WO2009117841A1

WO2009117841A1 - Apparatus and method for locating and navigating digital television server content

Info

Publication number: WO2009117841A1
Application number: PCT/CN2008/000566
Authority: WO
Inventors: 王建民; 由芳; 罗笑南
Original assignee: 中山大学
Priority date: 2008-03-24
Filing date: 2008-03-24
Publication date: 2009-10-01
Also published as: CN102106155A; CN102106155B

Abstract

An apparatus and a method for locating and navigating the digital television server content are disclosed. The apparatus includes a searching engine module (11, 12) set in the digital television serving system and the terminal system, and an inputting controlling device set in the terminal system which is connected electrically with the searching engine module (11, 12) by the control signals. The method includes the following steps: the digital television serving system establishes the index about all the directories of the interactive server content provided by the server provider by using the searching engine module (11), and the terminal system carries out locating and navigating by using the searching engine module (12).

Description

- Apparatus and method for realizing digital TV service content positioning and navigation

The invention belongs to the information processing and interaction technology of the digital television interactive service content, and particularly relates to a device for quickly locating and navigating in the digital television interactive service content by searching and realizing rapid positioning and navigation in the digital television interactive service content by using the device. method.

technical background

As a new form of television and digital media, digital TV has begun to enter thousands of households. An important feature of digital TV is the rich variety of content, in addition to basic digital TV broadcast programs, as well as on-demand programs, various information browsing columns and so on. With the development of digital TV technology and industry, more and more content and services will be provided to users through this platform. For example, in the emerging interactive digital TV with two-way network communication function, it has joined various communities and governments. And business services. Users can get this information and services by sitting in the house and using the remote control in front of the TV.

Increasingly rich digital TV programming, information and service content brings another problem: Massive information is presented to the user, and the user can only navigate through the limited buttons on the remote control. The criss-crossing content network is easy for users to get lost. If the user is purposefully looking for a piece of content, it is likely that it will take multiple explorations and attempts to find it. The low efficiency of navigation seriously affects the user experience, and it will make a large amount of information difficult to obtain. Digital TV is the carrier of the emerging interactive service content, and its advantages cannot be reflected.

The traditional digital TV content organization is essentially a tree structure, that is, all content is organized in the form of a directory tree according to its categorization affiliation. In the process of searching for digital TV content purposefully, users need to predict the content items in each column directory, so they need to follow the given browsing. The way to browse in the two-dimensional directory tree structure, if the user needs to look at another type of content, or enter another branch of the directory tree for browsing, he needs to step out of the current directory step by step, and then select another directory, in order Enter the subdirectory to achieve the goal. Since the user can only navigate through the remote control direction keys and other auxiliary buttons, the above operations require a large number of key operations and a certain time, which brings a lot of inconvenience to the user. Content search will be more difficult if the directory tree structure is complex or if the user is unfamiliar with the directory tree structure.

Although the existing digital television systems and remote controllers provide auxiliary means such as shortcut buttons to reduce the burden on the user, in order to improve the operation efficiency, the effect of the digital television content is not fundamentally changed, so that the effect is not obvious. And the added buttons will increase the difficulty of the user's learning.

Summary of the invention

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art and to provide an apparatus for rapid location and navigation of digital television interactive service content.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for fast location and navigation of digital television interactive service content in accordance with the apparatus.

In order to achieve the purpose of the invention, the technical solutions adopted are as follows:

A device for realizing positioning and navigation of a digital television service content, comprising a search engine module disposed in a digital television service system and a terminal system, and an input control device disposed in the terminal system, wherein the input control device passes the control signal and the search bow [ The engine module is electrically connected.

The terminal system of the present invention includes a television set, a set top box, and the like used by the user, and the input control device may be an additional control device attached to the existing remote controller, or may be a dedicated remote controller.

In the above technical solution, the search module includes an index module disposed in the digital television service system, and a retrieval module disposed in the terminal system, where the index module provides all the services provided by the service provider. The mutual service content directory establishes an index file, and the retrieval module searches for a matching item in the index file according to the keyword, and returns a result. The indexing module runs on the service system side, and is used to build an index database for all the interactive service content directories provided by the service provider. The retrieval module works in the terminal system, such as a set-top box system, and is used to search for matches in the established index according to certain keywords. Item, and return a result set.

The input control device of the terminal system is also provided with a special button or key combination as an activation button for starting or controlling the search engine module. A special button or button combination is set on the digital television remote controller or other signal control device to activate the search function, and the user can press the button or the button combination in any normal working state of the system, and the remote controller sends a corresponding command to the corresponding set top box. The search function of the set-top box system can be activated to bring up the search interface.

The digital television service system is further provided with a digital television content index database, and the digital television content is stored in an index file established by the module 1 and electrically connected to the database copy of the client through the single/bidirectional broadcast communication interface.

The digital television service system is further provided with a server-side storage device for storing digital television interactive service content and content index, and the terminal system is provided with a terminal storage device for storing data sent by the service system.

In order to facilitate user use, the present invention is further provided with a search interface, which includes a search key input box, an input content prompt box, and a search result presentation box.

In order to achieve the second object of the invention, the technical solutions adopted are as follows:

A method for realizing location and navigation of a digital television service content, comprising the steps of the digital television service system using an index module of a search engine module to index all interactive service content directories provided by a service provider, and a retrieval module of the terminal system using a search engine module Steps to locate and navigate.

The digital TV service system uses all the interactions provided by the service provider's index module to the service provider. The specific processing steps for indexing the service content directory are as follows:

(11) The index module reads the digital TV interactive service content directory and related data content, and establishes and maintains a content index database;

After the index module establishes the content index database, the terminal system, especially the set top box system, stores the index content, and thus includes:

(12) storing a copy or a subset of the data in the set-top box system, and downloading and updating the digital television program and the content data, and downloading and updating the copy or the data subset;

The specific steps for the terminal system to locate and navigate using the search module of the search engine module under user control are as follows:

(21) When the user initiates the search process, the search interface is presented based on the current state of the system, and if the user exits the search function, the system returns to the original state;

(22) Whenever a user adds, modifies or deletes a keyword, a retrieval process is automatically triggered. The retrieval module in the set-top box system retrieves the locally stored content index database according to the current keyword, returns a result set, and updates a list of results for the search interface;

(23) The user browses the result list using the remote control navigation button, and the cursor moves with the navigation command;

(24) The user confirms the target result by using the remote controller to confirm the target result, and the system jumps to the interactive service content corresponding to the result, and the search interface is closed;

(25) Data such as usage preferences, search history, etc. generated during user use are stored in a set-top box or digital TV memory.

In any step before step 24 above, the user can exit the search function by using the exit button, and the system returns to the original state.

The digital television interactive service content includes digital television program content, interactive digital television festival Content and interactive digital TV service content.

The retrieval process of the step (22) refers to a process in which the terminal system calls the retrieval module to perform retrieval in the content index database according to the current keyword, and returns a result set.

The present invention provides a search engine in a digital television service system and a set top box system by providing means and methods, and indexes the digital television interactive service content on the server side, and downloads it to the local storage for retrieval by the digital television set top box system. The search function can be activated in any normal working state of the digital TV set-top box system. The user activates the search function through a special button or key combination on the remote controller. The system presents a search box on the interface, and then triggers the search process according to the user input keyword, searching The result list is instantly displayed in the corresponding position of the interface. The user selects the desired result item in the result list through the navigation mode set by the system, and then the control system can quickly jump to the content corresponding to the result item, and the search function is closed. . At this point, the user has completed the search, location and navigation operations for the digital TV interactive service content. Before the control system jumps to the target interactive service content, the user can start a new search process by modifying the keyword method, or exit the search interface and return to the original state of the system.

The invention has the following beneficial effects:

1. Introduce search engine technology into the digital TV service system, organize the digital TV interactive service content by indexing, and build an index database for easy retrieval;

2. The index database is stored in the set top box system, and the search is performed locally to quickly respond to the search request;

3. The user uses the search box on the interface to search for content by inputting keywords, positioning and navigating in the search results, and eliminating complicated content directory navigation operations;

4. The search action is triggered by inputting a keyword, and then the navigation key can be used to directly select the result list without other auxiliary operations;

5. Set special buttons on the remote control or other signal control device to facilitate the user to activate and deactivate at any time. searching feature.

The picture says 曰

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a search function module placed on a digital television server and a client;

2 is a schematic diagram of a content search interface of a digital television interactive service;

3 is a UML activity diagram of a user using a search function provided by the present invention through a remote controller; FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a remote controller panel designed according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an initial search interface in an embodiment; FIG.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a search interface when a user inputs a keyword in the embodiment.

detailed description

The invention will be further described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The present invention provides a digital television interactive service content locating and navigation device and a method for using the same by searching. The device provided by the present invention comprises an indexing module and a retrieval module for setting a search engine in a digital television service system and a terminal system.

In this embodiment, the digital television service system is referred to as a server, and the terminal system is referred to as a client.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the digital TV server and client search function modules. These include: Digital TV Interactive Services Content Directory 101: Provided by digital TV service providers, including digital TV program catalogs, interactive digital TV program catalogs, interactive digital TV service content catalogs, and more. This content directory can be sent to the client through the single/two-way broadcast network communication interface;

The search engine indexing module 11: runs on the server side and is used for indexing the digital television interactive service content directory 101. The indexed content is the name, interrelated information and other information of the digital television interactive service content;

Digital TV Content Index Database 102: Recording by the search engine indexing module 11 for digital television The mutual service content directory 101 performs data output by indexing. The database can be sent to the client through the single/two-way radio and television network communication interface;

The server side storage device 13 can be used to store the digital television interactive service content directory 101 and the digital television content index database 102 and the like.

Client storage device 14: for storing data sent by the server, such as the digital television interactive service content directory 101 and the digital television content index database 102;

Search engine retrieval module 12: for receiving search instructions and keyword sets 103, searching for matching content items in the stored digital television content index database 102, and returning corresponding search result sets 104.

Search interface 15: for receiving user operations and inputting content, generating search instructions and keyword sets 103, sending to the search engine retrieval module 12, and accepting the returned search result set 104 for presentation to the user.

When the search function is activated, the system presents the search interface 15 while maintaining or saving the current state. As shown in FIG. 2, the search interface includes a search keyword input box 21, a Chinese/English/other text input content prompt box 22, and a search result presentation box 23. When the user automatically triggers a retrieval process for keyword editing (including adding, deleting, modifying) operations, the retrieval process refers to the search interface 15 generating and transmitting a search instruction and a keyword set 103 according to user operations and inputs to control the search engine. The retrieval module 12 retrieves the locally stored digital television content index database 102 based on the set of keywords and returns a search result set 104. The search results are displayed in search result presentation box 23, displayed as a list of alternative links or buttons containing corresponding content information, and remote navigation buttons (such as arrow keys) can be moved in the list by controlling the cursor.

When the user confirms the selected result (such as pressing the remote control confirmation button), the system closes the search interface and jumps to the digital TV interactive service content corresponding to the target result, and presents it to the user according to the normal state of the content. The invention also provides a terminal system control device for quickly locating and navigating the content of the digital television interactive service, comprising a digital television remote controller with navigation, confirmation and exit buttons and a text input function, the remote controller also has a special The button or button combination can activate the search function, and the user can activate the search function by operating the button or button combination under any normal working state of the system. After the search function is activated, the user inputs the search keyword and the selected target result according to the input mode set by the system through the remote controller.

The steps of the method and apparatus for quickly realizing the positioning and navigation of the digital television interactive service content by searching by using the present invention are as shown in FIG. 3. The following steps are part of the method provided by the present invention, and the specific steps are as follows:

301. The user presses a search button on the remote controller, and the remote controller sends a corresponding signal, and the system presents a search interface;

302. The user uses the remote controller to edit keywords in the search box, and the user triggers a retrieval process on the editing (including adding, deleting, and modifying) of the keyword, that is, the calling retrieval module searches according to the current keyword, and uses the returned Result set update result list;

303. The user determines, according to the displayed search result, whether the keyword has been edited. If not, return to step 302 to further edit the search keyword.

304. The user uses the remote control navigation button, and the interface cursor moves with the command, and is selected in the result list displayed in the search result presentation box. If the user fails to find the target result, the process returns to step 302 to further edit the search keyword;

305. The user selects the target result, confirms by pressing the remote controller to confirm the button, and the system closes the search interface and jumps to the content corresponding to the target result;

306. The user normally views or browses the target content, and the search work ends. The following is a description of the remote control and television interface when the digital television interactive service content is searched using the method and apparatus provided by the present invention.

The design of the remote control panel designed in accordance with the present invention is as shown in Fig. 4. The user presses a button or key combination 40 specifically defined for the search function by the remote controller to activate the digital television interactive service content search function. The initial search interface as shown in FIG. 5 is presented on the digital television interface, and the user can input the desired keyword in the search keyword input box 51. The Chinese/English/Other text input prompt box 52 can present different contents according to the system input method, and is used to assist the user to input text content.

As shown in FIG. 6, when the user inputs a keyword (such as the keyword "China" in this example), the keyword content appears in the search keyword input box 61; the Chinese/English/other text input prompt box 62 displays the word association content. (As in this example, the words "Chinese" and so on); at the same time, the result list for searching the digital TV interactive service content according to the keyword input by the user is presented in the search result presentation box 63 (only the ones are listed in Fig. 6). Some possible search results). At this point, the user can use the navigation buttons on the remote control to select among the search results. After the user selects the target result, the system closes the search interface and jumps to the content corresponding to the target result.

Claims

Rights request

A device for realizing positioning and navigation of a digital television service content, comprising: a search engine module disposed in a digital television service system and a terminal system, and an input control device disposed in the terminal system, wherein the input control device controls The signal is electrically connected to the search engine module.

2. The apparatus for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 1, wherein said search engine module comprises an index module disposed in a digital television service system, and a retrieval module disposed in the terminal system, The indexing module builds an index file for all interactive service content directories provided by the service provider, and the retrieval module searches for matching items in the index file according to keywords, and returns a result.

3. The apparatus for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the input control device of the terminal system is further provided with a special button or key combination as an activation key for starting or controlling the search engine module. .

4. The apparatus for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 3, wherein the digital television service system is further provided with a digital television content index database, and an index established by the digital television content index database storage index module. The file is electrically connected to the client's database copy via a single/two-way broadcast network communication interface.

5. The apparatus for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 4, wherein the digital television service system is further provided with a server-side storage device for storing digital television interactive service content and content index. The terminal system is provided with a terminal storage device for storing data sent by the service system.

6. The apparatus for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 5, wherein a search interface is further provided, wherein the search interface comprises a search keyword input box, and the input content is provided. a box, and a search result presentation box.

7. A method for realizing location and navigation of a digital television service content, comprising the steps of: using a search engine module to index all interactive service content directories provided by a service provider, and using a cable engine module by the terminal system The steps to locate and navigate.

8. The method for realizing positioning and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 7, wherein the specific processing steps are as follows:

(11) The search engine module's cable module I reads the digital television interactive service content directory and related data content, and establishes and maintains a content index database;

(13) When the user initiates the search process, the search interface is presented on the basis of the current state of the system, and if the user exits the search function, the system returns to the original state;

(14) Whenever a user adds, modifies or deletes a keyword, a search process is automatically triggered. The retrieval module in the set-top box system searches the locally stored content index database according to the current keyword, returns a result set, and updates. a list of results for the search interface;

( 15 ) The user browses the result list using the remote control navigation buttons, and the cursor moves with the navigation command;

(16) The user confirms the target result by using the remote controller to confirm the button, and the system jumps to the interactive service content corresponding to the result, and the search interface is closed;

(17) Data such as usage preferences and search history generated during user use are stored in the set-top box or digital TV memory.

9. The method for realizing location and navigation of digital television service content according to claim 8, wherein said searching process refers to invoking a retrieval module, - the retrieval module in the set top box system is based on the current

- π - Key words, the process of searching in the content index database, returning a result set, including the following steps:

(21) Press the button on the remote control to give a search function or a combination of buttons to activate the search function;

(22) Input the search keyword on the search interface by the remote control according to the input mode set by the system;

(23) supplement the edit search keyword according to the initially displayed search result, and complete further search until the search result is satisfied;

(24) Use the navigation buttons on the remote control to browse the list of search results. If you find the desired search result, skip to the next step, otherwise return to the previous step;

(25) Press the confirmation button on the remote control to select the target result;

(26) Display the selected target content information.