GB2488109A

GB2488109A - Message delivery via a television display from a remote personal communication device

Info

Publication number: GB2488109A
Application number: GB1102469.2A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-02-11
Filing date: 2011-02-11
Publication date: 2012-08-22
Also published as: GB201102469D0

Abstract

An apparatus for receiving a message from a remote personal communication device, such as a mobile phone, and for providing a signal to display the message on a screen, such as a television display. An authentication device, including a look-up table, may verify the identity of the remote device. An antenna may receive 3G, GPRS, GSM, UHF or VHF wireless communication signals or a wired optical fibre signal. A remote control may allow the recipient to modify, delete or store the message, or reply to it. The apparatus may be incorporated into a set-top box (STB) for use with a TV receiver, and include a subscriber identity module (SIM card) to receive SMS or MMS messages, which may comprise text, video, images and/or audio data. The system may allow friends and family to communicate with distant elderly or disabled relatives to make sure they are well. Messages may be transmitted at preset times as an appointment or regular medication reminder. The message may appear in a moving text box on the screen to alert the viewer.

Description

Improvements in message delivery via a television display

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to apparatus and methods for improved delivery of messages and information to users via television or other displays or monitors, for example allowing specific personalised one to one communication to be achieved using existing telecommunications channels.

Background of the Invention

Many means of delivering personal one-to-one messages are known, such as for example SMS, MMS, email and personalised drop boxes and file transfer sites. Similarly, means to add message or data transmission functions to one-to-many broadcasting such as television and webcasts are known, with data communications being both one to many from the broadcaster to users, such as Teletext, and one to one in reply, from an individual user back to the broadcaster, such as so-called red button' functions for example for user voting purposes, purchasing or other functions in response to the broadcast programming or to specific one-to-many broadcast prompts.

Prior Art

Combination of data reception and sending with a television display function is well known, with present television receivers often having internet functionality and the capability of interaction with the internet under control of a remote controller, such as a standard TV handheld remote controller, a wireless or cable connected keyboard, a remote computing device such as a Smartphone', tablet PC, personal digital assistants (PDA5) or the like. Such arrangements allow data to be received and sent, such as emails, internet shopping, and the replay via the television of sound and images sourced via the internet or from the remote device. Such communications can be personalised and made secure by means of standard internet security techniques.

However, present devices do not include some specifically useful functions, such as secure one-to-one message or data transfer, wherein a specific sender is enabled to communicate with a specific recipient, the message or data then being displayed on the recipient's television display rather than, say, on their mobile phone or other computer device. Further, presently known devices use internet connectivity rather than standard voice/data telecommunications, such as the SMS or MMS messaging systems forming part of cellular telephony.

Increasingly there are significant sections of society for whom present messaging and data communications are difficult to use, non-intuitive, hard to access or not accessible. These include older people, less able people, people with sensory challenges or those of limited economic means, such that computing equipment and internet connections are not readily available or usable. As the population in developed countries ages, the numbers of people for whom existing messaging or data communication devices are challenging to use will increase. Additionally, the more fragmented and long-distance nature of family and friendship relationships means that improved means of communication with specific individuals in those groups will have significant value.

Messaging and data presentation that is easily received, secure and personalised will be increasingly valued by members of such groups. Means that inform a sender that the recipient has received the message, and simple means for the recipient to reply, will be valued for the reassurance that this will provide that the recipient is well. There is a requirement for improved apparatus and methods of communication to meet these needs.

The present invention aims to provide apparatus and methods to address the above needs.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided an apparatus for receiving a message from a remote personal communication device and for providing a signal for displaying the message on a television screen.

The invention thus provides an apparatus to receive messages from remote mobile communication devices and overcomes the requirement that the message recipient needs to be aware that a message may be received, and to a greater or lesser extent, actively to check that such a message has been received. The invention is also simple and intuitive to use by older people who may not be confident using high technology devices or may have limited dexterity.

Mobile phone message tones are one way of alerting a recipient, but receipt of the message is dependent on a number of unpredictable factors, such as the location of the phone, tone volume, and the alertness of the recipient. The invention overcomes this by presenting the message to a viewer of a television, video, DVD or satellite broadcast, by effectively overwriting the screen, with text, which may be displayed in a text box.

Optionally the text box could be arranged to randomly move around the screen so as to avoid ghosting or fogging of a particular region of the screen and also to attract the attention of a viewer.

A use scenario might be: a sender is located remotely from a family member (the recipient) who may for example be an older or infirm person with whom the sender wishes to communicate, but who may not be able readily to operate a cell phone in order to receive or send messages such as SMS, MMS or images. The sender may also wish to confirm that the recipient has received the message, for example to know that they are well and alert.

While members of certain social groups may not have ready access to or use of cell phones, computers or the internet, they are highly likely to have use of and to be regular viewers of television or recorded media such as video discs and personal video recorders. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that enables messages to be displayed on the television screen while they are watching would enable ready communication.

Communication back to a sender that a message has been read -for example in response to a request from the recipient for the message to be displayed by means of a remote control device -provides positive confirmation to the sender that the recipient has received and read the message and so is likely to be alert and well. Other usage scenarios will be readily apparent to the skilled person.

In another application, there are situations in which it is valuable to be able to control a television display in a simple and direct way so as to provide text, images or other data that overlie, accompany or alternate with the broadcast image on the television screen. Examples may include in public waiting rooms where television is provided as entertainment but information may need to be superimposed or temporarily replace the television programme, such as for example paging for individuals, information re waiting times, etc. Means and apparatus exist to provide such information display but these usually require dedicated systems and hardwired connections, with concomitant cost and the need for specific operating instructions and training.

A simple means of using an everyday handheld device such as a cell phone or Smartphone, for example with suitable dedicated software, (often referred to as an App') allow remote control of the information display without specialised equipment. An authorisation process involving the identity of the transmitting phone or the sender ensures that the information display process is secure.

In a preferred embodiment the apparatus receives a signal via a cellular phone radio network, other radio means (such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth) or by landline that contains a message or data from a remote personal communication device; it may then perform some or all of the following functions: Checking and verifying the identity of the sending remote personal communication device and/or the sender using it and/or it may then alert a user (who may be the intended recipient or a third party) that a message is waiting to be displayed; and/or optionally it may then wait for a command from the recipient that the message is to be displayed; and/or it may display the message on the television display after a preset delay; and/or it may then wait for the user to clear the message following which the television display is returned to the original state.

Preferably the apparatus may send a signal or message to the remote personal communication device in notification that the user has commanded the message to be displayed. Optionally the apparatus may send notification that the user has cleared the message from the screen.

Optionally an alternative embodiment of the apparatus may display the message as having been received immediately it has been received. In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise memory, register or diary means to allow a message to be displayed at some time in the future. In some embodiments a message may be made available to be displayed more than once, optionally being cleared by the user each time. An acknowledgement may be sent by the apparatus to the sender each time a message is cleared.

In some embodiments a message may be displayed regardless of whether the user requests display or not. The message may be displayed in a specific area of the television display or may be overlaid on the television image.

By the term message' it is meant to include any form of data communication, including but not limited to text, images, (moving or still) voice data, command data that may control the operation of the apparatus, or other electronic data or data files intended to provide information to the recipient, or for operational control use in association with the apparatus or the television display to which it is linked.

The message may comprise text information, image information or sound information or combinations thereof. The means of delivery of the information via the television display may be adaptable to the needs of the user, for example for a mode of communication preferred by the user. The means of delivery may be adapted to accommodate sensory challenges such as blindness or deafness, and may comprise changes of text and text box colour, luminosity or volume of an associated alert. Such means may be used to alert the user that a message is waiting. Such means may be also be used to render the message more readily perceived and comprehended by the recipient.

The message may contain data that controls or enables operation of the apparatus, and the apparatus may comprise means to analyse the content of messages to identify and act on this data. Such data may include identification data that may be associated with the remote personal communication device; personal password data such as a personal identity number (PIN) associated with the sender; command data that controls the operation of the apparatus on receipt of the message; programming data that modifies the operation of the apparatus in response to subsequent messages or modifies a program that controls operation of the apparatus.

Command data embedded within a message may for example control whether or not the apparatus waits for a user confirmation before it displays that specific message. It may control the way in which that specific message is displayed -for example, more or less visibly, with or without an accompanying sound, or in a given format or appearance, which may be predetermined by the apparatus in accordance with a program.

Messages may have type' information associated with them or embedded within them that convey command information to the apparatus in order to control the display function and/or display format and appearance. For example, such types may be selectable by the sender and comprise types such as urgent', non-urgent', warning' or a larger and/or louder please respond' if the sender wishes to confirm the presence or alertness of the recipient.

The apparatus preferably comprises identification and security means adapted to ensure that the apparatus displays only messages intended for the recipient. Such means may comprise: identification means as known in cellular telephony.

Preferably the apparatus comprises a subscriber identity module (SIM) card associated with the recipient that allocates a unique telephone number to the apparatus. In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise means to allow messages to be received or displayed only from selected senders and/or remote personal communication devices. The apparatus may comprise a memory and look-up table forming part of the identification and security means so as to allow messages from only authorised senders, thereby avoiding so called junk' texts, emails and malicious or unwanted messages that might confuse or alarm recipients.

The apparatus may display the identity of a sender and/or remote personal communication device while prompting the user to authorise display of the message. The apparatus may display the identity of a sender and/or remote personal communication device while the message is displayed.

The identification and security means may comprise means to analyse the content of messages to locate and act on data embedded within the message.

Such data may include identification data that may be associated with the remote personal communication device and personal password data such as a PIN associated with the sender. Such data may be present in a specific location or field within the message, or may be present as a simple sequence within a data string forming part of the message. Such an embodiment may be preferred when the apparatus is to receive an SMS message from a cellular phone, in which the password or PIN might be entered at any point in the text message, recognised by the apparatus and optionally removed from the displayed text.

A suitable billing regime may be imposed by a user so as to avoid exceeding a prescribed daily, weekly or monthly limit. Alternatively tariffs may be associated with the recipients account or these may be billed to a senders account.

Identification and security data may be provided within a separate message from that containing data intended for display. The apparatus may comprise means to recognise identification and security data sent as part of a first message, receipt of such information then enabling acceptance and display of data, such as text or images, within a second message. The first and second messages may be linked by a common code, or related in time, such that the first message opens a time window for receipt of the second message. Other relationships between a first and a second message may be applied and are considered within the scope of the invention.

The apparatus may comprise means to detect response by the recipient to prompt messages on the television display and the alert the sender if no response is received by the apparatus. For example, the apparatus may comprise a timer function so that if no response to a prompt is received within a certain time, the prompt is removed and displayed again at a later time.

In given circumstances the apparatus may send a message to the sender to alert them to the lack of response. The apparatus may comprise a function to detect other operations of the remote controller other than to control the apparatus, such as for example to control the television display, so detecting that the recipient is alert and aware.

The apparatus may receive by any means known in the art, including cellular telephony, landline telephony, satellite, wireless (Wife) internet or Bluetooth communications, radio wave communication at any appropriate frequency, for example VHF, direct wired connection to a computer network or router, optical fibre connection to an optical data exchange, or signalling via data overlay on power cables.

Optionally the apparatus may send signals to the remote personal communication device by any of the above means. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus comprises a SIM card and communicates via a cell phone network, receiving signals from and sending transmissions to a nearby base station.

The apparatus preferably appears to the cell phone network as similar to a standard cell-or Smartphone, operating by any appropriate wireless communication protocol. In an alternative embodiment, the apparatus may be adapted to send and receive by landline, in which case it preferably appears to a landline exchange as similar to a standard landline communications device.

The remote personal communication device may be a cellular phone, Smartphone, portable computing device, camera, or any other data or messaging device. The remote personal communication device preferably has identification means associated with it such that an identification code is sent along with the data. This code may be in the form of any unique identifier such as a telephone number or code unique code associated with the device. The remote personal communication device may alternatively have no unique identification code associated with it.

The apparatus may provide a signal to enable display of the message on a television display by means known in the art, such as for example a SCART connection, a HDMI connection, a USB connection, a standard video modulated UHF signal, an RGB/Audio signal, VGA cable, optical data link, wireless (WiFi) data link or Bluetooth. The apparatus may comprise one or more visual indicators and/or sound tones to indicate for example that a message is waiting or the operational status of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an indicator display showing data on operation, messages waiting, time/date, etc. In preferred embodiments the apparatus enables display of such information in an area of the television display. The apparatus is preferably controlled by a remote controller, which may be common with the television remote controller, according to means known in the art.

The apparatus may be operable with any form of television display showing broadcast, narrowcast or close circuit television programming, recorded or streamed media. The term television display as used herein means a display adapted to show media from any source including those above.

In preferred embodiments the apparatus is operable with television displays showing broadcast media received in one-to-many broadcast formats such as terrestrial, satellite, internet-streamed, optical cable; in personal recorded formats such as DVD, Blu-Ray TM and personal video recorder formats. In preferred embodiments that apparatus operates with the television display to enable the display of messages irrespective of the source of the programming on the screen. The apparatus may be operable with a specific remote controller, or may be adapted to operate with the same remote controller as the television display with which it is linked. The apparatus may be adapted to be programmable to operate with a given type of remote controller.

The apparatus may comprise a free-standing unit such as a set-top box' style unit or decoder, or may in some embodiments be incorporated as part of another unit, such as a television display, a personal video recorder, an internet TV decoder, router or home cinema unit. It will be clear to the skilled person that such control means as may be implemented for operation of the apparatus may be integrated together with or embedded within the control systems of such other units. The apparatus may comprise a control means such as a PC or other programmable control means operable by the user to configure or to control operations of the apparatus. Such a PC or programmable control means may form part of the apparatus in an integrated unit, or may be a separate unit linked to the apparatus by any means known in the art.

According to a further aspect of the invention a method is provided for communication between a sender and a recipient, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for receiving a message from a remote personal communication device and for providing a signal for displaying the message on a television screen; providing a remote personal communication device co-operable with the apparatus; sending a message from the remote personal communication device to the apparatus, the message containing data to be displayed on the television screen together with identification and security data associated with the sender and/or the remote personal communication device.

Ideally, as part of the apparatus, a control means that controls display of the message on the screen in response to the identification and security data forming part of the message.

According to a yet further aspect of the invention a method is provided for communication between a sender and a recipient, the method comprising the steps of: providing an apparatus for receiving a message from a remote personal communication device and for providing a signal for displaying the message on a television screen; providing a remote personal communication device co-operable with the apparatus; sending a first message from the remote personal communication device to the apparatus, the message comprising identification and security data associated with the sender and/or the remote personal communication device; sending a second message from the remote personal communication device to the apparatus, the message comprising data to be displayed on the television screen; providing as part of the apparatus a control means that controls display of the data from the second message on the screen in response to the identification and security data forming part of the first message.

According to details of the method, the first and second messages may be sent in either order, the apparatus being adapted to receive both before displaying data on the television display.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of functional steps carried out by a first embodiment of the apparatus of the invention and also shows steps associated with a first method according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of functional steps carried out by a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention and also shows steps associated with a second method according to the invention; and Figure 3 is a block diagram of functional components of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention.

Detailed Description of the illustrated embodiment

It is to be appreciated that these Figures are for illustration purposes only and other configurations are possible.

Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of functional steps carried out by a first embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. The steps illustrate a process of sending a message from a sender's remote personal communication device such as a cell phone to a specified individual television display. The term cell phone will be used throughout to mean any form of remote personal communication device as described above.

The apparatus is first set up to receive messages and in some embodiments command data from a selected cell phone. For example, a cell phone may be registered by the apparatus, a sender's ID, such as unique identifying data associated with the cell phone, e.g. the cell phone number, being recorded by the apparatus. Preferably security information such as a PIN will also be recorded. Registration may be by means of entering data into a data register forming pad of the apparatus, optionally in the form of a look-up table of registered cell phones that are permitted to display messages on a television display linked to the apparatus comprising their associated security data.

In use, the apparatus is functionally linked to a television display and a remote controller operated by the recipient. Such linkage may be by any means as described before.

In use, a sender sends a message from the registered cell phone containing ID and preferably security information such as a PIN. This information is used by the apparatus to enable receipt and/or display of the message. The sender sends a message containing the information to be displayed. The apparatus comprises a cell phone receiver and receives these messages via the cell phone network in any way known in the art. The apparatus may comprise a SIM card to enable such connection and function. The ID and security information may be sent in a separate message from the information to be displayed or in some embodiments these may be combined in a single message.

The ID and security information are checked against the look-up table of allowed senders and if they match the message is passed to a display control function forming part of the apparatus. The apparatus then preferably displays information on the television display to show that a message is waiting, and waits for the recipient to signal acceptance to display the message, preferably by using a remote controller. In some embodiments the message may be displayed without requesting acceptance. In some embodiments the message may comprise data to command such display without requesting acceptance, for example if the message is urgent.

The apparatus may then send confirmation back to the sender to show that a button has been pressed (which may be either display message' or do not display the message now'), thus showing that the recipient has responded.

Such a confirmation may be taken by the sender as meaning that the recipient is well and responsive.

In some embodiments the apparatus may comprise a function to allow the recipient to reply and such functions may comprise a prompt to reply and means to enter a reply message as known in the art.

Figure 2 shows a flow diagram of functional steps carried out by a second embodiment of the apparatus of the invention. Several of the steps are similar to those shown in figure 1 and steps that differ will be described below.

This embodiment of the apparatus comprises a message register with a time/date function that allows messages to be received and stored until the correct date/time for them to be displayed. In some embodiments such messages may also be programmed into the apparatus directly, ie. without use of a remote personal communication device, for example by using a keyboard linked to the apparatus. Such messages may comprise for example reminders to take medication or regarding appointments. They may be intended to be shown once at a given date/time or repeatedly at more than one date/time.

In use, a sender may send a message comprising ID and security data and a message containing information to be displayed. The apparatus stores the message and associated date and time in the register and follows one or more of the display steps above at the date and time for each message. Each message may be displayed following acceptance by the recipient or may be displayed unconditionally, optionally following command data associated with, or forming part of, the message. The register preferably stores any such command data associated with each message. The apparatus may comprise means for a recipient to send a reply as described above.

In a further embodiment the apparatus is adapted to control display on a television display local to the sender, for example to overlay announcement information onto entertainment media. In this embodiment the remote personal communication device may communicate with the apparatus via hard-wired linkage, or local radio means such as WiFi or Bluetooth. The operational steps are similar to those in the embodiments in figures 1 or 2.

Figure 3 shows a block diagram of some of the functional components of an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention. These comprise functional blocks in line with the operational steps described above. The apparatus preferably comprises a radio receiver, for example a cellular telecoms receiver, a data decoder that identifies ID and security data and passes it to a checking means comprising a look-up table. The checking means enables further processing of the message or rejects it. A logic function may then act on display mode information within the message: display now' or display at a later date/time'? If to be displayed now, the message may in some embodiments pass to a logic function that determines whether to request user acceptance to display the message or to over-ride this function. If user acceptance is to be requested a logic function displays a message to request acceptance and waits for a response, in preferred embodiments from a remote controller. The recipient may request the message to be shown, or for it to be shown later, in which case a timer loop may be entered before the display message?' prompt is shown again.

If no response is made a time-out function (not shown in figure 3) may operate, which may determine whether to show the message again after a period of time and again request a response, and may at some point send an alert back to the sender that no response has been received. The time out function may determine whether the television display is operating at the time, and in some embodiments whether other functions on the remote controller have been operated, in order to give further information on the state of activity of the recipient. Such information may inform the operation of the time out / alert logic function and may be passed on in a message sent back to the sender.

When the recipient requests the message to be displayed, this command and message data are passed to a message display function that operates to provide visual display information in a format appropriate for display. The message display function is preferably adapted to operate with a range of television displays and data communication protocols, including but not limited to SCART, HDMI, modulated UHF, RGB, Ethernet, USB and Firewire. The display function may function to provide a display appearance as determined by a data content in the message, or messages may have types' associated with them that are displayed in a pre-determined way, for example if they are urgent, non-urgent, or reminders of repeated conditions or requested actions.

The apparatus may be operable with a specific remote controller or may be adapted to operate with a remote controller associated with the television display. The apparatus may be programmable in order to recognise a given type of remote controller and allocate control functions to buttons on that remote controller appropriately. Such allocation may be signalled on the television display.

The invention has been described by way of several embodiments, with modifications and alternatives, but having read and understood this description, further embodiments and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

For example, it is envisaged that the diary of a sender's mobile communication device may be configured so as to automatically produce and send SMS messages, with such reminders as times to take medicaments and perform other routine tasks, which the recipient might otherwise forget. All such embodiments and modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

In a further alternative embodiment the invention is provided in the form of a kit comprising: a screen or display, a receiver adapted to receive a short message service (SMS) signal from a mobile communication device and present the short message to the screen. Ideally the screen is portable and is less than 0.25 m2 kit comprises: a transformer which supplies power to the screen. Alternatively the screen may include a rechargeable battery.

A remote controller is ideally provided for use with the screen. Alternatively a touch screen is able to offer a user a menu for selecting alternative options, such as respond, acknowledge, store, delete.

In a yet further variation the display includes a wireless or hardwire connection to a conventional television receiver. The wireless connection may be incorporated in a dongle or other self powering device, ideally with a universal serial bus (USB).

Claims

Claims 1. Apparatus for receiving a message from a remote personal communication device and for providing a signal for displaying the message on a screen.
2. Apparatus according to claim I includes an authentication device for verifying the identity of the remote communication device.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the authentication device includes a memory device and a look-up table.
4. Apparatus according to any proceeding claim wherein the apparatus includes an antenna for receiving the signal from the group comprising: a 3G digital signal, a GPRS signal, a GSM signal, an ultra high frequency (UHF) signal, a very high frequency (VHF) signal, a 3G and a Bluetooth (Trade Mark) signal.
5. Apparatus according to any of claims I to 4 wherein the apparatus includes a communication link to an exchange that in use is arranged to relay the signal from the remote communication device via a hardwire communication link to the television screen.
6. Apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the apparatus includes a means for relaying the signal via an optical fibre.
7. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a remote controller which is operable by a user to modify the message.
8. Apparatus according to claim 7 wherein the remote controller operations to modify the message include those in the group comprising: modifying the message, permanently deleting the message from the television screen, temporarily deleting the message from the television screen, storing the message and moving the message to a different screen location.
9. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a means operable by a user to reply to the message.
10. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the apparatus includes a microprocessor adapted to be incorporated within a television receiver.
11. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10 wherein the apparatus includes a set-top box adapted for use with a display of a television receiver.
12. Apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 11 wherein the apparatus includes a device having a universal serial bus (USB) and is adapted to be used with a display of a television receiver.
13. Apparatus according to either claims 11 or 12 wherein the apparatus includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) card that is configured to receive short message service (SMS) communications.
14. Apparatus according to either claims 11 or 12 wherein the apparatus includes a subscriber identity module (SIM) card that is configured to receive multi-media message service (MMS) communications.
15. A system includes the apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 14 includes a personal computer (PC) which is programmable to transmit messages at predetermined times.
16. A system according to claim 15 includes a personal computer (PC) which is operable under instruction of software to allow a user to transmit messages at predetermined times.
17. Apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein the screen is incorporated in a television receiver.