WO2008143571A1

WO2008143571A1 - A system and method for video content

Info

Publication number: WO2008143571A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/000330
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wester Per-Ola
Original assignee: Teliasonera Ab
Priority date: 2007-05-22
Filing date: 2008-05-14
Publication date: 2008-11-27
Also published as: EP2147549A1; SE530919C2; EP2147549A4; SE0701234L

Abstract

A system for virtually recording video content which is, via a distributed network, connected to a multi-channel television system, which transmits different programs on different channels. The system comprises storing means connected to the distributed network, which continuously records and stores each program, only once, with a unique identification. The system also comprises control means connected to the distributed network and user means connected to the distributed network, and interface means. A user selects different programs via the interface means. The user means stores the unique identification means for the selected programs. The interface means presents the selected programs for the user. When the user wants to view a specific, stored program among the presented, selected programs by selecting the specific program, the user means sends a request to the control means, which determines if the request can be granted. If the request is granted, the user means connects to the storing means, and to send the unique identification means for the specific program to the storing means, whereby the user means plays the specific program.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIDEO CONTENT Field of the invention

The present invention relates in a first aspect to a system operable to virtually record video content. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for virtually recording video content.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to at least one computer program product for virtually recording video content.

Background of the invention

Today it is common with a personal video recorder in a Set Top Box, but this technique requires a hard disk in the Set Top Box. With this technique it is only possible to record one program and at the same time watch another.

Such a digital video recorder is e.g. described in the patent document US-B1-6, 851, 063.

Consequently, there exists a need for a more flexible solution.

Summary of the invention

The above mentioned problems are solved by a system operable to virtually record video content according to Claim 1. The system is, via distributed network, connected to a multi-channel television system operable to transmit different video contents in the form of programs on different channels. The system comprises a storing means connected to the distributed network operable to continuously record and store each program on the different channels, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means (ID) . The system also comprises a control means connected to the distributed network, and at least one user means connected to the distributed network. The system also comprises an interface means for each user means. A user of the system selects different programs via the interface means, wherein the user means is operable to store the unique identification means for the selected programs. The interface means is operable to present the selected programs for the user. The user means is also operable, when the user wants to view a specific, stored program among the presented, selected programs by selecting the specific program, to send a request to the control means which is operable to determine if the request can be granted. If the request is granted, the user means is operable to connect to the storing means, and to send the unique identification means for the specific program to the storing means, whereby the user means is operable to play the specific program.

An advantage with the system according to the present invention is that the solution can be offered to all customers of IPTV. Another advantage is that the customers do not need to have a Set Top Box with a hard disk. Furthermore, this solution is independent of the type of Set Top Box. Yet another advantage is that the solution is dynamic from an operator's point of view. Furthermore, the storage usage becomes efficient, because an operator does not need to store one program several times. Another advantage is that this solution has no impact on the BSS system or the OSS system. A further advantage in this context is achieved if, when said specific program (Ps) has been played, said user means is operable to switch over to a live channel/program.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said distributed network is in the form of Internet, or a network owned by an operator . A further advantage in this context is achieved if said storing means is in the form of a Video on Demand server.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if at said control means is operable to grant said request if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means can handle said request .

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said control means is in the form of an application server. Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each of said user means is in the form of a Set Top Box.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if each of said interface means is in the form of a Graphical User Interface . Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said unique identification means (ID) is taken from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said user means also is operable to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said specific program (Ps) when it is being played.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said storing means is operable to store each program on said different channels during a predetermined time.

The above mentioned problems are also solved with a method for virtually recording video content according to Claim 12. The method is performed with the aid of a system, and comprises the steps: to continuously and centrally record and store video contents in the form of each program on different channels transmitted via a multi-channel television system, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means (ID) ; by a user (m) of said system, to select different programs, wherein said unique identification means (ID) for said selected programs are stored in a user means comprised in said system; to present said selected programs on an interface means comprised in said system; - when said user (m) wants to view a specific, stored program (Ps) among said presented, selected programs, to select said specific program (Ps) ; with the aid of said user means, to send a request to a control means comprised in said system; with the aid of said control means, to determine if said request can be granted; if said request is granted, to connect said user mans to said centrally storing of video contents; - to send said unique identification means (ID_Ps) for said specific program (Ps) to said centrally storing of video contents; and with the aid of said user means, to play said specific program (Ps) . An advantage with the method according to the present invention is that the solution can be offered to all customers of IPTV. Another advantage is that the customers do not need to have a Set Top Box with a hard disk. Furthermore, this solution is independent of the type of Set Top Box. Yet another advantage is that the solution is dynamic from an operator's point of view. Furthermore, the storage usage becomes efficient, because an operator does not need to ^"store one program several times. Another advantage is that this solution has no impact on the BSS system or the OSS system. A further advantage in this context is achieved if said method also comprises the step: when said specific program (Ps) has been played, with the aid of said user means, to switch over to a live channel /program. Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said system comprises n number of user means, wherein n is an integer, and n ≥ 1, an interface means for each user means, and a storing means operable to perform said recording and storing step, and in that said storing means, said control means and said user means all are connected to a distributed network.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said distributed network is in the form of Internet, or a network owned by an operator.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said storing means is in the form of a Video on Demand server.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said method also comprises the step: - to grant said request if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means can handle said request.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said control means is in the form of an application server.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if each of said user means is sin the form of a Set Top Box.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if each of said interface means is in the form of a Graphical User Interface .

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said method also comprises the step: to acquire said unique identification means (ID) from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said method also comprises the step: - with the aid of said user means, to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said specific program (Ps) when it is being played.

A further advantage in this context is achieved if said method also comprises the step: - each program on said different channels is only stored during a predetermined time.

The above problems can also be solved by at lest one computer program product according to Claim 24. The at least one computer program is/are directly loadable into the internal memory of at least one digital computer. The at least one computer program product comprises software code portions for performing the steps of the method according to the present invention, when the at least one product is/are run on the at least one computer

An advantage with the at least one computer program product according to the present invention is that the solution can be offered to all customers of IPTV. Another advantage is that the customers do not need to have a Set Top Box with a hard disk. Furthermore, this solution is independent of the type of Set Top Box. Yet another advantage is that the solution is dynamic from an operator's point of view. Furthermore, the storage usage becomes efficient, because an operator does not need to store one program several times. Another advantage is that this solution has no impact on the BSS system or the OSS system.

It will be noted that the term "comprises/comprising" as used in this description is intended to denote the presence of a given characteristic, step or component, without excluding the presence of one or more other characteristic features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described with a reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a system operable to virtually record video content according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a flow chart of the method for virtually recording video content according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a logic diagram of the method according to the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically shows a number of computer program products according to the present invention.

Detailed description of preferred embodiments In fig. 1 there is disclosed a block diagram of a system 10 operable to virtually record video content according to the present invention. The system 10 is, via a distributed network 14, connected to a multi-channel television system 12, which is operable to transmit different video contents in the form of programs on different channels. The system 10 comprises a storing means 16 connected to the distributed network 14. The storing means 16 is operable to continuously record and store each program on the different channels, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means ID. The system 10 also comprises a control means 18 connected to the distributed network 14. Furthermore, the system 10 also comprises at least one user means 2Oi , •••/ 2O_n connected to the distributed network 14, wherein n is an integer, and n ≥ 1. For the sake of simplicity, there is only disclosed one user means 2Oi in fig. 1. The system 10 also comprises an interface means 22i, ..., 22_n for each user means 20i, ..., 2O_n- In fig. 1 there is only disclosed one interface means 22i, for the sake of simplicity. A user (m) of the system 10, wherein m is an integer, and 1 ≤ m ≤ n, selects different programs via the interface means 22_m. The user means 20_m is operable to store the unique identification means ID for the selected programs, and the interface means 22_m is operable to present the selected programs for the user (m) . When the user (m) wants to view a specific, stored program (Ps) among the presented, selected programs by selecting the specific program (Ps), the user means 20_m is also operable to send a request to the control means 18, which in turn is operable to determine if the request can be granted. If the request is granted, the user means 20_m is operable to connect to the storing means 16, and to send the unique identification means (ID_Ps) for the specific program (Ps) to the storing means 16. The specific program (Ps) is then sent to the user means 20_m which is operable to play the specific program (Ps) .

When the specific program (Ps) has been played, the user means 20_m is operable to switch over to a live channel/program.

According to a preferred embodiment of the system 10, the distributed network 14 is in the form of Internet 14, or a network 14 owned by an operator.

According to another embodiment of the system 10, the storing means 16 is in the form of a Video on Demand server 16. Furthermore, the control means 18 is operable to grant the request if the bandwidth is enough and/or the storing means 16 can handle the request.

According to yet another embodiment of the system 10, the control means 18 is in the form of an application server 18.

According to another preferred embodiment, each of the user means 2Oi , ••■» 2O_n is in the form of a Set Top Box 20i; ...; 2O_n.

According to yet another embodiment of the system 10, each of the interface means 22i,- ...; 22_n is in the form of a Graphical User Interface 22i; ...; 22_n.

Furthermore, according to another embodiment, the unique identification means ID is taken from an Electronic program Guide (EPG), i.e. the EPG xml file. According to a preferred embodiment of the system 10, the storing means 16 is operable to store each program on the different channels during a predetermined time. This time can e.g. be N weeks, where N is an integer. In fig. 2 there is disclosed a flow chart of a method for virtually recording video content according to the present invention. The method is performed with the aid of a system 10 (see fig. 1) . The method begins at block 40. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 42, with the step: to continuously and centrally record and store video contents in the form of each program on different channels transmitted via a multi-channel television system 12, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means ID. The method continues, at block 44, with the step: by a user (m) of the system 10, to select different programs, wherein the unique identification means ID for the selected programs are stored in a user means 2O_n, comprised in the system 10. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 46, with the step: to present the selected programs on an interface means 22_m comprised in the system 10. The method continues, at block 48, with the step: when the user (m) wants to view a specific, stored program (Ps) among the presented, selected programs, to select the specific program (Ps) . Thereafter, the method continues, at block 50, with the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m, to send a request to a control means 18 comprised in the system 10. The method then continues, at block 52, with the step: to ask the question if the request has been granted. If the answer is negative (NO) , then the step according to block 50 is performed once again, If on the other hand, the answer is affirmative, then the method continues, at block 54, with the step: to connect the user means 20_m to the centrally storing of video contents. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 56, with the step: to send the unique identification means IDp₃ for the specific program (Ps) to the centrally storing of video contents. The method continues, at block 58, with the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m to play the specific program (Ps). The method is completed at block 60. According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method also comprises the step: when the specific program (Ps) has been played, with the aid of the user means 20_m, to switch over to a live channel/program.

According to yet another embodiment of the method, it also comprises the step: to acquire the unique identification means ID from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

According to another embodiment of the method according to the present invention, the method also comprises the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m, to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop the specific program (Ps) when it is being played.

According to yet another embodiment of the method it also comprises the step: each program on the different channels is only stored during a predetermined time, e.g. N weeks .

It is pointed out that the method according to the present invention can be performed with a system 10 as disclosed in fig. 1.

In fig. 3 there is disclosed a logic diagram of the method according to the present invention. In below, follows a brief description of the invention with different wording.

The user can make the "record" in GUI from the EPG page or the "mini-EPG" . The "record" (which is the program unique ID) is stored in the STB and a separate page in the GUI shown recorded program and program to be record (all record will be removed after N weeks, due the fact we stored only one e.g. week on the VoD server) . When the user wants to view stored program, he choose the program listed in the GUI, the STB make a rent request to the control means 18, to verify it is enough bandwidth and/or the VoD server can handle the request. If OK the STB connect to VoD server and start play the stored program. The stored program can be viewed as a VoD movie, the user can rewind, fast forward, pause and stop. When the program ends playing, the STB switch over to the live channel. The VoD servers capture the entire live channels for N weeks, every programs is stored by using a unique ID which is taken from the EPG xml file. But for legal purpose the users can only viewed program which the user had made to record in the GUI. This is important due the content right issue.

In fig. 4, some computer program products 102i, ..., 102_n according to the present invention are schematically shown. In fig. 4, n different digital computers 100i, ..., 10O_n are shown, where n is an integer. In fig. 4, n different computer program products 102i, ..., 102_n are shown, here shown in different form of CD discs. The different computer program products 102i, ..., 102_n are directly loadable into the internal memory of the n different computers 100i, ..., 10O_n- Each computer program product 102i, ..., 102_n comprises software code portions for executing a part or all the steps according to fig. 2, when the product/products 102i, ..., 102_n is/are run on the computers 100i, ..., 10O_n. The computer program products 102i, ..., 102_n may, for instance, be in the form of diskettes, RAM discs, magnetic tapes, magneto-optical discs or some other suitable products.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It will be evident for those skilled in the art that many different modifications are feasible within the scope of the following Claims.

Claims

1. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content, which system (10) , via a distributed network (14), is connected to a multi-channel television system (12) operable to transmit different video contents in the form of programs on different channels, said system (10) comprising a to said distributed network (14) connected storing means (16) operable to continuously record and store each program on said different channels, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means (ID), a control means (18) connected to said distributed network (14), at least one user means (20i, ..., 2O_n) connected to said distributed network (14), wherein n is an integer, and n ≥ 1, an interface means (22i, ..., 22_n) for each user means (20i, ...,

2O_n) , wherein a user (m) , wherein m is an integer and 1 ≤ m ≤ n, selects different programs via said interface means (22_m) , wherein said user means (20_m) is operable to store said unique identification means (ID) for said selected programs, and said interface means (22_m) is operable to present said selected programs for said user (m) , wherein said user means (20_m) also is operable, when said user (m) wants to view a specific, stored program (Ps) among said presented, selected programs by selecting said specific program (Ps) , to send a request to said control means (18) which is operable to determine if said request can be grated if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means (16) can handle said request, and if said request is granted, said user means (20_m) is operable to connect to said storing means (16), and to send said unique identification means (ID_Ps) for said specific program (Ps) to said storing means (16), whereby said user means (20_m) is operable to play said specific program (Ps) .

2. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when said specific program (Ps) has been played, said user means (20m) is operable to switch over to a live channel/program.

3. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that said distributed network (14) is in the form of Internet (14), or a network (14) owned by an operator.

4. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of claims 1 - 3, characterized in that said storing means (16) is in the form of a Video on Demand server (16).

5. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that said control means (18) is in the form of an application server (18) .

6. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that each of said user means (20i; ... ; 2O_n) is in the form of a Set Top Box (2Oi ; •••; 2O_n) .

7. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that each of said interface means (22χ,- ...; 22_n) is in the form of a Graphical User Interface (22χ; ...; 22_n) .

8. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 7, characterized in that said unique identification means (ID) is taken from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

9. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that said user means (20_m) also is operable to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said specific program (Ps) when it is being played.

10. A system (10) operable to virtually record video content according to any one of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that said storing means (16) is operable to store each program on said different channels during a predetermined time.

11. A method for virtually recording video content with the aid of a system (10), which method comprises the steps: to continuously and centrally record and store video contents in the form of each program on different channels transmitted via a multi-channel television system (12), wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means (ID) ; by a user (m) of said system (10), to select different programs, wherein said unique identification means (ID) for said selected programs are stored in a user means (20_m) comprised in said system (10) ; - to present said selected programs on an interface means (22_m) comprised in said system (10) ; when said user (m) wants to view a specific, stored program (Ps) among said presented, selected programs, to select said specific program (Ps) ; - with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to send a request to a control means (18) comprised in said system (10); with the aid of said control means (18), to determine if said request can be granted if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means (16) can handle said request; if said request is granted, to connect said user mans (20_m) to said centrally storing of video contents; to send said unique identification means (ID_Ps) for said specific program (Ps) to said centrally storing of video contents; and with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to play said specific program (Ps) .

12. A method for virtually recording video content according to Claim 11, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: when said specific program (Ps) has been played, with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to switch over to a live channel /program.

13. A method for virtually recording video content according to Claim 11 or 12, characterized in that said system (10) comprises n number of user means (20i, ..., 2O_n), wherein n is an integer, and n ≥ 1, an interface means (22i, ..., 22_n) for each user means (20i, ..., 2O_n), and a storing means (16) operable to perform said recording and storing step, and in that said storing means (16), said control means (18) and said user means (20i, ..., 2O_n) all are connected to a distributed network (14) .

14. A method for virtually recording video content according to Claim 13, characterized in that said distributed network (14) is in the form of Internet (14), or a network

(14) owned by an operator.

15. A method for virtually recording video content according to Claim 13 or 14, characterized in that said storing means (16) is in the form of a Video on Demand server (16) .

16. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 11 - 15, characterized in that said control means (18) is in the form of an application server (18) .

17. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 13 - 16, characterized in that each of said user means (20i; ...; 2O_n) is sin the form of a Set Top Box (20i; ...; 2O_n) .

18. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 13 - 17, characterized in that each of said interface means (22i,- ...; 22_n) is in the form of a Graphical User Interface (22i; ...; 22_n) .

19. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 11 - 18, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: - to acquire said unique identification means (ID) from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

20. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 17 - 19 characterized in that said method also comprises the step: with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said specific program (Ps) when it is being played.

21. A method for virtually recording video content according to any one of Claims 11 - 20, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: each program on said different channels is only stored during a predetermined time.

22. At least one computer program product (102i, ..., 102_n) directly loadable into the internal memory of at least one digital computer (100i, •••# 10O_n) , corn-prising software code portions for performing the steps of Claim 11 when said at least one product (102χ, ..., 102_n) is/are run on said at least one computer (10O₁, ..., 10O_n) .