NL1029473C2 - Switching device is for media signals, e.g. television signals whereby user can select channel which is wished to be viewed with possibility of not viewing program portions not of interest, and with change to another station if necessary - Google Patents

Abstract

First, second and third television stations (1,2,3) can be involved, each transmitting its own program, for reception by a receiver (10) in a first house (7) and one (13) in a second house (8). The signals of the television stations with a distribution network (5) with station connections (1) and end connections (6), preferably from a central antenna system, are offered to house connections (9,11) of the first and second houses. Instead of a central antenna system, the signal from the television stations can also be offered via the ether to the first and second house. The television set (10) in the first house is directly connected to the house connection (9). It has a tuner, with which one of the television stations can be selected. The television set in the second house is connected by an external changeover switch (30) with the house connection (11). The changeover switch can be provided with an extra connection for a compact disk player, a digital versatile disk player or a video recorder in the second h ousing. A monitoring center (20) is established with a house connection (27) of the distribution network (5) and in it are provided three television sets (21,22,23) which simultaneously receive signals from the three stations (1,2,3) for individual reproduction by them. A computer (24) in the monitoring center, which has an Internet connection (27) and the Internet (19) are connected with the changeover switch (30). The computer is connected with a media source (20) in the monitoring center. Publicity transmissions are stored by the monitoring center and are uploaded via the computer and the Internet to the changeover switch, and stored in the memory of the system linkage. The linkage system contains devices for identification, activated on instruction from the monitoring system. These devices include a user identity card reader, which enables the computer to decide whether the user is entitled to view specific programs.

Description

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Switching device and switching means for media signals

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a switching device for media signals, for example television signals.

A television set is generally connected to an antenna or a central antenna device with which television signals from multiple television stations are received. The user of the television set thereby selects a television station that he wants to watch. However, the television program selected may contain items that the viewer needs less, for example, advertisements with an increased sound volume. The user who is disturbed by this then takes his remote control to turn down the sound. If necessary, he selects a different television station.

An object of the invention is to provide a provision with which the degree of reproduction of undesired portions of, for example, a television program can be reduced.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides, according to a first aspect, a switching device for media signals, comprising playback means at a first location for playing a media signal originating from at least one media source remote from the first location, switching means at the first location, operatively connected between the playback means and the media source and arranged for selectively influencing, in particular forwarding or adapting, the media signal according to a control command to the switching means, and monitoring means at a second location remote from the first location, operatively connected between the media source and the switching means, and arranged for playing and / or interpreting the media signal from the media source and, in response thereto, selectively generating the control command to the switching means.

The monitoring means may generate a control command for the switching means at the moment, for example, an advertising message is displayed. The switching means can then, in response to this control signal, influence the media signal, for example stop the transmission of the relevant media signal or adjust the sound level. The user of the playback means therefore no longer has to take action himself to, for example, turn down the sound. This can be provided for him by the switching means.

The switching device can herein comprise at least one additional media source as a supplement or alternative to the media source at a distance from the first location, wherein the switching means are operatively connected to the additional media source and are adapted for selectively influencing, in particular switching or adapting. of a media signal from the additional media source to the playback means according to the control command to the switching means. The additional media source can, for example, be an alternative to a media source that regularly broadcasts advertising messages.

The additional media source can be, for example, a CD player, a DVD player or a computer with a film digitally stored on the hard disk 11029473-3.

The media signal can be influenced at the start or even before the start of, for example, an advertising message if the monitoring means are arranged for playing and / or interpreting the media signal from the media source simultaneously with or before the playback of the media signal by the playing means . A user of the switching means then hardly ever has any trouble with, for example, a disruptive advertising message.

Alternatively or additionally, the monitoring means may be adapted to play and / or interpret the media signal from the media source and, in direct response thereto, selectively generate the control command to the switching means.

In a first development, the additional media source comprises a digital memory and reading and writing means for the digital memory for storing and reading a media signal in the additional media source. The memory can for instance be a hard disk with digitally stored films. Alternatively or additionally, additional media source may comprise reading means for reading a media signal carrier that can be placed in the additional media source, for example a DVD or CD-ROM.

If the switching device comprises a first additional media source as aforementioned at the first location, it may be within the user's range, whereby the user can easily set and use his trusted local media source as an additional media source.

Alternatively or additionally, the switching device comprises a second additional media source at the second location, which can therefore be operated in the vicinity of the monitoring means.

The switching means are preferably adapted for selectively switching through at least one media signal from media signals from a plurality of media sources.

The switching means can thus fully take over the functionality of, for example, a television tuner. The! said extra media source or sources can be one or more of the switchable (extra) media sources.

During an unwanted advertising message, a media source can simply be switched away for a media source that is more preferred by the user if the switching means are adapted to switch through at least one media signal according to the control command as an alternative to a switched through media signal.

A media source can be switched off at the beginning of a commercial message and automatically switched back to this media source after the commercial message if the switching means are adapted to switch through at least one second media signal according to a first control command as an alternative to a switched through first media signal, and switching back the first media signal according to a second control command following the first control command to replace the transmitted second media signal.

In an embodiment suitable for selectively switching television signals, the switching means comprise a television tuner for selecting television signals from one of a plurality of television media sources.

In an embodiment suitable for selective switching of radio signals, the switching means comprise a radio tuner for selecting radio signals from one of a plurality of radio media sources.

The switching means may be suitable for the selective transmission of internet broadcasts if the switching means comprise an internet interface for receiving a media signal from one or more media sources.

The additional media source at, for example, the location of the user of the playback means can be started or stopped in response to the reception of a control command if the switching means comprise a control interface for controlling the additional media source according to the control command to the switching means.

The switching means preferably comprise a data communication interface, preferably an internet interface, for receiving a control command from the monitoring means. Such an interface can for instance serve for connection to a broadband modem 10 at the first location, wherein the broadband modem provides the connection to the internet. The internet can then serve as a medium for both transmitting control commands from the monitoring means to the switching means, and for forwarding other digital data from the monitoring means to the switching means, such as a digital film from the additional media source at the second location . To this end, the monitoring means can also be provided with a data communication interface, preferably an internet interface for sending said data.

The operation of the switching means can be coupled to a subscription if the switching means comprise identification means, wherein the identification means are adapted to activate or keep the switching means activated according to an activation command of the monitoring means to the identification means. Therefore, the switching means can only work if they have been activated for this purpose by the monitoring means.

The identification means preferably comprise a card reader for reading an identification card from a user of the switching means.

The switching means can be offered as a device to be installed separately at the first location, for example in the form of a box that can be placed on a television, if the switching means are accommodated in a holder which can be placed separately with respect to 1029473-6. the playback means at the first location, wherein the holder with the switching means comprises a connection for forming the active connection with the media source or media sources, and a connection for forming the active connection with the playback means at the first location, and a connection for forming the active connection with the monitoring means.

In a further development, at least one additional media source is included in the holder.

In a further expanded or alternative embodiment thereof, at least one additional media source is arranged outside the holder and is operatively connected to the switching means in the holder. Such an additional media source can for instance be a CD player, a DVD player or a multimedia computer of the user in the vicinity of, for example, his television set.

The indication of its preferences can be done once or only if there is a need for changes if the switching means comprise a memory for storing the preferred setting for the switching means, wherein the switching means are preferably arranged for displaying a visual operating menu for the sake of ease of operation. at the playback center at the first location to assist the user in entering his preferred settings into the memory.

If the monitoring means comprise visual and / or playback means for audibly perceptible playback of one or more media signals, and control means with manual input means for selectively generating a control command for the switching means during playback according to a manual input or command, the switching means may be provided with a control command by a remote operator. An operator can intuitively observe that a program includes, for example, advertising or violence and take immediate action on it.

This process can also be automated 1 0294Z3? 7 if the monitoring means comprise a data processing device, wherein the data processing device is provided with software for interpreting one or more media signals, in particular by means of image recognition, and selectively generating a control command for the data according to pre-set characteristics or specifications in response thereto switching means.

In particular, the data processing device and the software can be adapted to determine a sound level of a media signal and to generate a control command for the switching means if the sound level is exceeded with respect to a predetermined value. To the preference of the user of the switching means, the sound can therefore, for example, be directly and automatically muted or switched to a different media source.

In a further development, the data processing device and the software are adapted to recognize image patterns in a media signal and to generate a control command for the switching means upon recognition or modification of a predetermined image pattern. With this, for example, the presence of unwanted eroticism can be recognized by the above-average presence of certain skin colors in the image.

The monitoring means are preferably located at a third location at a distance from the media sources. The monitoring means can therefore be offered as a remote service, the monitoring means serving a plurality of switching means at a plurality of users at various locations.

The invention further provides switching means 35 for the switching device as mentioned in the invention. The switching means have preferred embodiments as mentioned above.

1029473-8

The invention further provides monitoring means for the switching device as aforesaid according to the invention. The monitoring means have preferred embodiments as mentioned above.

5

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of a number of exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawing. Figure 1 shows a network of television stations and televisions in which a changeover switch according to the invention is included.

15 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows in this example a first, a second and a third television station 1, 2, 3, each of which broadcasts its own program which can be received by, among other things, a television set 10 in a first housing 7 and a television set 13 in a second housing 8. The signals from the television stations 1, 2, 3 are presented to a home connection 9, 11 of the first and second housing 7, 8 with a known distribution network 5 with station connections 4 and end connections 6, for example from a central antenna system. Instead of a central antenna system, the signal from the television stations 1, 2, 3 can also be supplied via the ether to the first housing 7 and the second housing 8.

In this example, the television set 10 in the first housing 7 is connected in known manner directly to the housing connection 9. This television set 10 is provided with a television tuner known per se with which one of the television stations 1, 2, 3 can be selected. In this example, the television set 10 in the first housing 7 displays the broadcast from the second television station 2.

1029473-9

The television set 13 in the second housing 8 is connected to the housing connection 11 via an external changeover switch 30 according to the invention. The changeover switch 30 can, for example, be placed on the television set 13, the changeover switch 30 via connection 38 for an antenna cable 37 or for example a scart cable is connected to the television set 13.

The changeover switch 30 comprises a first connection 31 for connection to the housing connection 11, a second connection 32 for connection to an internet connection 12 in the second housing 8 in this example, and a third connection 33 for connection to a personal computer 18 in the second housing 8, for example by means of a network cable 17. The changeover switch 30 may be provided with an additional connection (not shown) for, for example, a CD player, a DVD player or a video recorder in the second housing 8.

The changeover switch 30 comprises a television tuner 34 which is connected to the first connection 31 for receiving and selecting television signals, and a card reader 35 with which a user or subscription holder of the changeover switch 30 can be identified so that the changeover switch 30 can be activated. The television tuner 34, the second connection 32, the third connection 33, the card reader 35, the antenna connection 38, and any additional connection are connected to a circuit 36 of the changeover switch 30. The circuit 26 comprises a memory in which user preferences are set of the changeover switch 30 can be stored.

The circuit 26 is adapted to control the television tuner 34, the equipment at the additional connection and the computer 18. The switch 30 can be operated with a remote control 39, for example for switching between the television stations 1, 2, 3. The Circuit 26 is adapted to generate a menu structure on the screen of the television set 13 to support the operation of the changeover switch 1129473-130.

10

Figure 1 shows a monitoring center 20 with a home connection 27 of the distribution network 5. In the monitoring center several, in this case three television sets 21, 22, 23 are arranged for simultaneous reception of the television signals from the television stations 1, 2, 3. The first television set 21 displays the television signal from the first television station 1, the second television set 22 displays the television signal from the second television station 2, and third television sets 23 shows the television signal from the third television station 3.

A computer 24 is arranged in the monitoring center 20, which via internet connection 7 and the internet 19 is connected to the change-over switch 30. The computer 24 is connected by | using software adapted for via the internet 19! sending switching commands to a plurality of individual switchers 30 in the second housing 8 and not in any other way! shown houses. The computer 24 is further arranged for regularly sending activation commands to the switches 30.

The computer 24 is connected to its own media source 20 in the monitoring center 20. In this example, its own advertising messages from the monitoring center 20 are stored for being sent (uploaded) via the computer 24 and the internet 19 and stored in the inverter memory of the circuit 36.

The computer 24 is connected to the internal antenna network 27 for receiving the television signals.

The computer 24 is provided with hardware and software with which the television signals can be interpreted by the computer 24 on the basis of preset profiles. These profiles can be, for example: presence of advertisements, whether or not with a disturbing experience of increased sound volume, violence, eroticism, films that have been indicated to be unsuitable for young viewers.

The visual aspects of the profiles can be recognized by patterns of pixels in the image. For example, the presence of advertisements can be recognized by an increased number of image changes per unit of time or by the temporary disappearance of the television station logo in the image of the relevant television station 1, 2, 3. The presence of eroticism can be recognized by an above-average presence of 10 skin colors in the image. Furthermore, a control signal sent from the television stations 1, 2, 3 itself, for example a start or stop signal for a video recorder, can be recognized by the computer 24 and converted into a switching command for the inverters. The switch 36 circuit 36 may also be adapted to recognize the control signals sent from the television stations 1, 2, 3 themselves. In that case, the changeover switch 30 can operate independently of switching commands from the monitoring center 20. The monitoring center 20 may then be superfluous.

The broadcasts from the television stations 1, 2, 3 can also be tested by an operator on the basis of the aforementioned profiles, the operator 25 simultaneously viewing the television channels and, in response thereto, manually instructing the computer 24 for sending out via a keyboard 26 from a switching command to the inverters.

The operation of the monitoring center 20 and the changeover switch 30 is as follows:

In the second housing 8, the switch 30 with the remote control 39 is set to transmit the television signal from the third television station 3. The user has also entered into the switch 30 that, during an advertising message, he would rather listen to his own music which is played on his computer 18. This preferred setting is stored in the memory of 1029473-12 the circuit 36.

An operator in the monitoring center 20 simultaneously views the television channels of the television stations 1, 2, 3 with the aid of the television sets 21, 22, 23 in the monitoring center 20. When the operator notices that the images of the third television station 3 satisfy a predetermined If the profile is determined, for example because advertising messages are transmitted, then it directly instructs the computer 24 via the keyboard 26 to send control signals directly (real time) via the internet 19 to the switches. This control signal indicates that the third television station 3 has started to transmit advertising messages. According to the user's individual settings, the changeover switch 15 interrupts the television signal to the television set 13 and gives a control signal to the computer 18, so that it starts playing the music on the computer 18. Alternatively, the sound of the computer can be transmitted via the computer. cable 17 and the changeover switch 30 are transmitted digitally or analogously to the television set 13 for playback.

Alternatively, in response to the switching commands from the monitoring center, the changeover switch 30 can selectively temporarily switch to another television station which, at that moment, is known on the basis of control commands from the monitoring center 30, stored in the memory of the circuit 36, that these are not advertising messages. contain. Alternatively, an own film can be started via, for example, the additional connection of the switch 30. The switch 30 instructs the DVD player to start. Alternatively, own advertising messages can be played from the monitoring center 20. Alternatively, only the sound from the television station can be attenuated during the advertising, so that it is less disturbing.

When the advertisements of a third television station 3 have ended, the operator in the monitoring center displays this on the computer 24, whereafter a correcting control signal is sent to the switches. The changeover switch 30 switches back to the third television station 3, according to the user's preferred setting, whereby watching the broadcast can be continued.

In this example, the television stations 1, 2, 3 are connected via a distribution network 5 with a central antenna device to the housing 7, 8. Alternatively, these television stations can broadcast via the internet, the television sets 10, 13 being on the internet 19 plugged in. The tuner 34 may then be superfluous. Alternatively, the television sets 10, 13 may be computers 15 that display these Internet broadcasts.

11029473-

Claims (35)

1. Switching device for media signals, comprising playback means at a first location for playing a media signal originating from at least one media source remote from the first location, switching means at the first location, operatively connected between the playback means and the media source and arranged for selectively influencing, in particular switching or adapting, the media signal according to a control command to the switching means, and monitoring means at a second location remote from the first location, operatively connected between the media source and the switching means, and arranged for playback and / or interpreting the media signal from the media source and, in response thereto, selectively generating the control command to the switching means. 2. Switching device as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one additional media source as a supplement or alternative to the media source at a distance from the first location, wherein the switching means are operatively connected to the additional media source and adapted to selectively influence, in particular switching or adapting a media signal from the additional media source to the playback means according to the control command to the switching means. Switching device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the monitoring means are adapted to play and / or interpret the media signal from the media source simultaneously with or before the playback of the media signal by the playback means. 4. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the monitoring means are adapted for playing and / or interpreting the media signal from the media source and, in direct response thereto, selectively generating the control command to the switching means. The switching device of claim 2, wherein the additional media source comprises a digital memory and digital memory reading and writing means for storing and reading a media signal in the additional media source. Switching device as claimed in claim 2 or 5, wherein the additional media source comprises reading means for reading a media signal carrier that can be placed in the additional media source. 7. Switching device as claimed in any of the claims 2-6, comprising a first additional media source at the first location. 8. Switching device as claimed in any of the claims 2-7, comprising a second additional media source at the second location. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the switching means are adapted for selectively switching through at least one media signal from media signals from a plurality of media sources. 10. Switching device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the switching means are adapted for switching through at least one media signal according to the control command as an alternative to a switched through media signal. 11. Switching device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, wherein the switching means are adapted for switching through at least one second media signal according to a first control command as an alternative to a switched through first media signal, and switching back from according to a second control command following the first control command the first media signal to replace the relaying second media signal. 1029473- 12. Switching device as claimed in any of the claims 9-11, wherein the switching means comprise a television tuner for selecting television signals from one of a plurality of television media sources. 13. Switching device as claimed in any of the claims 9-12, wherein the switching means comprise a radio tuner for selecting radio signals from one of a plurality of radio media sources. 14. Switching device as claimed in any of the claims 9-13, wherein the switching means comprise an internet interface for receiving a media signal from one or more media sources. Switching device according to claims 2 - 14, wherein the switching means comprises a control interface! for controlling the additional media source according to j, comprise the control command to the switching means. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the switching means comprise a data communication interface, preferably an internet interface, for receiving a control command from the monitoring means. 17. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the switching means comprise identification means, wherein the identification means are adapted to activate or keep the switching means activated according to an activation command from the monitoring means to the identification means. 18. Switching device as claimed in claim 17, wherein the identification means comprise a card reader for reading an identification card of a user of the switching means. 19. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the switching means are accommodated in a holder that can be placed separately with respect to the playback means at the first location, wherein the holder with the switching means comprises a connection for forming the active connection with the media source or media sources, and a connection for forming the active connection with the playback means at the first location, and a connection for forming the active connection with the monitoring means. 20. Switching device as claimed in claims 7 and 19, wherein at least one additional media source is included in the holder. A switching device as claimed in claims 7 and 10, claims 19 or 20, wherein at least one additional media source is arranged outside the holder and is operatively connected to the switching means in the holder. 22. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the switching means comprise a memory for storing preferred setting for the switching means, wherein the switching means are preferably adapted to display a visual operating menu on the playback center at the first location for support of the user when entering his 20 preferred settings in the memory. 23. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the monitoring means comprise visual and / or playback means for audibly perceptible playback of one or more media signals, and control means with manual input means for selectively generating a control command for the switching means during playback. manual entry or assignment. 24. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the monitoring means comprise a data processing device, wherein the data processing device is provided with software for interpreting one or more media signals, in particular by means of image recognition, and in response to preset features or specifications in response subsequently selectively generating a control command for the switching means. 1029473- 25. Switching device according to claim 24, wherein the data processing device and the software are adapted to determine a sound level of a media signal and to generate a control command for the switching means if the sound level is exceeded with respect to a predetermined value. A switching device as claimed in claim 24 or 25, wherein the data processing device and the software 10 are adapted to recognize image patterns in a media signal and to generate a control command for the switching means upon recognition or modification of a predetermined image pattern. 27. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the monitoring means are located at a third location at a distance from the media sources. 28. Switching device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, comprising a data communication interface, preferably an internet interface, for sending control commands and digital data to the switching means. 29. Switching means for media signals, apparently intended and suitable for a switching device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the switching means are arranged for establishing an effective connection with playback means for a media signal at the location of the switching means, and with at least one media source and remote monitoring means from the switching device, and wherein the switching means 30 are adapted to selectively influence, in particular switch through or adjust, the media signal from the media source to the playback means according to a control command from the monitoring means to the switching means. 30. Switching means according to claim 28, arranged for entering into an active connection with at least one additional media source in addition to or alternative to the media source remote from the switching means, wherein the switching means are adapted for selectively influencing, in particular switching or adapting a media signal from the additional media source to the playback means according to the control command to the switching means. 31. Monitoring means obviously intended and suitable for a switching device according to any one of the preceding claims. 32. Switching device provided with one or more of the characterizing measures described in the attached description and / or shown in the attached drawings. 33. Switching means provided with one or more of the characterizing measures described in the attached description and / or shown in the attached drawings. 34. Surveillance means provided with one or more of the characterizing measures described in the attached description and / or shown in the attached drawings. 35. Method comprising one or more of the characterizing steps described in the accompanying description and / or shown in the accompanying drawings. -o-o-o-o-o-o-o-I02Θ473 *