WO2008143572A1

WO2008143572A1 - A system and method for time shift television

Info

Publication number: WO2008143572A1
Application number: PCT/SE2008/000331
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: SE0701235L; EP2147550A1; EP2147550A4; SE530933C2

Abstract

The system, which achieves virtual time shift television, is, via a distributed network, connected to a multi-channel television system, which transmits different television programs. The system comprises storing means, connected to the distributed network, which continuously records and stores each program on each channel, only once with unique identification. The system comprises control mean connected to the distributed network; user means, with interface means, connected to the distributed network. A user, when watching a live program makes a pause command via the interface means, the user means stores the unique identification means for the live program and the time when the user made the pause command for the live program. When the user makes a play command via the interface means for the live program, the user means also sends a request to the control means, which determines if the request can be granted and if granted, the user means is connected to the storing means, and sends the unique identification means for the live program and the time to the storing means. The user means then plays the live program from the selected time.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TIME SHIFT TELEVISION Field of the invention

The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a system operable to achieve virtual time shift television. According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method for achieving virtual time shift television.

According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to at least one computer program product for achieving virtual time shift television.

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 to be able to "pause" a live program. This means that a family which will have the possibility of watching different television program on different television sets at the same time, must have a Set Top Box with a hard disk for each television set in order to be able to "pause" each live program. Consequently, there exists a need for a better and more flexible solution.

Summary of the invention The above mentioned problems are solved by a system operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to Claim 1. The system is, via a distributed network, connected to a multi-channel television system operable to transmit different television 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. 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, when watching a live program, makes a pause command via the interface means, the user means is operable to store the unique identification means for the live program and the time (tp) when the user made the pause command for the live program. The user means is also operable, when the user makes a play command via the interface means for the live program, to send a request to the control means which is operable to determine if the request is 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 live program and the time (tp) to the storing means. The user means is then operable to play the live program from the time (tp) .

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. Another advantage is that 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 is in this context is achieved if, when said live program (PL) after said pause 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 (VoD) server.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if 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 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 use means also is operable to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said live program (PL) when it is being played after said pause.

Furthermore, it is an advantage in this context if said storing means is operable to store ach program on said different channels during a predetermined time. The above mentioned problems are also solved with a method for achieving virtual time shift television 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 each program on different channels transmitted in a multichannel television system, wherein each program is stored only once with a unique identification means (ID) ; - by a user (m) of said system, to watch a live program (PL); by said user (m) , to make a pause command via an interface means comprised in said system; - with the aid of said user means, to store said unique identification means (ID_PL) for said live program (PL) and the time (tp) when said user (m) made said pause command for said live program (PL) ; by said user (m) , to make a play command via said interface mans for said live program (PL) ; 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 means to said centrally storing of each program; to send said unique identification means (ID_PL) for said live program (PL) and said time (tp) to said centrally storing of each program; and - with the aid of said user mean, to play said live program (pi) from said time (tp) .

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. Another advantage is that 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 live program (PL) after said pause 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 live program (PL) when it is being played after said pause.

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 mentioned problems can also be solved by at least one computer program product according to Claims 24. The at least one computer program product 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. Another advantage is that 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 "comprise/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 achieve virtual time shift television according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 is a flowchart of the method for achieving virtual time shift television according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a logic diagram of the method according to the present invention; and

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 achieve virtual time shift television 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 television 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, when watching a live program (PL) , makes a pause command via the interface means 22_m, the user means 20_m is operable to store the unique identification means (ID_PL) for the live program (PL) and the time (tp) when the user (m) made the pause command for the live program (PL) . When the user (m) makes a play command via the interface means 22_m for the live program (PL) , the user means 2 O_n, 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 2O_n, is operable to connect to the storing means 16, and to send the unique identification (ID_PL) for the live program (PL) and the time (tp) to the storing means 16. The user means 20_m is then operable to play the live program (PL) from the time (tp) .

When the live program (PL) after the pause 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 (VoD) 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 20i, ..., 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 another embodiment of the system, the user means 20_m is also operable to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop the live program (PL) when it is being played after the pause.

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 week, where N is an integer.

In fig. 2 there is disclosed a flow chart of the method for achieving virtual time shift television according to the present invention. The method begins at block 40. Thereafter the method continues, at block 42, with the step: to continuously and centrally record and store each program on different channels transmitted in 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 watch a live program (PL), Thereafter, the method continues, at block 46., with the step: by the user (m) , to make a pause command via an interface means 22_m comprised in the system 10. The method continues, at block 48, with the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m, to store the unique identification means ID_PL for the live program (PL) and the time (tp) when the user (m) made the pause command for the live program (PL) . Thereafter, the method continues, at block 50, with the step: by the user (m) , to make a play command via the interface means 22_m for the live program (PL) . The method continues, at block 52, 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. Thereafter, the method continues, at block 54, with the step: to ask the question if the request can be granted? If the answer is negative (NO) , the step according to the block 52 is performed once again. If on the other hand, the answer is affirmative, the method continues, at block 56, with the step: to connect the user means 20_m to the centrally storing of each program.

Thereafter, the method continues, at block 58, with the step: to send the unique identification means ID_PL for the live program (PL) and the time (tp) to the centrally storing of each program. The method continues, at block 60, with the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m , to play the live program (PL) from the time (tp) . The method is completed at block 62.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method, it also comprises the step: when the live program (PL) after the pause has been played, with the aid of the user means 2O_n,, to switch over to a live channel/program.

According to another embodiment, the method also comprises the step: to grant the request if the bandwidth is enough and/or the storing means can handle the request. 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) .

Furthermore, the method can also comprise the step: with the aid of the user means 20_m, to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop the live program (PL) when it is being played after the pause.

According to another embodiment, the method also comprises the step: each program on the different channels is only stored during a predetermined time, e.g. N week. 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 when watching a live program makes a "pause" command, the live stream stop and the STB stored the program id (which is unique) and the time when the user has stopped viewing the program. When the user press play, 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 at the same time when the user pause the program. The "time shifted 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 e.g. one week, every program is stored by using a unique ID which is taken from the EPG xml file, this is needed to be able to handle time shift TV.

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 102χ, ..., 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 achieve virtual time shift television, which system (10), via a distributed network (14), is connected to a multi-channel television system (12) operable to transmit different television 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 (2Oi , •••/ 2O_n) connected to said distributed network (14) , wherein n is an integer, and n ≥ 1, an interface means (22χ, ..., 22_n) for each user means (20i, ...,

2O_n) , wherein a user (m) , wherein m is an integer, and 1 ≤ m ≤ n, when watching a live program (PL) makes a pause command via said interface means (22_m) , said user means (20_m) is operable to store said unique identification means (ID_PL) for said live program (PL) and the time (tp) when said user (m) made said pause command for said live program (PL) , wherein said user means (20_m) also is operable, when said user (m) makes a play command via said interface means (22_m) for said live program (PL) , to send a request to said control means (18) which is operable to determine if said request can be granted, 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 (IDp₁,) for said live program (PL) and said time (tp) to said storing means (16), whereby said user means (20_m) is operable to play said live program (PL) from said time (tp) .

2. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to Claim 1, characterized in that, when said live program (PL) after said pause has been played, said user means (20m) is operable to switch over to a live channel/program.

3. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television 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 achieve virtual time shift television 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 achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 4, characterized in that said control means (18) is operable to grant said request if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means (16) can handle said request.

6. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 5, characterized in that said control means (18) is in the form of an application server (18).

7. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 6, characterized in that each of said user means (20i; ...; 2O_n) is in the form of a Set Top Box (20i; ...; 2O_n) .

8. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 7, characterized in that each of said interface means (22i; ...; 22_n) is in the form of a Graphical User Interface (22i; ...; 22_n) .

9. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 8, characterized in that said unique identification means (ID) is taken from an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

10. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that said user means (20_m) also is operable to rewind, fast forward, pause or stop said live program (PL) when it is being played after said pause.

11. A system (10) operable to achieve virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 1 - 10, characterized in that said storing means (16) is operable to store each program on said different channels during a predetermined time .

12. A method for achieving virtual time shift television with the aid of a system (10), which method comprises the steps : to continuously and centrally record and store each program on different channels transmitted in a multichannel 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 watch a live program (PL) ; by said user (m) , to make a pause command via an interface means (22_m) comprised in said system (10) ; with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to store said unique identification means (ID_PL) for said live program (PL) and the time (tp) when said user (m) made said pause command for said live program (PL) ; - by said user (m) , to make a play command via said interface mans (22_m) for said live program (PL) ; 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 said request is granted, to connect said user means (20_m) to said centrally storing of each program; to send said unique identification means (ID_PL) for said live program (PL) and said time (tp) to said centrally storing of each program; and

- with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to play said live program (pi) from said time (tp) .

13. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to Claim 12, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: when said live program (PL) after said pause has been played, with the aid of said user means (20_m) , to switch over to a live channel/program.

14. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to Claim 12 or 13, 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) .

15. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to Claim 14, characterized in that said distributed network (14) is in the form of Internet (14), or a network (14) owned by an operator.

16. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to Claim 14 or 15, characterized in that said storing means (16) is in the form of a Video on Demand server (16) .

17. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 14 - 16, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: to grant said request if the bandwidth is enough and/or said storing means (16) can handle said request.

18. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 12 - 17, characterized in that said control means (18) is in the form of an application server (18) .

19. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 14 - 18, characterized in that each of said user means (20i; ...; 2O_n) is sin the form of a Set Top Box (20i; ...; 2O_n) •

20. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 14 - 19, characterized in that each of said interface means (22i,- ...; 22_n) is in the form of a Graphical User Interface (22i; ...; 22_n) .

21. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 12 - 20, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: to acquire said unique identification means (ID) from an

Electronic Program Guide (EPG) .

22. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of claims 12 - 21, 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 live program (PL) when it is being played after said pause.

23. A method for achieving virtual time shift television according to any one of Claims 12 - 22, characterized in that said method also comprises the step: each program on said different channels is only stored during a predetermined time .

24. At least one computer program product (102i, ..., 102_n) directly loadable into the internal memory of at least one digital computer (100i, •••/ 10O_n), com-prising software code portions for performing the steps of Claim 12 when said at least one product (102_!, ..., 102_n) is/are run on said at least one computer

(lOOi, ..., 10O_n) .