FR2948526A1 - System for processing e.g. interactive resources of digital TV receiver, has generation unit to generate new digital signal, and sending unit to send new digital signal towards digital receiver - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has a scheduling device (30) configured to communicate with a digital receiver (20) via a communication port. The scheduling device has a reception unit for receiving a demodulated digital signal, and a collection unit for collecting interactive resources. A generation unit generates a new digital signal by combining and synchronizing the demodulated digital signal with the resources or by replacing the demodulated digital signal by the resources. A sending unit sends the new digital signal towards the receiver. An independent claim is also included for a method for processing interactive resources.

Description

SYSTEM FOR THE TREATMENT OF TELEVISION INTERACTIVE RESOURCES. Description Technical Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system for processing interactive television resources. The present invention also relates to a method for processing interactive television resources.

It relates generally to the field of digital television and more particularly to that of audio-video equipment for the reception of digital television channels such as televisions, terrestrial receivers (DVB-T, TNT, etc.). ), satellite receivers, etc.

20 State of the art.

In general, the digital signals are in the form of one or more information coded in the form of a sequence of numbers in a binary, octal, hexadecimal or other base suitable for those skilled in the art. The information contained in the digital signal or the interactive resource can be of different natures, for example images, video, audio, text, etc.

In order to reduce the size of the digital signals, they are coded, or encoded, according to determined standards, using computer programs of COdage and DECodage called codecs. Many coding standards exist, for example: - for video we can use the standards MPEG 2, MPEG 4, H264, or other, - for still images we can use the standards JPEG, GIF, PNG, or 10 other , - for audio we can use MP3, AAC, or other standards.

These coding standards generally allow a strong compression of the information and are destructive and irreversible for some information which one tries to limit as much as possible the perception by the human being. Thus, during coding, it is possible, via appropriate settings, to limit or accentuate the loss of information.

For example, for video, it is possible to increase or decrease the number of pixels constituting each image. The quality of the image increases with the number of pixels that constitute it. It is thus possible to vary the quality of the coding of the digital signal. For example, for the video component of a digital signal, there is a difference between so-called standard definition (SD) quality and so-called high definition (or HD) quality. In practice, the most commonly used coding standards for digital television are MPEG2-SD, MPEG4-SD, and MPEG4-HD. Similarly, the quality of the audio component of a digital signal or an interactive resource can be varied. In the field of audio, one of the quality criteria is the number of sound channels that can be restored. Thus, we distinguish the qualities mono (on a single sound path 5), stereo (on two sound paths), 2.1 (on three sound channels), 5.1 (on six sound paths), etc.

In order to restrict access to the content of a digital signal to a targeted population, it is also possible to encrypt said digital signal or said interactive resource. Thus, only people with an encryption key (or decryption) can access the content of the digital signal. Encryption is for example used to reserve the access of television channels to subscribers.

In telecommunications, the digital signal is broadcast through a wireless, wired, optical or other communication network. The initial digital signal is rarely adapted for direct transmission over the communication network. It is then modulated so that it is adapted to the communication network, for example by varying the amplitude and argument parameters (phase / frequency) of a sinusoidal wave called carrier. The modulation of the digital signal is performed by means of a modulator. Different types of modulation can be used as frequency modulation, amplitude modulation, phase modulation, or any other modulation suitable for the skilled person. In the case of a digital signal, frequency shift keying will preferably be used. In the field of terrestrial television, the general standard for broadcasting a digital signal is Digital Video Broadcasting - 4 (or DVB) for Europe, Terrestrial Integrated Digital Broadcasting Services (or ISBD-T) for Japan. and the Advanced Television Systems Committee (or ATSC) for the United States, etc. There are different standards depending on the communication network used, for example DVB-T for terrestrial broadcasting, DVB-S for satellite broadcasting, DVB-C for cable broadcasting, etc. Once the digital signal coded, encrypted if necessary, modulated and broadcast, the user can access the contents of this digital signal by means of a digital receiver. In the case of digital television, the digital receiver can either be integrated with the television or be in the form of an auxiliary box.

Digital systems are known as shown in FIG. 1, comprising a digital receiver (20) connected to a television-type rendering means (50) (plasma, LCD, etc.) or video projector for video components, and amplifier type and speakers for audio components. These digital systems allow the user to watch television programs. In some cases, the digital receiver (20) can be directly integrated into the reproduction means (50). The digital receiver (20) is generally configured to process a digital signal broadcast over the air, by satellite, by cable, or any other means of broadcasting.

With reference to FIG. 2, these digital receivers (20) generally include: - a means for receiving (21) a modulated and coded digital signal stream; - a tuner (22) configured to select a modulated digital signal; and specific coded, a demodulator (23) configured to demodulate said digital signal, a decoder (24) configured to decode digital signals encoded according to a given coding standard. - A relay (26) of information transmitted by the remote control (60) and allowing the user to make the choice of a digital signal.

Once the digital signal decoded, and as shown schematically in Figure 1, the latter is sent to a restitution means (50). In practice, the coding standards used for television channels are MPEG-2 MP @ ML or MPEG2-SD, and MPEG-2 MP @ HL or MPEG-2 HD standards. The use of the SD initials for Standard Definition gives an indication of the quality of the coding. For high quality encoding, HD initials for High Definition are usually used.

However, at present, the television offer is diversifying, and in addition to conventional television programs (for example television channels), the user wishes to have access to interactive resources such as: - interactive program guides , - banners of real-time information about a program, - programs payable individually (films, documentaries, sports or cultural events ...) - online games, - the choice of languages and subtitles , etc.

The interactive resources come in a form similar to the 2948526 -6 digital signals and can undergo similar processing (coding, encryption ...). The interactive resources can be broadcast on a telecommunication network as previously described for the digital signal, and as such, undergo the same operations (modulation, transmission, reception, demodulation ...). Interactive resources can also be stored on a memory or on a computer network type Internet, intranet, etc.

However, the vast majority of commercial digital receivers are not compatible with all of these interactive resources. In addition, the interactive resources vary from one country to another, it is very difficult to design a universal digital receiver exploiting the interactive resources of each country. It is then mandatory to create a digital receiver per country. The main object of the system of the present invention is to easily and quickly add new interactive features to a conventional digital receiver (20) according to the needs of the user.

Another object of the invention is to allow the control of the system that is to say both the control of conventional television programs and both that of interactive resources, directly by means of a single remote control, despite the fact that the digital receiver is unable to natively exploit said interactive resources. The invention also aims to provide a quick start system, simple design, small footprint and inexpensive.

Disclosure of the invention.

The solution proposed by the invention is a system for the processing of interactive resources comprising a digital receiver configured to select, demodulate and decode a specific digital signal, and having a communication port. Advantageously, an additional device is configured to communicate with the digital receiver via the communication port, said accessory device comprising: - a means for receiving said demodulated digital signal, - a means for collecting interactive resources, - a means for creating a new digital signal: o either by combining and synchronizing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, or by replacing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources; means for sending the new digital signal to the digital receiver.

The ancillary device communicating with the digital receiver makes it possible to add to the latter, and in a way that is transparent to the user, new functionalities allowing the user to have access, according to his needs, to interactive resources.

According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention enabling the user to control the interactive resources by means of the remote control of the digital receiver, the additional device comprises: - 7 - 8 - a means for receiving the information transmitted by the remote control of the digital receiver a means for analyzing this information.

According to another advantageous characteristic of the invention enabling the sending of the new digital signal directly to a television or a video projector, the auxiliary device integrates a digital controller configured to transmit the digital signal after processing.

According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the ancillary device integrates a network controller configured to connect to a computer network. This network controller offers the possibility to the ancillary device to connect to a network, for example to the Internet, and thus to have access to a multitude of interactive online resources, but also to allow the updating of the computer program registered in the network. memory of said ancillary device.

According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary device integrates one or more ports configured to receive smart cards or memory cards. Thus, the user can insert in the ancillary device smart cards or memory cards containing specific interactive resources he wishes to exploit.

According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the communication port is a common interface port. The use of the common interface port makes it possible to minimize the size of the system, the additional device being able to be integrated into an extension card of the PCMCIA type, the latter being introduced almost entirely inside said port. common interface integrated into the box of the digital receiver.

According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention for adding to the digital receiver the interactive capabilities of the ancillary device, even when the common interface port of said digital receiver is already used, the communication port is a USB port.

According to yet another advantageous characteristic of the invention, the auxiliary device is integrated into its power supply unit. This advantageous arrangement simplifies the mounting of the system, the user having only a power supply box connected by a cable to the digital receiver.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for processing interactive resources in which a digital receiver selects, demodulates and decodes a specific digital signal. The digital receiver advantageously comprises a communication port. An ancillary device is then configured to communicate with the digital receiver via the communication port. Cleverly, the ancillary device - receives said demodulated digital signal, - collects interactive resources, - creates a new digital signal: o either by combining and synchronizing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, or by replacing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, 2948526 - 10- - sends the new digital signal to the digital receiver. The various steps of this method allow the implementation of a dialogue between the digital receiver and the ancillary device via a communication port, said dialogue comprising a succession of step 5 allowing the exploitation of interactive resources .

According to yet another advantageous feature of the invention enabling the decryption of an interactive resource, the ancillary device, before decoding an encrypted interactive resource: reads the encryption key contained in a smart card, executes steps computer program configured to enable the decryption of said interactive resource via the encryption key. Description of the figures.

Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear better on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, carried out as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

- Figure 1) schematically shows the digital system of the prior art, - Figure 2) schematically shows the operation of the digital receiver of the prior art, - Figure 3) schematically shows the system for the processing 2948526 - 11- interactive resources object of the invention, - Figure 4) schematically shows the operation of the digital receiver of the system shown in Figure 3), - Figure 5) schematically shows the operation of the ancillary device of the system shown on the Figure 3) - Figure 6) schematically shows the system for the treatment of interactive resources object of the invention in the particular case or the auxiliary device is in the form of a PCMCIA card.

Embodiments of the invention

Referring to FIG. 3, the solution proposed by the invention is a system for the processing of interactive resources comprising: - a digital receiver (20), - an auxiliary device (30).

Referring to Figure 4, the digital receiver (20) incorporates means for receiving (21) a stream of modulated and coded digital signals. This receiving means (21) is generally in the form of an antenna, a dish, a cable, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the digital receiver (20) also incorporates a tuner (22) configured to select a specific modulated and coded digital signal. In practice, the tuner (22) connected to the receiving means (21) makes it possible: - to receive an electromagnetic signal transmitted on a band of frequencies comparable to a stream of digital signals, - to preserve the part of the electromagnetic signal emitted on a modulated carrier frequency corresponding to the specific coded and demodulated digital signal; and rejecting the portions of the electromagnetic signal transmitted on the other frequencies.

In practice, the choice of the part of the electromagnetic signal to be retained which can, for example, correspond to the digital signal of a television channel, will be done by the user by means of a remote control (60). The tuner (22) is made by an electronic circuit known to those skilled in the art.

As schematized in FIG. 4, the digital receiver (20) also includes a demodulator (23) configured to demodulate said digital signal. The demodulator (23) is in the form of an electronic circuit configured to reproduce the digital signal from the modulated carrier frequency; its function is the inverse of the modulator. The electronic circuit is made by an electronic circuit known to those skilled in the art. Referring to FIG. 4, the digital receiver (20) also incorporates a decoder (24) configured to decode digital signals encoded in one or more given standards. However, and as a simplification in its design, the decoder (24) is only able to decode some coding standards. These coding standards generally correspond to the most used standards. In practice, and as resumed without limitation in all the examples of the description, the decoder (24) is only capable of decoding the MPEG2-SD coding standard currently used as a standard in the field of television. In general, the decoder (24) includes a processor configured to execute steps of a computer program stored in a memory. These steps allow the decoding of a digital signal. All of these components (memory, processor, etc.) are generally disposed on an electronic circuit known to those skilled in the art.

The digital receiver (20) also integrates a power supply unit 10 for connecting all the electronic components to the local electrical network.

As shown in FIG. 3, once decoded by the digital receiver (20), the digital signal is sent to a means for restoring (50) the information contained in the digital signal. In practice, screens (LCD, plasma, CRT) will be used for the reproduction of the video component of the digital signal and the amplifiers combined with loudspeakers for the reproduction of the audio component. When several digital signal sources are connected to the reproduction means (50), a selector 20 makes it possible to choose among the different digital signals. In practice, the various additional digital signal sources are connected to the selector via digital auxiliary input controllers of the RCA, HDMI, SCART type, or any other auxiliary input connector suitable for those skilled in the art. The reproducing means (50) and the digital receiver (20) can be combined and arranged in a single housing, or be in the form of two separate housings. Moreover, and as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the digital receiver integrates a communication port (25). According to an embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the communication port (25) can be realized by means of a common interface port through which said digital signal 5 is transmitted after demodulation in order to allow the addition of a card extension. In many countries, the latest digital receiver regulations (20) require the latter to systematically integrate a common interface port. The expansion card may for example be configured to adapt the digital receiver (20) to the encryption systems as used for pay television channels. In practice, if no expansion card is inserted in the common interface port, the digital signal is directly redirected to the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20).

In alternative embodiments not shown, the communication port (25) may also be in the form of a USB port, an Ethernet port, a Wifi type wireless communication port or any other communication port suitable for the skilled person.

Advantageously and as shown in FIG. 3, the digital system comprises an auxiliary device (30). The latter is configured to communicate with the digital receiver (20) via the communication port (25).

The auxiliary device (30) generally integrates an electronic circuit comprising a processor, a memory (40) in which a computer program is recorded, and electronic components of the type, resistor, transistor, capacitor, processor, or any other electronic component. 15-suitable to those skilled in the art.

According to the embodiment shown in FIG. 5 and in which the communication port (25) is a common interface port, the auxiliary device (30) is produced by means of an extension card conforming to the PCMCIA standard. (Personal Computer Memory International Gard Association). The auxiliary device (30) is then in the form of a rectangular flat card. This card has at one of its ends a pin connector (41) for connection with the communication port (25) and configured to allow dialogue between the digital receiver (20) and the auxiliary device (30). Once inserted, and as imposed by the standard for the common interface port, the digital signal systematically passes through the expansion card, in other words by the auxiliary device (30), after demodulation and before decoding.

According to the embodiments not shown, the auxiliary device (30) can be in the form of a box of any shape and preferably parallelepiped. This box has a connector configured to connect directly or by means of a cable to the communication port (25) of the digital receiver (20). In a similar manner to the previous embodiment, the digital signal systematically passes through the auxiliary device (30), after demodulation and before decoding.

Referring to FIG. 5, and in order to improve the capabilities of the digital receiver (20) to decode digital signals, the ancillary device (30) may cleverly comprise: - means (31) for receiving said demodulated digital signal , 2948526 -16- - means (35) for collecting interactive resources, - means (39) for creating a new digital signal: o either by combining and synchronizing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, 5 o by replacing said digital signal demodulated by interactive resources; - means (33) for sending the new digital signal to the digital receiver (20), in practice to the decoder (24) integrated with said digital receiver. In practice, and in a manner similar to the operation of the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20), all the means (31, 33, 35, 39) mentioned above are generally realized by one or more processors integrated into the device. annex (30) and executing steps of a computer program stored in its memory (40). Thus, in a first step, the ancillary device (30) receives the demodulated digital signal corresponding for example to a television channel.

If the user makes no request to exploit interactive resources, then the ancillary device (30) returns, as is, the digital signal to the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20).

If the user issues a request to exploit interactive resources, then the ancillary device (30) collects the interactive resources relating to that request. This request may for example be issued by means of a remote control associated with the auxiliary device (30). These interactive resources can be integrated in the digital signal, stored in a memory (37) integrated in the auxiliary device (30), or stored on a computer network (100). The ancillary device (30) then creates a new digital signal to replace the original digital signal.

If the interactive resources are intended to be operated in conjunction with the initial digital signal, then to create the new digital signal, the ancillary device (30) combines and synchronizes said demodulated digital signal with the interactive resources; this is for example the case for the information strips on the program being watched. On the other hand, if the interactive resources are intended to be used alone, the ancillary device (30) replaces said initial demodulated digital signal with interactive resources; this is for example the case for a video-on-demand service for which the interactive resources relating to the ordered film will substitute for the initial digital signal.

Once created, the ancillary device sends the new digital signal to the digital receiver (20). In practice, the new digital signal is sent to the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20) via the communication port (25).

It is sometimes possible that the coding standard used for the coding of the initial digital signal and that used for the coding of the interactive resources are different. It is also possible that the direct combination between a digital signal and an interactive resource coded in the same standard is impractical. In such cases, the ancillary device (30) decodes the digital signal and the interactive resources before combining and synchronizing them. Then, the accessory device (30) recodes the new digital signal created according to a decodable standard by the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20), that is to say in practice according to the MPEG2-SD standard. In order to allow control of the system by means of a single remote control, and as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4, the digital receiver (20) comprises a relay (26) of information transmitted by its remote control (60) which redirects this information to the ancillary device (30) via the communication port (25). The ancillary device may then comprise: means (32) for receiving the information transmitted by the remote control (60), means for analyzing this information.

In practice and as previously mentioned, the means (32) for receiving and analyzing the information transmitted by the remote control (60) are generally made by one or more processors integrated in the auxiliary device (30). Thus, the ancillary device (30) receives and analyzes the information from the remote control (60). The latter are then exploited to determine the interactive resources to be collected. In order to supplement the capabilities of the digital receiver (20) with a function of decrypting digital signals or interactive resources, and as shown in FIG. 5, the ancillary device (30) may include a port (34) configured to receive a digital Smartcard. This smart card may for example contain an encryption key for decrypting an encrypted interactive resource with which it is associated. In practice, and in the same manner as described above, the processor integrated in the ancillary device (30) executes steps of a computer program stored in its memory (40). Thus, and before decoding an encrypted interactive resource, the ancillary device (30) receives said encrypted interactive resource after demodulation. The latter may, for example, correspond to a program that is part of a subscription video-on-demand offer. The smart card containing the encryption key is therefore distributed to users subscribing to this video-on-demand service. The ancillary device (30) can, before decryption, store or not store in its memory (40) the encrypted interactive resource collected. The ancillary device (30) reads the encryption key contained in the smart card and then executes steps of a computer program configured to allow the decryption of said interactive resource via the encryption key. Once decrypted, the interactive resource is ready to be decoded. According to the coding standard used and the capabilities of the ancillary device (30), the interactive resource can then be stored in the memory (40) of said additional device waiting for decoding, or can be directly routed to the decoder (24) integrated in the digital receiver (20).

The port (s) (34) may also be configured for reading and writing SD, CF, MS, XD card type memory cards. These memory cards may for example contain interactive resources such as videos, photos, music, or other. They can also be writable and used for storing a digital signal or an interactive resource (recording a film, a program, etc.).

Furthermore, when the interactive resources are of higher quality than the natively operable by the digital receiver (20), the ancillary device (30) can integrate a digital controller (38) configured to transmit the new digital signal after treatment. This may for example be of the HDMI, DVI, S-video, RCA, or any other digital controller suitable to one skilled in the art. Preferably, an HDMI digital controller will be used directly connected to the rendering means (50) and enabling the transmission of a digital signal in HD or High Definition quality.

As schematized in FIG. 5, the ancillary device (30) can also integrate a network controller (36) configured to connect to a computer network (100). This connectivity to a computer network (100), and especially to the Internet, allows the user to have access to numerous interactive resources such as video on demand, music on demand, catch-up television, etc. It also makes it possible to update the computer program stored in the memory of the ancillary device (30). This network controller (36) can be Ethernet, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, line carrier (PLC) or any other network controller suitable for those skilled in the art.

The ancillary device (30) can be powered directly via the communication port (25) of the digital receiver (20), or be connected to the local electrical network via a power supply box. Advantageously, the auxiliary device (30) is integrated into its power supply unit. This configuration is, moreover, particularly suitable for connection to the computer network by in-line carrier current. The user will then have a power supply box that he will connect to his home on an electrical outlet. A cable is used to connect the power supply box to the digital receiver (20). Depending on the embodiment, an additional cable may allow, via the digital controller, directly connect the power supply box to a TV, a projector or other.

Claims (10)

Revendications1. A system for interactive resource processing comprising a digital receiver (20) configured to select, demodulate and decode a specific digital signal, and having a communication port (25), characterized in that an ancillary device (30) is configured to communicating with the digital receiver (20) via the communication port (25), said accessory device comprising: - means (31) for receiving said demodulated digital signal, - means (35) for collecting interactive resources, - means (39) for creating a new digital signal: o either by combining and synchronizing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, or by replacing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, - means (33) for sending the new digital signal to the digital receiver (20). 2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary device (30) comprises: - means (32) for receiving the information transmitted by the remote control (60) of the digital receiver (20), - a means for analyzing these information. 3. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the auxiliary device (30) incorporates a digital controller (38) configured to transmit the digital signal after processing. 4. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional device (30) integrates a network controller (36) configured to connect to a computer network (100). 2948526 - 23 - 5. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional device (30) integrates one or more ports (34) configured to receive smart cards or memory cards. 6. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication port (25) is a common interface port or a USB port. 10 7. System according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication port (25) is a common interface port and in that the auxiliary device (30) is integrated in a PCMCIA card. 8. System according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the auxiliary device (30) is integrated into its power supply box. A method for processing interactive resources in which a digital receiver (20) selects, demodulates and decodes a specific digital signal, said digital receiver having a communication port (25), and wherein an ancillary device (30) configured to communicating with the digital receiver (20) via the communication port (25): - receives said demodulated digital signal, - collecting interactive resources, - creates a new digital signal: o either by combining and synchronizing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, o either by replacing said demodulated digital signal with interactive resources, 30 - sends the new digital signal to the digital receiver (20). 5 2948526 -24- 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the ancillary device (30), before decoding an encrypted interactive resource: reads the encryption key contained in a smart card, executes steps of the computer program configured to allow decrypting said interactive resource via the encryption key.