FR3059187B1 - METHOD FOR ADJUSTING PARAMETERS RELATED TO CONTENT RESTITUTION, CORRESPONDING COMPUTER PROGRAM AND DEVICE - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the setting of parameters related to the rendering of a content selected from among several contents that can be restored on a rendering device (TV), characterized in that it comprises the steps, set implemented in a control module (MOD), to: - receive parameter settings related to the return of content; storage of the parameters set in connection with the restored content.

Description

Method for adjusting the parameters related to the rendering of content, corresponding computer program and device.

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the parameters related to the reproduction of digital content on a reproduction device.

The invention relates to audiovisual digital content, namely television programs, radio programs, etc. The television programs are any, for example a television program, a program of the type a video on demand (VoD, English acronym of Video on Demand), a program of the type television on demand (also called replay or Catch -up), or any other similar program for which parameters linked to the restitution can be defined.

The parameters referred to above are very particularly parameters having an impact on the reproduction of content such as for example the sound volume, a language of reproduction, the addition of subtitling, etc.

The rendering device is for example a television screen, a computer screen, a tablet, etc.

State of the art

When content is rendered on a screen, the user can adjust the playback by modifying playback parameters. For example in the case of a television program, the user can modify the playback parameters and define new parameters, for example by selecting a particular playback language, opt for subtitling, increase the sound, etc., this in order to personalize the restitution.

One problem is that when the user leaves this first program during restitution, that he selects a second program; that subsequently the user re-selects the first program again, the modified parameters defined for the first program are no longer accessible if the latter have been modified when the second content is restored; the user is therefore forced to redefine them, which can prove to be complex and tedious, especially when this operation must be repeated several times.

The invention offers a solution which does not have the drawbacks of the state of the art.

The invention

To this end, according to a functional aspect, a method is proposed for controlling the setting of parameters related to the rendering of content selected from among several contents capable of being rendered on a rendering device, characterized in that it comprises the steps implemented in an adjustment control module:

- receive parameter settings related to the rendering of content;

- memorization of the parameters adjusted in connection with the restored content.

According to the invention, the parameters linked to the restitution of content are memorized and can therefore be reused for the content concerned even if the restitution is interrupted and resumed later and even if the settings are modified during the interruption.

An interruption is aimed at stopping the restitution, for example following a power off, a standby, etc. an interruption also relates to a change of content to be restored, for example a change of television channel by another television channel. Using the example described above of a user who again selects the same first program, thanks to the invention the user will not have to redefine the parameters for rendering this first program following an interruption; the parameters which have been saved for this first content are reused each time this first content is restored.

According to a first particular mode of implementation, the parameters are memorized for a given duration. The parameters linked to the restitution of content are memorized and can therefore be reused during the entire memorization period; providing a storage duration avoids, for example, memorizing parameters when the content concerned is no longer accessible for playback.

According to a variant of this first mode of implementation, the storage duration depends on the type of content.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which can be implemented alternately or cumulatively with the previous variant, if the content is a broadcast television program having a given playback duration, the storage duration corresponds to at least the remaining duration of restitution.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which can be implemented alternately or cumulatively with the previous variant, the parameters are accessible throughout the duration.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which can be implemented alternately or cumulatively with the previous variant, the storage step only concerns a subset of content. Indeed, some television programs do not require management of the playback parameters as defined above. On the other hand, the method offered above is of interest for certain television programs such as films or sports matches; indeed, the rendering of this type of content is often personalized by adding subtitles, selecting a particular sound, etc.

According to a second embodiment, the storage step follows a step of selecting content other than that which is being played back. In this configuration, the settings are only memorized following a change of content to be restored. Using the example of a channel currently being broadcast; the memorization step takes place only if a user zaps on another channel, that is to say that he requires a change of channel. This characteristic avoids memorizing parameters linked to the setting in connection with content unnecessarily; in particular when the content is reproduced entirely without being interrupted by changes in content.

According to a hardware aspect, the invention relates to a module for controlling the adjustment of parameters related to the rendering of content selected from among several contents capable of being rendered on a rendering device, comprising a processor configured for:

- receive parameter settings related to the rendering of content;

- memorization of the parameters set over a given period in connection with the content returned. According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a digital television decoder comprising a control module as defined above.

According to another hardware aspect, the invention relates to a computer program able to be implemented on a decoder as defined above, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor , performs the process steps defined above.

According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a data medium on which at least one series of program code instructions has been stored for the execution of a method defined above.

The information medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the support may include a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM or else a magnetic recording means, for example a floppy disk or a hard disk. On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal which can be routed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention can in particular be downloaded from a network, in particular of the Internet type.

Alternatively, the information medium can be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

FIG. 1 presents a block diagram of a multimedia communication network according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 proposes a simplified flowchart of the method for controlling the adjustment of the parameters linked to a content rendering;

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the development over time of the content restitution, and of the storage of the restitution parameters according to one embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are variants of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3.

Detailed description of a madman of 1 exampleis of realization illustrating the invention

We now present, in relation to FIG. 1, an example of a computer system SYS in which the technique of the invention can advantageously be implemented. Such a system includes a MOD module for controlling the adjustment of the parameters for rendering content on a rendering device.

The location of the MOD module is indifferent. In our example, this MOD module is located in a STB decoder coupled via a first communication link RES1 to restitution equipment, such as a television, capable, at a minimum, of rendering visual content, such as images, video or text. This playback equipment can also allow the playback of sound content. The invention is not limited to this configuration.

In our example, the STB decoder communicates with a domestic gateway GTW via a second communication link RES2 such as an Ethernet link, a WiFi network, etc.

This GTW gateway provides network coverage to household equipment such as a PC computer. A MOD module can also be installed on this computer so as to manage the adjustment of restitution parameters according to the method of the invention.

The various devices of the system, namely the GTW gateway, the STB decoder, the PC computer all have the hardware architecture of a conventional computer. They each include in particular a processor, a RAM type RAM and a read only memory in which a computer program can be recorded. In particular, in our example, the MOD module is a computer program; this is stored in the read-only memory MEM of the decoder STB with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 described below; this program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method, the flow diagram of which is given in FIG. 2.

If the PC computer implements the invention, another MOD module can also be installed in the read-only memory of the PC computer.

The GTW gateway is able to communicate with service providers, in particular FC content providers such as television channels, or a telecommunications operator offering a service for accessing multimedia content; this communication takes place via any RES3 communication network. In our example, this network is a wide area network WAN (acronym "Wide Area Network") for example the Internet.

We will see later that the MOD module can also be located elsewhere for example on the GTW gateway or on a device located in the WAN network which the GTW gateway can access. The location of the module on the gateway makes it possible in particular for the MOD module to manage several playback devices at the same time, and for example to allow sharing of the playback parameters, stored according to the principle of the invention, with different playback devices which belong for example to the same user or the same group of users. Such a group is for example a family having several restitution devices, for example several televisions.

The FC content providers offer, for selection, different types of content such as access to broadcast channels (for example, the TF1 channel, BBC, etc.), to content of the television on demand (TVOD) type. , to content to buy of the VOD type, or any other content whose restitution parameters can be modified.

A user can, by manipulating the STB decoder, for example by means of a remote control, or by touch if the decoder has a touch screen, or any other similar control means, order the playback of a television program on television TV; then adjust the program's playback parameters by selecting a particular language for the audio playback, for example the original version of a film.

The targeted content is arbitrary; it can be indifferently multimedia data (television channels, photo, video, etc.), data relating to an online game, etc.

To illustrate an embodiment, it is considered that the content is a television program. During the restitution of a first program TV1, for example the television channel TMF1, the user can select another television program TV2 for example the BBC channel, or even several other channels successively. Also, following the change (s) of program (s), the user may wish to restore the same first program TMF1 again before this first program ends.

According to the invention, the restitution parameters selected for a program are stored, preferably for a given duration. In this way, if the playback of the first program is interrupted; for example the restitution is interspersed with a restitution of at least one other program; in this case a user interrupts a first program, in our example the channel TF1, changes program, and returns later to the same first program, TF1, before the end of this first program, the first program is then restored by taking take into account all the stored parameters or even a part of them.

The origin of the interruption of the program referred to above can be arbitrary; the origin can be a channel change as explained above but could also be a power off of the STB decoder, etc.

An example is that of the restitution of a football match. The user sets the reproduction by selecting a “sport” function capable of rendering more vivid colors, a special sound adapted to the sport, and an adapted volume.

The selected parameters are memorized, either automatically without condition, or under condition. One condition may be the detection of a request to change the television program.

An embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. This FIG. 2 is an algorithm illustrating two phases, each comprising different stages ETln (n = 2.3) and ET2m (m = 1,2,3), respectively. This figure 2 is supplemented by a figure 3 which shows what is the content restored as a function of time. In this figure 3, a hatched part indicates the content being restored. In this same FIG. 3, the storage of the parameters in the memory MEM of the decoder STB is illustrated and the storage duration TM chosen. A program change is referenced ZAPn.

The phases are preceded by a first step ET1 during which the user selects, via the STB decoder, multimedia content and views it.

A first phase relates to the recording of parameters linked to the restitution of the content selected during the first step ET1. In our example, the content in question is for example a television program broadcast by a television channel.

This first phase is executed following the selection of a television program TV1 (at 8:00 am in FIG. 3), for example during the restitution of this television program TV1. During the restitution, the user modifies MDF1 the restitution parameters defined by default. Suppose for example that the user activates, during a second step ET12, a “Sport” function capable of reproducing an ideal sound for this type of content.

During a third step ET13, the module detects the setting, namely activation, and stores the PARI restitution parameters.

The selected parameter is memorized, in our example the "sport" function, for a given duration TM. The TM storage duration chosen depends on the type of content; Examples of duration will be described below with reference to several possible variants. Suppose here that the duration TM corresponds to the duration of the program TV1.

A second phase relates to the taking into account of the parameters memorized following personalization made by the user.

This second phase includes the following stages:

A first step ET21, which follows the first step ET1, during which the user selects deuxième a second program TV2 different from the first program TV1.

Following the selection, during a second step ET22, the MOD module checks whether adjustment parameters have been stored for this second program TV2.

At this stage, two cases arise:

- If not, during a third step ET32, the parameters chosen are the default parameters.

Or

- If so, during a third step ET32 bis, the parameters used are the parameters memorized in connection with this second program TV2.

In our example, the second TV2 program not having been previously selected, the parameters chosen for the restitution are those defined by default, i.e. in our example the last used, i.e. in our example those used for the reproduction of the first TV1 program.

In our example, the steps ET22, ET23 / ET23bis are executed following each change ZAPn (n = 1,2, etc.) of the television program.

During the restitution of the second program TV2, it is now assumed that the user re-selects ZAP2 (ET21) again the first program TV1 before its end and therefore, in our example, before the end of the storage time TM of the parameters of setting concerned PARI.

At this stage, the steps ET22, ET23 / ET23bis are executed again.

During the second step ET22, the MOD module checks whether personalized parameters have been stored in connection with the first program TV1 during a first earlier phase. In our example, the first TV1 program was restored previously, and the personalized PARI restitution parameters were memorized during the first phase in connection with this first TV1 program.

In our example, the storage time not having expired, the PARI parameters used for the restitution of the first program TV1 during a third step ET32bis are the stored parameters; the first TV1 program is therefore restored automatically without user intervention with the "Sport" function.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 in which the PARI restitution parameters can be updated throughout the duration TM. Suppose that, during the restitution of the first program TV1, the user modifies (MDF2) again the PARI adjustment parameters memorized previously. Suppose, for example, that the user deactivates the "Sport" function during the second step ET12. During the third step ET13, the module detects the setting, namely deactivation, and stores the new setting parameters PAR2 for the remaining time.

According to a variant, during the third step ET13 of the first phase, the new settings are stored for a given storage time TM. The storage time for the settings may differ depending on the type of content.

Several possible variants are described below. These examples give an order of magnitude of storage times TM adapted to the type of content considered.

The content may be a broadcast television program having a start time and an end time. Take the example of a TV program having a start time at 8:00 am and an end time at 8:30 am. In this configuration, if the user selects the program in question at 8:11, the storage time corresponds at least to the remaining time, namely 19 minutes. This remaining time can be increased or decreased as required; for example 19 mins + 10 mins in case the probable broadcast time may not correspond to the actual broadcast time. Also, if this same program is provided for replay, optionally, the storage duration is increased by an additional duration so as to take the parameters into account during replay.

If the content is rented for a given period, the given storage period corresponds to at least the rental period.

If the content is purchased content, the given duration of storage is for example infinite.

If the content is replay content (television on demand), the given storage time corresponds to a lifetime applied to this type of content. For example if the content provider offers replay content for 6 months, the storage period is then 6 months, ideally.

Also, the storage step can be executed at different times. This step could be performed as soon as a parameter is customized.

FIG. 5 illustrates another variant relating to the instant of storage of the PARI adjustment parameters. This instant does not follow the PARI parameters adjustment instant but at a later instant. With reference to FIG. 5, this storage instant is based on detection by the module MOD of a program change, for example ZPA1 (8 h 11), from the first program TV1 to the second program TV2. FIG. 5 shows the instant of storage I which coincides with the instant of the change ΖΑΡΙ at 8 h 11. this variant avoids memorizing parameters unnecessarily, in particular when the user does not change the program.

In the example described above, only two programs TV1 and TV2 were considered; however, there is no limit, within the framework of the present invention, to the number of programs, or more generally to the number of contents, which can be reproduced.

The place of execution of the process steps is arbitrary. In the example described above, the storage location of the MOD control module is ideally the STB decoder. However, if the restitution is carried out on a device such as the PC, the MOD control module will ideally be located in a memory of the PC.

According to a variant, the two phases described above can be executed on two different pieces of equipment. In this configuration, the MOD control module is able to control the settings relative to several restitution equipment. The settings stored in step ET13 relative to a first device, for example the decoder, can therefore be taken into account for the reproduction of the same program on a second device, for example the PC computer.

Note that the MOD module can be implemented in software form (or "software"), in which case it takes the form of a program executable by a processor, or in hardware form (or "hardware"), like a circuit integrated application specific (ASIC), a system on chip (SOC), or in the form of a combination of hardware and software elements, such as for example a software program intended to be loaded and executed on a component of type FPGA (Field Programmable Spoils Array).

Depending on the embodiment chosen, certain acts, actions, events or functions of each of the methods described in this document may be performed or occur in a different order from that in which they have been described, or may be added, merged or not be performed or not occur, as the case may be. In addition, in certain embodiments, certain acts, actions or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively.

Although described through a certain number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed method and the device for implementing the method include different variants, modifications and improvements which will be obvious to those skilled in the art, being understood that these different variants, modifications and improvements form part of the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims which follow. In addition, different aspects and characteristics described above can be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all of the different combinations and sub combinations of aspects and characteristics are part of the scope of the 'invention.

Claims (10)

claims 1. Method for controlling the setting of parameters (PAR1, PAR2) related to the reproduction of content selected from several content (TV1, TV2) capable of being reproduced on a reproduction device (TV), characterized in that it includes the steps, implemented in an adjustment control module (MOD), of: - receive (ET12) parameter settings related to the rendering of content; - storage (ET13) of the parameters set in connection with the content returned. 2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameters are stored for a given period (TM). 3. Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage time (TM) depends on the type of content. 4. Control method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the content is a broadcast television program having a given playback time, in that the storage time (TM) corresponds at least to the remaining playback time. 5. Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that the parameters are accessible throughout the duration. 6. Control method according to claim 1, the storage step follows a step of selecting content other than that which is being played back. 7. Module for controlling the adjustment (MOD) of parameters linked to the playback of content selected from several contents (TV1, TV2) capable of being played on a playback device (TV), comprising a processor configured for: - receive parameter settings related to the rendering of content; - memorization of the parameters set over a given period in connection with the content returned. 8. Digital TV decoder includes a control module 5 (MOD) as defined in claim 7. 9. A computer program capable of being implemented on a decoder as defined in claim 8, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the method defined in claim 1. 10. Data medium on which at least one series of program code instructions has been stored for the execution of a method according to claim 1.