GB2528034A - Apparatus and method for device configuration - Google Patents

Apparatus and method for device configuration Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2528034A
GB2528034A GB1411176.9A GB201411176A GB2528034A GB 2528034 A GB2528034 A GB 2528034A GB 201411176 A GB201411176 A GB 201411176A GB 2528034 A GB2528034 A GB 2528034A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
receiver
digital
mobile device
service
information
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB1411176.9A
Other versions
GB201411176D0 (en
GB2528034B (en
Inventor
Jan-David Stã Phane Outters
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Samsung Electronics Co Ltd filed Critical Samsung Electronics Co Ltd
Priority to GB1411176.9A priority Critical patent/GB2528034B/en
Publication of GB201411176D0 publication Critical patent/GB201411176D0/en
Priority to KR1020140138602A priority patent/KR20160011124A/en
Priority to US14/664,273 priority patent/US20150373295A1/en
Publication of GB2528034A publication Critical patent/GB2528034A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2528034B publication Critical patent/GB2528034B/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/25—Arrangements for updating broadcast information or broadcast-related information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/78—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by source locations or destination locations
    • H04H60/80—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by source locations or destination locations characterised by transmission among terminal devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/76—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet
    • H04H60/81—Arrangements characterised by transmission systems other than for broadcast, e.g. the Internet characterised by the transmission system itself
    • H04H60/90—Wireless transmission systems
    • H04H60/91—Mobile communication networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25808—Management of client data
    • H04N21/25841—Management of client data involving the geographical location of the client
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4122—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices additional display device, e.g. video projector
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/414—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance
    • H04N21/41407—Specialised client platforms, e.g. receiver in car or embedded in a mobile appliance embedded in a portable device, e.g. video client on a mobile phone, PDA, laptop
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/4363—Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network
    • H04N21/43637—Adapting the video stream to a specific local network, e.g. a Bluetooth® network involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/4367—Establishing a secure communication between the client and a peripheral device or smart card
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4516—Management of client data or end-user data involving client characteristics, e.g. Set-Top-Box type, software version or amount of memory available
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4524—Management of client data or end-user data involving the geographical location of the client
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client 
    • H04N21/65—Transmission of management data between client and server
    • H04N21/654—Transmission by server directed to the client
    • H04N21/6547—Transmission by server directed to the client comprising parameters, e.g. for client setup

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Multimedia (AREA)
  • Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Computer Graphics (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Configuring one of a digital television receiver and a mobile device comprising receiving profile information from the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the profile information defining profile settings, and configuring said one of the DTV receiver and the mobile device based on the profile settings. Encrypted near-field communication (NFC) may establish authenticated links between devices. Configuration can be performed during installation of one of the devices, and events relating to the installation, such as progress notifications and audio/video tutorials, can be triggered at the other device. A server may transmit/receive service lists with the TV or set-top box (STB). Profile settings may include current location, country, language, network configuration settings, user account or accessibility settings, list of installed applications or favourite websites. Mobile device may be a mobile telephone, smartphone, tablet or laptop computer. Compatible smartphone applications identified by the TV corresponding to TV services may be installed on the mobile device. A second invention defines communication between a DTV receiver and a server comprising updating service lists stored on the server based on information about the services received by the receiver. The present invention simplifies TV installation by reducing the user input.

Description

Apparatus and Method for Device Configuration
Technical Field
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for configuring a device.
More particularly, but not exclusively, the present invention relates to configuring a digita' television (TV) receiver during an installation procedure.
Background of the Invention
The installation of a TV receiver is often associated with a number of questions and io parameters to be set by the user, including country, language, location, and accessibility preferences, as a few examples. As more functionality is added, the installation procedure becomes even more complex, and less user friendly. As an example, many digital TV receivers have the ability to connect to a home network, but currently the network configuration has to be performed manually, often at the end of the i installation procedure. Also, many new TV receivers include an application portal which may be installed with a default population of applications. However, users must manually enter their individual account settings for different applications, further compUcating the installation procedure.
The invention is made in this context.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of configuring one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device comprises: receiving profile information from the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the profile information defining one or more profile settings; and configuring said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device based on the one or more profile settings defined by the received profile information.
The method can further comprise, prior to receiving the profile information: establishing a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and exchanging an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link. The profile information can be protected using the encryption key. The communications link can, for example, be a near-field communication NFC) link. After exchanging the encryption key over the NFC fink, the encrypted profile information can be received via a different interface.
The profile information can be received during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the method can further comprise transmitting a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device. The event relating to the installation procedure can comprise reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
The method can further comprise transmitting a signal from said one of the digital flT receiver and the mobile device to request the profile information, prior to receiving the profile information. The transmitted signal can include an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
The digital TV receiver can receive the profile information from the mobile device, the received profile information can include location information relating to a location of the mobile device, and configuring the digital TV receiver can comprise setting a current location of the digital TV receiver according to the location information.
The method can further comprise: transmitting a request for a service list to a server, the service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of a plurality of receiver groups; and receiving the service list from the server, wherein the request includes information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
Thc mcthod can furthcr comprisc: sclccting onc or morc scrviccs from thc rcccivcd service list; for each selected service, tuning to an expected frequency of the selected service to determine whether the selected service is receivable at the expected frequency; and in response to a determination that the selected one or more services are receivable at the expected frequencies, storing the received service list at the digital TV receiver.
The method can further comprise transmitting, to a server, information about services receivable by the digital TV receiver, and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital T\T receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
The profile settings can include one or more of: a current location; a country setting; a language setting; network configuration settings; accessibility settings; a list of installed applications; a list of favourite websites; and user account settings.
The mobile device may, for example, be a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
According to a second aspect of the invention, a method of providing profile settings to one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device comprises: retrieving one or more profile settings of the other one of the digital T\T receiver and the mobile device; generating profile information which defines the one or more retrieved profile settings; and transmitting the proffle information to said one of the digita' T\T receiver and the mobile device.
The method can further comprise: establishing a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and exchanging an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link. The profile information can be protected using the encryption key. The communications link can, for example, be an NFC link. After exchanging the encryption key over the NFC link, the encrypted profile information can be transmitted via a different interface.
The proffle information can be transmitted during an installation procedure of said one of thc digital TV rcccivcr and tim mobilc dcvicc, and thc mcthod can furthcr comprisc receiving a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digita' TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event rdating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device. The event rdating to the installation procedure can comprise reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
The method can further comprise, prior to transmitting the profile information: receiving a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the signal including an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and authenticating said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device using the authentication code. The profile information may only be transmitted if the authentication is successful.
The method can further comprise: receiving service identification information from the digital TV receiver, at the mobile device, the service identification information o identifying a service receivab'e by the digital TV receiver; obtaining an application corresponding to the service identified by the service identification information, at the mobile device; and installing the obtained application at the mobile device.
Obtaining the application corresponding to the service can comprises: searching amongst a phirality of applications each associated with at least one of an application name, package name, and website; and in response to a match between the service identification information and one of the application names, package names, or websites, obtaining one of the plurality of applications associated with the matched application name, package name, or website.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a control method of a server configured to access a p'urality of stored service lists corresponding to a plurality of receiver groups, each service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of the plurality of receiver groups, the method comprising: receiving information about services receivable by the digital T\ receiver, and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to rcccivc scrviccs; dctcrmining which one of thc plurality of rcccivcr groups thc digital TV receiver bethngs to, based on the information received from the digital TV receiver; and updating the stored service list for the receiver group to which the digital TV receiver belongs, based on the information about the services receivable by the digital TV receiver.
A computer-readable storage medium can store computer program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the above-described methods.
According to a fourth aspect of the invention an apparatus for configuring one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device comprises: a receiving unit arranged to receive profile information from the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the profile information defining one or more profile settings; and a configuration setting unit arranged to configure said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile jo device based on the one or more profile settings defined by the received profile information.
The apparatus can further comprise: a connection management unit arranged to establish a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and a key management unit arranged to exchange an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the proffle information can be protected using the encryption key. The connection management unit can be arranged to establish an NFC link. After the encryption key is exchanged over the NFC link, the receiving unit can be arranged to receive the encrypted profile information is received via a different interface.
The profile information can be received during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the apparatus can further comprise a transmitting unit arranged to transmit a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device. The event relating to the installation procedure can comprise reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation proccdurc, at the other onc of the digital TV rcccivcr and the mobile device.
The apparatus can further comprise a transmitting unit arranged to transmit a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to request the profile information, the signa' including an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
The configuration setting unit can be arranged to configure the digital TV receiver and the receiving unit is arranged to receive the profile information from the mobile device, the received profile information can include location information relating to a ocation of the mobile device, and the configuration setting unit can be arranged to set a current location of the digital TV receiver according to the location information.
The apparatus can further comprise: a service list management unit arranged to transmit a request for a service list to a server and receive the service list from the server, the service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a jo receiver in one of a plurality of receiver groups, wherein the request includes information identiing a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digita' TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
The apparatus can further comprise: a tuner for tuning to a frequency to receive a service, wherein the service list management unit can be further arranged to select one or more services from the received service Ust, and for each selected service, control the tuner to tune to an expected frequency of the se'ected service to determine whether the selected service is receivable at the expected frequency. The service list management unit can also be arranged to store the received service list at the digital TV receiver, in response to a determination that the selected one or more services are receivaNe at the expected frequencies.
The apparatus can further comprise a transmitting unit arranged to transmit, to a server, information about services receivable by the digital TV receiver, and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digita' TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digita' TV receiver is configured to receive services.
The profile settings can include one or more of: a current location; a country setting; a language setting; network configuration settings; accessibility settings; a list of installed applications; a list of favourite websites; and user account settings.
The mobile device may, for example, be a mobile telephone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
According to a fifth aspect of the invention, there is provided an apparatus for providing profile settings to one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device, the apparatus comprising: a profile information generator arranged to retrieve one or more profile settings of the other one of the digital T\T receiver and the mobile device, and generate profile information which defines the one or more retrieved profile settings; and a transmitting unit arranged to transmit the profile information to said one of the digital T\7 receiver and the mobile device.
The apparatus can further comprise: a connection management unit arranged to jo establish a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and a key management unit arranged to exchange an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the profile information can be protected using the encryption key. The connection management unit can be arranged to establish an NFC link. After the encryption key is exchanged over the NFC link, the transmitting unit can be arranged to transmit the encrypted profile information via a different interface.
The profile information can be transmitted during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the apparatus can further comprise a receiving unit arranged to receive a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device. The event relating to the installation procedure can comprise reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
The apparatus can further comprise: a receiving unit arranged to receive a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the signal including an authentication codc for identifying said onc of thc digital TV rcccivcr and the mobilc device; and an authentication unit arranged to authenticate said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device using the authentication code. The apparatus may be arranged to onlytransmit the profile information if the authentication is successful.
The apparatus can further comprise an application management unit arranged to receive service identification information from the digital TV receiver, the service identification information identifying a service receivable by the digital TV receiver, obtain an application corresponding to the service identified by the service identification information, and install the obtained application.
The application management unit can be arranged to obtain the application corresponding to the service by searching amongst a plurality of applications each associated with at least one of an application name, package name, and website, and in response to a match between the service identification information and one of the application names, package names, or websites, obtain one of the plurality of applications associated with the matched application name, package name, or website.
According to a sixth aspect of the invention, there is provided a server comprising: a storage access unit arranged to access a plurality of stored service lists corresponding to a plurality of receiver groups, each service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of the plurality of receiver groups; a network interface for communicating with a digital TV receiver, the server being arranged to receive, via the network interface, information about services receivable by the digital T\T receiver and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital T\T receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services; and a service list management unit arranged to determine which one of the plurality of receiver groups the digital fl' receiver belongs to, based on the information received from the digital TV receiver, and to control the storage access unit to update the stored service list for the receiver group to which the digital TV receiver belongs, based on the information about the services receivable by the digital TV receiver.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with rcfcrcncc to thc accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a system for configuring a digita' television (DTV), according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating a method of configuring the DTV of Fig. 1, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of sharing profile information between devices using a secure connection, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of obtaining a service list during an installation procedure of a digita' TV receiver, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figures is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating a service list at a server, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of authenticating a device during an installation procedure, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of populating a mobile device with applications related to broadcast services receivable by a digital TV receiver, according o to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing an interactive installation procedure, according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 9 illustrates a system comprising a DTV and a mobile device, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 10 illustrates a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description
Referring now to Fig. 1, a system for configuring a digital television (TV) receiver is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment the digital TV receiver is included in a digital television (DTV), but in other embodiments a similar approach can be used to configure a stand-alone digital TV receiver, for example a set-top box (STB) connectable to a separate display.
As shown in Fig. 1, the system 100 of the present embodiment comprises a digita' television (DTV) 110 and a smartphone 120. During an installation procedure, which can also be referred to as a setup procedure or configuration procedure, the DTV nO can receive profile information defining one or more profile settings from the smartphone 120. The DTV110 can be automatically configured based on the profile information rcccivcd from thc smartphonc 120, rcducing thc nccd for uscr input and thereby providing a simplified instaflation procedure.
Although a smartphone 120 is used in the present embodiment, in other embodiments the profile settings can be received from any suitable mobile device, for example another type of mobile telephone handset other than a smartphone, or any other type of device such as a aptop computer, tablet computer, e-reader, personal digital assistant (FDA), or digital camera. -10-
Furthermore, although in the present embodiment a digital TV receiver is configured based on proffle information received from a mobile device, in other embodiments the process can be inverted so that a mobile device is configured based on profile information received from a digital TV receiver. Examples of methods that can be implemented by either the digital TV receiver or the mobile device will now be described in detail, to aid understanding of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a method of configuring the DTV of Fig. 1, according to an jo embodiment of the present invention. The flowchart in Fig. 2 shows which steps of the method are performed at the DTV, and which are performed at the mobile device. As mentioned above, in another embodiment the process can be inverted in order to configure the mobile device using settings from the DTV. That is, the method steps performed by the mobile device in Fig. 2 can instead be performed at the DTV, and the method steps performed by the DTV in Fig. 2 can instead be performed at the mobile device.
First, in step S201 the mobile device retrieves one or more profile settings. In most cases, the profile settings will be stored in internal memory, but in certain cases the profile settings could be downloaded or generated when required, for example when the profile settings include a current location of the mobile device.
Depending on the embodiment, step S2o1 can be initiated either by the DTV or by the mobile device. As an example, after placing the DIV into an installation mode, a user can launch a corresponding installation application at the mobile device, and the application can automatically retrieve the profile settings in step S2o1 after being launched. In this approach, step S2o1 is initiated by the mobile device. As another example, in some embodiments the DIV can scan for local devices after being placed into the installation mode, and upon finding the mobile device the DTV can transmit a request for profile settings. In this approach, step S2o1 is initiated by the DTV.
After retrieving the proffle settings, then in step S2o2 the mobile device generates profile information which defines the profile settings. Preferably, the profile information is formatted according to an industry standard, to ensure that the profile settings can be understood by the DTV. If various possible formats are availaNe, for example according to different versions of a standard, the DTV and mobile device can -11 -negotiate before sharing the profile settings to agree on a particular format for the proffle information.
Tn step S2o3 the profile information is transmitted from the mobile device to the D1V, which receives the profile information in step 5204. tn the present embodiment, the mobile device sends the profile information to the DTV over a wireless local area network (WLAN) interface, but in other embodiments the profile information can be sent over any type of interface. As a few examples, in other embodiments the profile information can be transferred over a Bluetooth, Zigbee, Near-Field Communication Jo (NFC), orUniversa Serial Bus (USB) interface.
Next, in step S2o5 the DTV is configured based on the profile settings defined by the received profile information, for example by updating local profile settings of the DTV to match the profile settings received from the mobile device.
The profile settings can include device proffle settings relating to general device settings, and/or can include user profile settings relating to specific settings for an individual user profile. Examples of device profile settings that can be shared between devices in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: a current location; a country setting; a language setting; and network configuration settings. Examples of user profile settings that can be shared between devices in embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to: accessibility settings; a list of installed applications; a list of favourite websites; and user account settings, such as stored username/password information for websites and/or applications.
When network configuration settings are shared, the mobile device can be used to verify whether or not the DTV has successfully connected to a local network after scnding the profile information. Spccifically, after transmitting the profile information, the mobile device can be configured to periodically check whether a message has been received from the TV over the network, for example a UPnP discovery message. The mobile device can confirm that the message has come from the DThT by comparing a device identification code inéluded in the message to a known identification code of the DiV. Depending on the embodiment, the identification code could be pre-programmed into the mobile device, or could be received from the DTV. For example, in embodiments in which the DTV transmits a request for profile information to the -12 -mobile device, the DTV identification code can be included in the profile information request. When the mobile device receives the message from the DTV, the mobile device can be configured to notify the user that the DTV has successfufly been configured for the local network. Tf a preset time period elapses without a discovery message being received, a time-out message can be displayed to notify the user that the DiV has not been able to connect to the network.
By sharing profile settings automatically between devices, the configuration procedure can be simplified since the user does not have to input every setting manually.
o Additionally, other advantages arise when particular types of information are shared, as will become apparent from the following description of specific embodiments.
For example, the shared profile settings may include location information. The location information can take various forms, including but not limited to Global Positioning System (GPS) coordinates or other navigation system coordinates, a postcode or zip code, town/city name, or country. After receiving the location information, the receiving device (the DTV in Figs. iand 2) can set its current location based on the received location information. In some embodiments, when location information is shared, the DIV can then activate a respective pre-programmed local profile for the current region or country in which the DTV is located, thereby further streamlining the configuration procedure.
As another example, the shared profile settings may include a list of applications installed on the mobile device. The digital TV receiver can be arranged to download and install applications matching those installed on the mobile device, for example by searching an app store website for an application with the same name as one installed on the mobile device. This allows the digital TV receiver to be automatically populated with the user's preferred applications.
As yet another example, the digital TV receiver can be arranged to personalize a TV guide according to the received profile information. For instance, the received profile information may include demographic information such as the gender and age of the user, and the TV guide can be personafized by recommending content that is expected to be of interest to the user based on demographic profiling. As another example, the profile information may include accessibility and/or language settings used in the -13 -mobile device, and the TV guide can be personalized using the same accessibility and/or language settings.
Tn the method of Fig. 2, the initial pairing is performed via an NFC link. Tn another embodiment, instead of using NFC the devices could be paired using a different method, for example, by displaying a QR code on the DTV screen. The QR code can include an encryption key, and can be scanned using a QR reader application on the mobile device. The mobile device may then use the encryption key to communicate securely with the DTV over a network connection, for example a WLAN connection.
Referring now to Fig. 3, a method of sharing profile information between devices using a secure connection is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The method can be used in a system such as the one shown in Fig. 1, to send profile information from a mobile device to a DTV, or can be used to share profile information between any other type of digital TV receiver and mobile device. Tn the present embodiment the method uses an NFC link to exchange an encryption key between the DTV and mobile device, but in other embodiments a different type of communications link coukl be used instead of NFC.
First, in steps S3o1 and S3o2 an NFC link is established between the DTV and the mobile device. Methods of establishing an NFC link between devices are well known, and a detailed description will not be provided here. tn the present embodiment, the DTV is placed into an installation mode before step S3o1, and begins broadcasting an invitation via NFC to other devices in the immediate vicinity. At the same time, a corresponding installation application is launched on the mobile device. The application on the mobile device detects the invitation being broadcasted by the DTV, and responds by launching an NFC application to establish the connection in step 8302.
Once the NFC link is established, in step 8303 the DTV transmits an initial encryption key over the NFC Unk to the mobile device, which receives the encryption key in step 8304. Because NFC is limited to very short-range transmission, unauthorised third parties are prevented from eavesdropping and intercepting the encryption key. The use of an NFC link thereby ensures that the encryption key remains private between the devices.
Once the devices have exchanged the encryption key, the DiV and mobile device are paired and can share profile information securely over any connection using the encryption key.
Specifically, in steps S3o5 and 8306 the mobile device retrieves profile settings and generates profile information, as in steps 8201 and S2o2 of Fig. 2. Then, in step S3o7 the mobile device protects the profile information using the encryption key. In the present embodiment the profile information is protected using encryption, to ensure that an unauthorised third party cannot intercept and access the profile settings, which jo may include personal user account information. Tn other embodiments, the profile information can be protected using authentication instead of or in addition to encryption, to verify that the received profile information has come from the paired mobile device as opposed to an unauthorised third party.
Next, in step 8308 the protected profile information is transmitted to the DT\T, which receives the protected profile information in step 8309. In steps 8308 and 8309, the profile information can be sent over a different connection to the NFC link used in steps S303 and S3o4. For example, as described above with reference to Fig. 2, the profile information could be transferred over any other suitable interface, such as WLAN, Bluetooth, Zigbee, or a Universal Serial Bus (USB).
Then, in step 8310 the DTV decrypts the received profile information using the encryption key that was previously shared in steps 8303 and 8304. Finally, in step 8311 the DTV is configured based on the profile settings defined by the profile information, asin step S2o5 of Fig. 2.
In the method of Fig. 3 the encryption key is provided by the device to be configured, which in the present example is a DTV. However, in other embodiments the encryption kcy may bc provided by thc samc device that provides the profile settings, which in the present example is the mobile device. Therefore in some embodiments the key will be sent in the opposite direction to that shown in steps S3o3 and 8304, when the key is exchanged between the devices.
Referring now to Fig. 4, a method of obtaining a service list during an installation procedure of a digital TV receiver is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be performed when the digital TV receiver receives -15 -location information from another device, and requires the digita' TV receiver to be aNe to communicate with a server. The method allows the digita' TV receiver to quickly obtain a list of services that are expected to be receivable, without having to perform a length channel scanning operation to search for all available services.
First, in step 5401 the digita' TV receiver, which in the present embodiment is included in a DTV, receives profile information from a mobile device as described above. The received profile information includes location information relating to a location of the mobile device, and after receiving the location information, the DIV is configured by jo setting the current location according to the location defined by the location information. Therefore by step S4o2 in Fig. 4, the current location of the DTV has been set using the location of the mobile device from which the profile information was received.
Tn step S4o2, the DT\T transmits a request for a service list to a server, which receives the request in step 5403. The request includes information identifying the current location. The server is arranged to access a plurafity of stored service lists corresponding to a p'urality of receiver groups. The geographical areas may be defined in various ways in different embodiments, for example, using CPS coordinates or postal addresses. Each service list comprises a list of services that are expected to be receivable in the corresponding geographical area. The service list includes a service identifier for each service, and tuning parameters for the service (e.g. a broadcast frequency). The list may optionally include a Receiver Channel Number (RCN) for the service, which may be the Receiver Channel Number most commonly assigned to that service by receivers in that geographical area. The server can generate and update the service list for each geographical area based on reports from digital TV receivers located within that area about the services that are able to be received.
Tn thc prcscnt cmbodimcnt, cach of thc rcccivcr groups corrcsponds to a gcographical area. However, in other embodiments, the receiver groups can be defined in various ways. Different receiver groups can be defined for different locations, and/or for different reception mediums (e.g. cable, satellite, IPTV, terrestrial), and/or for different service providers. For example, within the same geographical area, separate receiver groups can be defined for different reception mediums. Similarly, for each reception medium, different receiver groups can be defined depending on the service provider.
For example, different cable TV providers may offer different selections of broadcast services. Depending on how the receiver groups are defined in any given embodiment, the request transmitted by the digital TV receiver may identify the current location of the receiver, and/or the current reception medium, and/or the service provider from which the receiver is configured to receive services.
In step S4o4, the server uses the received location information to identify the geographical area in which the DTV is currenfly located. After identifying the geographical area, the server retrieves the stored service list for the identified geographical area in step S4o5, and transmits the service list to the DTV in step S4o6.
After receiving the service list in step S4o7, the DTV proceeds to valldate the received service list in order to determine whether the service list can be used. In detail, in step S4o8 the DTV selects a subset of one or more services from the received service list.
Here, the DTV may select a fixed number of services, or may select a variable number of services depending on the size of the received services list, for example by selecting every tenth service from the list. Then, in step S4o9, for each selected service the DTV tunes to an expected frequency of the selected service, which is the frequency identified in the service list, to determine whether the se'ected service is receivaNe at the expected frequency. Because only a subset of the services are se'ected in step S4o8, the time taken to validate the selected services in step S4o9 can be substantially reduced in comparison to the time that would be required to perform a full channe' scanning operation.
Finally, in step S41o, the received service list is stored and used in response to a determination that the selected one or more services are receivable at the expected frequencies. If any of the selected services are not detected at the corresponding frequency indicated by the service list, it is determined that the service list is invalid, and the digita' TV receiver can instead perform a normal channel scanning operation as part of thc installation proccdurc, to build its own scrvicc list.
Referring now to Fig. 5, a method of updating a service list at a server is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be performed at the server described above with reference to Fig. 4, to maintain the database of service lists for different geographical areas. -17-
First, in step S501 the DTV updates the local service list, for example by performing a channel scanning operation to search for currently receivable broadcast services. The service list could be updated during an instaflation procedure, or during normal operation of the receiver. For example, the DTV maybe configured to update the local service list at regular intervals.
Next, in step S5o2 the DTV transmits information about the current location and the updated service list to the server, which receives the information in step S5o3.
Depending on the embodiment, the DIV may attempt to upload the updated service list o at regular intervals, and/or in response to a specific event such as a channel scanning operation.
After receiving the information, in step S5o4 the server determines which geographical area the DiV is located in, based on the current location of the DiV. Then, in step S5o5 the server updates the stored service list for the geographical area in which the DT\T is located, based on the information about the services receivable by the DT\ at the current location.
Regularly updating the service lists maintained by the server, using a method as shown in Fig. 5, ensures that the information in each service list accurately reflects the services that are currently available in each region. This improves the chances of a service list successfully validating during an installation procedure, as described above with reference to steps 408 to 410 of Fig. 4. Preferably, if validation of a service list fails in step S4o9 of Fig. 4, then the digital TV receiver is configured to automatically update the service list itself and upload the updated service list to the server using the method of Fig. s, ensuring that the service list maintained by the server is kept up-to-date.
Referring now to Fig. 6, a method of authenticating a device during an installation proccdurc is illustratcd, according to an cmbodimcnt of thc prcscnt invcntion.
First, in step S6oi the DiV transmits a request for profile information. In the present embodiment, the DiV is configured to regifiarly broadcast the request via NFC after starting the installation procedure, to search for loca' devices that can provide the profile information. The request includes an authentication code for identifying the DIV.
-18 -The profile information request is received by the mobile device in step S6o2. Next, in step S6o3 the mobile device attempts to authenticate the request, by using an authentication algorithm to veri whether the received authentication code is genuine.
Tn step S604, the mobile device on'y transmits the profile information to the DTV if the authentication is successful. if authentication fails, the profile information is not transmitted.
In step S6o5 the DTV receives the profile information, as in step S2o4 of Fig. 2, and in step S6o6 the DTV is configured based on the received profile information, as in step Jo S2o5 of Fig. 2.
By using authentication to verify the identity of the device requesting the profile information, it is ensured that any sensitive user data included in the profile settings will only be shared with the genuine DTV, and not with any unauthorised devices.
Referring now to Fig. 7, a method of populating a mobile device with appflcations rdated to broadcast services receivable by a digital TV receiver is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be performed by a mobile device after pairing with a digital TV receiver, as described above, in order to locate and install applications relating to currently receivable broadcast services. An example of an application relating to a broadcast service is a mobile TV broadcasting application viewing content from the broadcast service, either by streaming live programmes or downloading content on demand.
First, in step S7o1 the mobile device receives service identification information from the digital TV receiver. The service identification information identifies one or more service receivable by the digital TV receiver. The service identification information may simply be the service list currently in use at the receiver. In some embodiments, rather than transmitting the entire service list including tuning parameters for each service, the digital TV receiver can extract and transmit ordy the service names of all services from the service Ust.
In some embodiments, if the mobile device has previously received a service list from another digital TV receiver in the same geographical area, the mobile device can be arranged to reuse the previously-received service list instead of obtaining a new service list from the current digital TV receiver. This can reduce the time taken to complete the installation procedure, as it will typicaflybe quicker to retrieve the existing service list from internal memory than to request and receive a new service list from the digital TV receiver, since the time taken to receive the service list will be limited by the bandwidth of the connection between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
Then, in step S7o2 the mobile device searches amongst a plurality of applications, for example by querying an online application store. In the present embodiment, each application is associated with a number of fields including at least one of an Application Name, Package Name, and Associated Website. The mobile device performs a text jo search amongst the Application Name, Package Name and Associate Website using the service name of each service.
When an application matching one of the services is found, the application can be automatically downloaded in S7o3. Alternatively, user confirmation maybe requested before dowffloading the application. Tf more than one appfication is found with a match to the service name, the applications can be ranked according to the fields in which a match was found. In the present embodiment, the following ranking order is used, with (i) representing the highest ranking and (j) representing the lowest ranking: (i) Match found in each of Application Name, Package Name and Associated Web site; (2) Match only found in Application Name; (3) Match only found in Package Name and Associated Website; (4) Match only found in Package Name; () Match only found in Associated Website.
The applications can be ranked and displayed in order, for a user to select which application to download.
Then, after obtaining the applications, in step S7o4 the applications are installed at the mobile device.
In the above-described embodiment, associated applications are obtained by performing a text search amongst the Application Name, Package Name, and Associated Website for each one of a plurality of applications. In other embodiments, a different approach may be used to find and obtain associated applications. For example, in some embodiments, a server can host a database in which each service is direcfly associated with one or more application identifiers. The mobile device could then query the server to retrieve the application identifiers associated with a particular service, and download the applications from another source such as an online application store, or could receive the applications directly from the server.
Referring now to Fig. 8, a method of providing an interactive installation procedure is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method can be used in conjunction with any of the above-described methods r&ating to sharing profile jo information between devices.
The method of Fig. 8 allows a user to enjoy additional interactivity during an installation procedure of one of the devices, by triggering associated events at the other device. Examples of events that can be triggered include progress notifications to inform the user of the current progress of the installation procedure, and audio/video tutorials relating to the installation procedure. The ability to trigger events at another device during the installation procedure can be particularly useful when the devices have different user interface capabilities, especially in situations where the user has a visual or hearing impairment.
In the present embodiment, events are triggered at a mobile device in order to add interactivity to an installation procedure of a digita' TV receiver, which in the present embodiment is a DTV. In other embodiments, the direction can be reversed so that events are triggered at a digita' TV receiver during the installation procedure of a mobile device.
First, in step S8oi an installation procedure is initiated at the DTV. The DTV may automatically enter the installation procedure when it is turned on for the first time, or a uscr may manually sclcct thc installation proccdurc aftcr moving thc DTV to a ncw location, for example to connect to a new network and/or to search for new broadcast services.
After starting the installation procedure, the mobile device transmits profile information in step S8o2, which is received by the DTV in step S8o3. The profile information can be shared nsing any of the methods described herein. After profile information has been received, in step 8804 the installation procedure begins configuring the DTV based on the received profile settings.
Whilst the installation procedure continues, in step 8805 the DiV automaticafly transmits a message to the mobile device to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the mobile device. The message can be referred to as an event trigger message, and can be transmitted at certain pre-programmed points during the installation procedure. The mobile device receives the message in step S8o6.
jo Tn the present embodiment, the event trigger message includes an event type identifier, which signals the type of event to which the message relates. The event type identifier can take various formats. In the present example, the event type identifier comprises 8 bits denoting the type of event. Examples of different types of event and their associated hexadecimal values are as follows: oxoo proffle settings successfully received and imported oxoi channel scan completed 0x02 no signal found oxo3 launch an application at the mobile device oxo open a url in a web browser application at the mobile device oxo first signa's found These event types and values are merely exemplary, and other event types can be defined in other embodiments.
In the present embodiment, an application running on the mobile device is pre-programmed with different audio and/or video clips to be reproduced at certain stages during the installation procedure. When an event trigger message is received which indicatcs that onc of thc ccrtain stagcs has bccn rcachcd, in stcp 8807 thc mobilc dcvicc 3° identifies the clip relating to the current event, and reproduces the clip in S8o8.
Tn certain embodiments, the mobile device can connect to the Tnternet to search for content such as audio or video clips or webpages, to be retrieved and reproduced in response to a particular event type being signalled. -22-
In the embodiment of Fig. 8, events are triggered dnring in installation procedure. in other embodiments of the invention, a similar method may also be used to trigger events at any time during normal operation. Examples of events that can be triggered after include an event to notifythe user of the service currently being received at the DTV, or to notify the user that an updated service list is available.
Referring now to Fig. 9, a system comprising a DTV and a mobile device is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system can perform any of the methods disclosed herein, to configure the DTV using profile settings from the jo mobile device, in other embodiments, the elements shown in either device in Fig. 9 may be included in the other device, to allow the procedure to be performed in reverse, that is, to configure the mobile device using profile settings from the DTV. In other embodiments certain elements shown in Fig. 9 can be omitted, depending on the functionality required. For example, if encryption and authentication are not required, the key management units 913,923, authentication unit 924, NFC transmitter 916 and NFC receiver 926 could be omitted.
Certain elements in Fig. 9 maybe implemented using dedicated hardware, or using software instructions executed on one or more processors. The software instructions can be stored in any suitable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, individual elements in Fig. 9 may be implemented using a combination of hardware and software.
The DTV 910 of Fig. 9 includes apparatus comprising a configuration setting unit 911, a connection management unit 912, a key management unit 913, a service list management unit 914, a network interface 915, a NFC transmitter 916, and a tuner 917.
The network interface 915 includes a transmitting unit 915b arranged to transmit a signal to thc mobilc dcvicc 920 to rcqucst proflic information, in thc prcscnt embodiment, authentication is used and the request includes an authentication code for identifying the DiV 910. The network interface 915 a'so includes a receiving unit ia arranged to rec&ve profile information from the mobile device 920, using any of the methods disclosed herein. The configuration setting unit 911 is arranged to configure the DTh' 910 based on the profile settings defined by the received profile information.
-23 -The connection management unit 912 can establish the communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, for example by storing pairing information. The key management unit 913 can perform various key management functions, for example generating a new key and storing a current session key. The key management unit 913 may also perform encryption, or alternatively a separate encryption unit could be provided.
The service list management unit 914 can perform various functions to manage service lists in the DIV 910. For example, the service list management unit 914 can be jo arranged to request a service list from a server via the transmitting unit 915b, as described above with reference to Fig. 4. The tuner 917 can be used to validate the received service list.
The mobile device 920 of Fig. 9 includes apparatus comprising a profile information generator 921, a connection management unit 922, a key management unit 923, an authentication unit 924, a network interface 925, an NFC receiver 926, and an application management unit 927.
The network interface 925 includes a receiving unit 925b arranged to receive the profile information request including the authentication code, and further includes a transmitting unit 925a arranged to transmit the profile information to the DTV 910.
The authentication unit 924 is arranged to use the received authentication code to authenticate the DTV 910, as described above with reference to Fig. 6.
The profile information generator 921 is arranged to retrieve profile settings of the mobile device 920, and generate profile information defining the profile settings. The mobile device 920 can generate and transmit the profile information using any of the methods disclosed herein. The connection management unit 922 and key management unit 923 can pcrform similar functions to thc corresponding units 912, 913 in thc DiV 910.
The application management unit 927 is used to manage applications instafled on the mobile device 920, using any of the methods disclosed herein. In the present embodiment, the application management unit 927 is arranged to receive service identification information identifying one or more services receivable by the DTV 910.
The application management unit 927 can then download and install the application.
The network interfaces 915, 925 in Fig. 9 each include a receiver unit 915a, 925b, and a transmitter unit 915b, 925a, to enable bidirectional communication over a network.
Although in the present embodiment the profile information and the request are sent over a network interface, in other embodiments any suitable interface can be used, as has already been described above. For example, in another embodiment the respective transmitter and receiver units in the DiV and mobile device can communicate over a USB interface.
jo Referring now to Fig. 10, a service list server for providing service lists to digital TV receivers is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The server 1030 comprises a storage access unit 1031, a service list management unit 1032, and a network interface 1033.
The storage access unit 1031 is arranged to access a plurality of service lists stored in a storage unit ioia, which may be local or remote to the server 1030. For example, the storage unit ioia may be cloud storage, or may be a local hard disk drive. The network interface 1033 can communicate with a digita' T\T receiver 1010, such as the DTV illustrated in Fig. 9. The service list management unit 1032 can perform various service list management functions, as described above with reference to Figs. 4 and.
Various methods have been described herein with reference to the drawings. it should be understood that the disclosed methods are not exclusive, and in an embodiment of the invention, any of the methods may be imp'emented alone or in combination with any of the other methods.
Whilst certain embodiments of the invention have been described herein with reference to the drawings, it will be understood that many variations and modifications will be possiblc without dcparting from the scopc of thc invcntion as dcflncd in the accompanying claims.

Claims (47)

  1. -25 -Claims 1. A method of configuring one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device, the method comprising: receiving profile information from the other one of the digital TV recewer and the mobile device, the profile information defining one or more profile settings; and configuring said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device based on the one or more profile seuings defined by the received profile information.
  2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein prior to receiving the profile information the method further comprises: establishing a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and exchanging an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the profile information is protected using the encryption key.
  3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the communications link is a near-field communication NFC link.
  4. 4. The method of claim 3, wherein after exchanging the encryption key over the NFC link, the encrypted profile information is received via a different interface.
  5. 5. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the profile information is received during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the method further comprises: transmitting a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an cvcnt rclating to thc installation proccdurc at tim othcr onc of tim digital TV rcccivcr andthe mobile device.
  6. 6. The method of daim, wherein the event relating to the installation procedure comprises: reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
    -26 -
  7. 7. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein prior to receiving the proffle information the method further comprises: transmitting a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to request the profile information, the signal inchiding an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  8. 8. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the digital TV receiver receives the profile information from the mobile device, and wherein the received profile information includes location information relating o to a location of the mobile device, and configuring the digital TV receiver comprises setting a current location of the digital TV receiver according to the location information.
  9. 9. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: transmitting a request for a service list to a server, the service fist comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of a plurality of receiver groups; and receiving the service list from the server, wherein the request includes information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
  10. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: selecting one or more services from the received service list; for each selected service, tuning to an expected frequency of the selected service to determine whether the selected service is receivaNe at the expected frequency; and in response to a determination that the selected one or more services are rcccivablc at thc cxpcctcd frcqucncics, storing thc rcccivcd scrvicc list at thc digital TV receiver.
  11. ii. The method of anyone of the preceding claims, further comprising: transmitting, to a server, information about services receivable by the digital TV receiver, and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to -27-receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
  12. 12. The method of anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the profile settings includes one or more of: a current location; a country setting; a language setting; network configuration settings; accessibility settings; a list of installed applications; a list of favourite websites; and user account settings.
  13. 13. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mobile device is a jo mobile telephone, a tablet computer, or a laptop computer.
  14. 14. A method of providing profile settings to one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device, the method comprising: retrieving one or more profile settings of the other one of the digital TV receiver andthe mobile device; generating profile information which defines the one or more retrieved profile settings; and transmitting the profile information to said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  15. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: establishing a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and exchanging an encryption key between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the profile information is protected using the encryption key.
  16. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the communications link is a near-field communication NFC link.
  17. 17. The method of daim 15, wherein after exchanging the encryption key over the NFC link, the encrypted profile information is transmitted via a different interface.
  18. 18. The method of any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the profile information is transmitted during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the method further comprises: -28 -receiving a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the instaflation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobi'e device.
  19. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the event relating to the installation procedure comprises: reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  20. 20. The method of any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein prior to transmitting the profile information the method further comprises: receiving a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the signal including an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and authenticating said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device using the authentication code, wherein the profile information is only transmitted if the authentication is sti ccessful.
  21. 21. The method of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving service identification information from the digital TV receiver, at the mobile device, the service identification information identifying one or more services receivable by the digital TV receiver; obtaining an application corresponding to a service identified by the service identification information, at the mobile device; and installing the obtained application at the mobile device.
  22. 22. Thc mcthod of claim 21, whcrcin obtaining thc application corrcsponding to thc service comprises: searching amongst a plurality of applications each associated with at least one of an application name, package name, and website; in response to a match between the service identification information and one of the application names, package names, or websites, obtaining one of the plurality of applications associated with the matched application name, package name, or website.-29 -
  23. 23. A control method of a server configured to access a plurality of stored service lists corresponding to a plurality of receiver groups, each service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of the phirality of receiver groups, the method compri sing: receiving information about services receivable by the digita' TV receiver, and information identifying a current ocation of the digita' TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digita' TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services; determining which one of the plurality of receiver groups the digital TV receiver jo belongs to, based on the information received from the digital TV receiver; and updating the stored service list for the receiver group to which the digital TV receiver belongs, based on the information about the services receivable by the digital TV receiver.
  24. 24. A computer-readable storage medium storing computer program instructions which, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the method of any one of the preceding claims.
  25. 25. Apparatus for configuring one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device, the apparatus comprising: a receiving unit arranged to receive profile information from the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, the profile information defining one or more profile settings; and a configuration setting unit arranged to configure said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device based on the one or more profile settings defined by the received profile information.
  26. 26. The apparatus of daim 25, further comprising: a conncction managcmcnt unit arrangcd to cstablish a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and a key management unit arranged to exchange an encryption key between the digita' TV receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the profile information is protected using the encryption key.
  27. 27. The apparatus of daim 26, wherein the communications link is a near-field communication NFC link.
  28. 28. The apparatus of daim 27, wherein after the enciyption key is exchanged over the NFC link, the receiving unit is arranged to receive the enciypted profile information is received via a different interface.
  29. 29. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 28, wherein the profile information is received during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the apparatus further comprises: a transmitting unit arranged to transmit a message from said one of the digital jo TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  30. 30. The apparatus of daim 29, wherein the event relating to the installation procedure comprises: reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at the other one of the digita' TV receiver and the mobile device.
  31. 31. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 30, further comprising: a transmitting unit arranged to transmit a signal from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to request the profile information, the signal induding an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  32. 32. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein the configuration setting unit is arranged to configure the digital TV receiver and the receiving unit is arranged to receive the profile information from the mobile device, and wherein the received profile information includes location information relating to a location of thc mobile dcvicc, and the configuration sctting unit is arranged to set a current location of the digital TV receiver according to the location information.
  33. 33. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 32, further comprising: a service list management unit arranged to transmit a request for a service list to a server and receive the service list from the server, the service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of a p'urality of receiver groups, wherein the request includes information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
  34. 34. The apparatus of daim 33, further comprising: a tuner for tuning to a frequency to receive a service, wherein the service list management unit is further arranged to selecting one or more services from the received service list, and for each selected service, control the o tuner to tune to an expected frequency of the selected service to determine whether the selected service is receivab'e at the expected frequency, and wherein the service list management unit is further arranged to store the received service list at the digital TV receiver, in response to a determination that the selected one or more services are receivable at the expected frequencies.
  35. 35. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 34, further comprising: a transmitting unit arranged to transmit, to a server, information about services receivable by the digital TV receiver, and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services.
  36. 36. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 35, wherein the profile settings includes one or more of: a current location; a countiy setting; a language setting; network configuration settings; accessibility settings; a list of installed applications; a list of favourite websites; and user account settings.
  37. 37. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 36, wherein the mobile device is a mobilc tclcphonc, a tabict computcr, or a laptop computcr.
  38. 38. Apparatus for providing profile settings to one of a digital TV receiver and a mobile device, the apparatus comprising: a profile information generator arranged to retrieve one or more profile settings of the other one of the digital fl' receiver and the mobile device, and generate proffle information which defines the one or more retrieved profile settings; and a transmitting unit arranged to transmit the profile information to said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  39. 39. The apparatus of claim 38, further comprising: a connection management unit arranged to establish a communications link between the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and a key management unit arranged to exchange an encryption key between the digital T\7 receiver and the mobile device over the communications link, wherein the profile information is protected using the encryption key.
  40. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, wherein the fink management unit is arranged toestablish a near-field communication NFC link.
  41. 41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein after the encryption key is exchanged over the NFC link, the transmitting unit is arranged to transmit the encrypted profile information via a different interface.
  42. 42. The apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 41, wherein the profile information is transmitted during an installation procedure of said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, and the apparatus further comprises: a receiving unit arranged to receive a message from said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device to the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device, to trigger an event relating to the installation procedure at the other one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device.
  43. 43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the event relating to the installation procedure comprises: reproducing an audio and/or video clip relating to the installation procedure, at thc othcr onc of thc digital TV rcccivcr and thc mobilc dcvicc.
  44. 44. The apparatus of any one of claims 38 to 43, further comprising: a receiving unit arranged to receive a signa' from said one of the digital T\T receiver and the mobile device, the signal inéluding an authentication code for identifying said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device; and an authentication unit arranged to authenticate said one of the digital TV receiver and the mobile device using the authentication code, wherein the apparatus is arranged to only transmit the profile information if the authentication is successful.
  45. 45. The apparatus of any one of claims 25 to 45, further comprising: an application management unit arranged to receive service identification information from the digital TV receiver, the service identification information identifying a service receivable by the digital T\7 receiver, obtain an application corresponding to the service identified by the service identification information, and install the obtained application.
  46. 46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the application management unit is arranged to obtain the application corresponding to the service by searching amongst a plurality of applications each associated with at least one of an application name, package name, and website, and in response to a match between the service identification information and one of the application names, package names, or websites, obtain one of the plurafity of appUcations associated with the matched application name, package name, or website.
  47. 47. A server comprising: a storage access unit arranged to access a plurality of stored service lists corresponding to a p'urality of receiver groups, each service list comprising a list of services expected to be receivable by a receiver in one of the plurality of receiver groups; a network interface for communicating with a digital TV receiver, the server being arranged to receive, via the network interface, information about services receivable by the digital TV receiver and information identifying a current location of the digital TV receiver, and/or a reception medium through which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services, and/or a service provider from which the digital TV receiver is configured to receive services; and a service list management unit arranged to determine which one of the plurality of receiver groups the digital TV receiver belongs to, based on the information received from the digital TV receiver, and to control the storage access unit to update the stored service list for the receiver group to which the digital TV receiver belongs, based on the information about the services receivalMe by the digital TV receiver.
GB1411176.9A 2014-06-24 2014-06-24 Apparatus and method for device configuration Expired - Fee Related GB2528034B (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1411176.9A GB2528034B (en) 2014-06-24 2014-06-24 Apparatus and method for device configuration
KR1020140138602A KR20160011124A (en) 2014-06-24 2014-10-14 Apparatus and method for devcie configuration
US14/664,273 US20150373295A1 (en) 2014-06-24 2015-03-20 Apparatus and method for device configuration

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1411176.9A GB2528034B (en) 2014-06-24 2014-06-24 Apparatus and method for device configuration

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB201411176D0 GB201411176D0 (en) 2014-08-06
GB2528034A true GB2528034A (en) 2016-01-13
GB2528034B GB2528034B (en) 2017-12-20

Family

ID=51410016

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB1411176.9A Expired - Fee Related GB2528034B (en) 2014-06-24 2014-06-24 Apparatus and method for device configuration

Country Status (2)

Country Link
KR (1) KR20160011124A (en)
GB (1) GB2528034B (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10089066B2 (en) 2016-12-13 2018-10-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electronic apparatus and audio output apparatus composing audio output system, and control method thereof

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20170050159A (en) * 2015-10-29 2017-05-11 에스케이플래닛 주식회사 Method and Apparatus for Providing Contents Using Beacon
KR102591292B1 (en) * 2017-02-14 2023-10-19 삼성전자주식회사 Apparatus and Method for Displaying and advertisement Server
KR102626319B1 (en) * 2018-05-23 2024-01-17 삼성전자주식회사 Electronic device and method for storing digital key

Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110162008A1 (en) * 2009-12-28 2011-06-30 Verizon Patent And Licensing, Inc. Dynamic program guide information
EP2373008A2 (en) * 2010-03-30 2011-10-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Video receiving apparatus and video receiving method
KR20120090233A (en) * 2011-02-07 2012-08-17 사단법인한국디지털케이블연구원 Video display apparatus sharing personal setting information of moving terminal and the sharing method
EP2523465A2 (en) * 2011-05-09 2012-11-14 LG Electronics Inc. Service system and method of providing service in digital receiver thereof
CN103108221A (en) * 2013-02-06 2013-05-15 北京佳视互动科技股份有限公司 Broadcasting terminal and frequency point matching method and system
US20140152899A1 (en) * 2012-12-05 2014-06-05 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. User proximity recognition and hands-free control
WO2014171682A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display apparatus, and method and apparatus for setting up and controlling the same
WO2014197275A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 Apple Inc. Controlling a media device using a mobile device

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110162008A1 (en) * 2009-12-28 2011-06-30 Verizon Patent And Licensing, Inc. Dynamic program guide information
EP2373008A2 (en) * 2010-03-30 2011-10-05 Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba Video receiving apparatus and video receiving method
KR20120090233A (en) * 2011-02-07 2012-08-17 사단법인한국디지털케이블연구원 Video display apparatus sharing personal setting information of moving terminal and the sharing method
EP2523465A2 (en) * 2011-05-09 2012-11-14 LG Electronics Inc. Service system and method of providing service in digital receiver thereof
US20140152899A1 (en) * 2012-12-05 2014-06-05 Echostar Technologies L.L.C. User proximity recognition and hands-free control
CN103108221A (en) * 2013-02-06 2013-05-15 北京佳视互动科技股份有限公司 Broadcasting terminal and frequency point matching method and system
WO2014171682A1 (en) * 2013-04-16 2014-10-23 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Display apparatus, and method and apparatus for setting up and controlling the same
WO2014197275A1 (en) * 2013-06-07 2014-12-11 Apple Inc. Controlling a media device using a mobile device

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10089066B2 (en) 2016-12-13 2018-10-02 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Electronic apparatus and audio output apparatus composing audio output system, and control method thereof

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201411176D0 (en) 2014-08-06
KR20160011124A (en) 2016-01-29
GB2528034B (en) 2017-12-20

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20150373295A1 (en) Apparatus and method for device configuration
EP3541043B1 (en) Account login method and apparatus
US9386445B2 (en) Electronic device, personal cloud apparatus, personal cloud system and method for registering personal cloud apparatus in user portal server thereof
TWI770645B (en) Method carried out by a content-presentation device, method for registering a content-presentation device with a consent management platform disposed in a computing cloud and non-transitory computer-readable storage medium
CA3015798C (en) System and method for delivering digital content
US9065733B2 (en) Method and system for registering a client device in a multi-room digital video recording system
US10609439B2 (en) Mobile terminal and control method thereof
GB2528034A (en) Apparatus and method for device configuration
JP6213197B2 (en) Information processing apparatus and reception method
JP2020039171A (en) Reception device and reception method
US20170339244A1 (en) Media device and method for setting a configuration of the same
US10211938B2 (en) Local channels anywhere
CN108370456B (en) Information processing method and display device
KR20160095600A (en) Broadcast apparatus and method for authenticating broadcast data
JP6984709B2 (en) Receiver and receiving method
JP6940673B2 (en) Display device
JP6663892B2 (en) Transmission system and transmission method
JP2017005595A (en) Viewing service system and viewing service method
JP2023155296A (en) Receiving device and receiving method
JP2019165485A (en) Reception device and reception method
NZ745787B2 (en) System and method for delivering digital content
JP2019088027A (en) Display apparatus
KR20120049747A (en) Method and system for providing personalization service with screen sharing between terminal of home network
KR20120021113A (en) Apparatus and method for providing media diary service

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20200624