Communications Module 2.

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Acceptance of request from content.

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State of account.

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Responses to interaction commands with contents

Arrow 18 - Data flow from the Module Communications 2 to the Applications Module 4.

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Content request.

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Request for account statement.

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Interaction Commands with contents.

Arrow 19 - Data flow from the Module Applications 4 towards Broadcast Module 3

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Content submission orders in Terminals

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Content removal orders in Terminals

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Contents

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Terminal Updates

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Status request Terminal.

Arrow 20 - Data flow from the Module Dissemination 3 towards the Applications Module 4.

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Notification of failures in the Terminal.

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Failures to show certain content.

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Failures in the Terminal update.

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Failures in the Terminal.

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Status Information Terminal.

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Order Notification received from Terminal.

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Notification of content received from Terminal.

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Notification of content removed from Terminal.

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Update notification received of the Terminal.

Although it has been described and represented a embodiment of the invention, it is evident that they can be introduced into her modifications within the scope of it, not this should be considered limited to said realization, but to content of the following claims.

Claims (8)

1. Telecommunication system to provide a plurality of users, in response to individualized demands of each of them, audiovisual content that can be presented on a television set, characterized in that it comprises: a) a Server (1) with means (4) to generate and store the audiovisual content demanded by users and means (3) to send them through a network of communication; b) a plurality of Terminals (9, 9 ', 9' '), with means (23) to receive the sent audiovisual content by the aforementioned means (3) of sending the Server (1) and means (25, 29, 33) to process and transmit them to an apparatus of television. 2. Telecommunication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the Server (1) also comprises means (2) for exchanging information with mobile phones (7, 7 ', 7'') of the users. 3. Telecommunication system according to claim 2, characterized in that the demands of users 'audiovisual contents are formulated individually by means of messages issued by mobile phones (7, 7', 7 ''). 4. Telecommunication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the Server (1) also comprises means (5) linked to the means (4) for generating and storing audiovisual content to manage demands of users susceptible to temporary planning. 5. Telecommunication system according to claim 1, characterized in that the Server (1) transmits the audiovisual contents to the Terminals (9, 9 ', 9'') through a mobile telephone network. 6. Telecommunication system according to claim 5, characterized in that the Terminals (9, 9 ', 9'') have means (25) for transforming the audiovisual contents sent by the Server (1) into AV signals (39, 41) acceptable for the television set to which they are connected. 7. Telecommunication system according to claim 6, wherein the terminals (9, 9 'and 9'') have means (31, 29, 33) for mixing the carrier AV signals audiovisual content from the server (1) with AV signals (35, 37, 38) from other sources. 8. Telecommunication system according to claim 2, characterized in that, so that the presentation of the audiovisual content demanded by the user on the television set has a dynamic character, it includes means (2, 4, 3) for processing messages transmitted by the telephone mobile (7, 7 ', 7'') of the user.