WO2018096240A1

WO2018096240A1 - Method for setting parameters linked to the reproduction of a piece of content, corresponding computer program and device

Info

Publication number: WO2018096240A1
Application number: PCT/FR2017/053134
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michel Trefcon
Original assignee: Orange
Priority date: 2016-11-24
Filing date: 2017-11-16
Publication date: 2018-05-31
Also published as: FR3059187B1; FR3059187A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for controlling the setting of parameters linked to the reproduction of a piece of content selected from among a plurality of pieces of content able to be reproduced on a reproduction device (TV), characterised in that said method comprises the steps, implemented in a setting control module (MOD), of: - receiving the settings of parameters linked to the reproduction of a piece of content; and storing the set parameters in combination with the reproduced content.

Description

Method for adjusting the parameters related to the reproduction of a content, computer program and corresponding device.

Technical area

The invention relates to a method for adjusting the parameters related to the restitution of a digital content on a rendering device.

The invention relates to audiovisual digital content, namely television programs, radio programs, etc. The television programs are of any kind, for example a television program, a program of the video-on-demand (VoD) type, a television-on-demand type program (also called replay or Catch). -up), or any other similar program for which restitution-related parameters can be defined.

The parameters referred to above are especially parameters having an impact on the restitution of a content such as for example the sound volume, a reproduction language, adding a subtitling, etc.

The rendering device is for example a television screen, a computer screen, a tablet, etc.

State of the art

When content is rendered on a screen, the user can adjust the rendering by modifying rendering parameters. For example, in the case of a television program, the user can modify the playback parameters and define new parameters, for example by selecting a particular playback language, opting for a subtitling, increasing the sound, etc., this way to customize the restitution. A problem is that when the user leaves this first program being played back, he selects a second program; that subsequently the user re-selects the first program again, the modified parameters defined for the first program are no longer accessible if these the last ones have been modified during the restitution of the second content; the user is therefore forced to redefine them, which can be complex and tedious, especially when this operation must be repeated several times.

The invention offers a solution that does not have the drawbacks of the state of the art.

The invention

For this purpose, according to a functional aspect, there is provided a method for controlling the setting of parameters related to the reproduction of a content selected from among several contents that can be restored on a rendering device, characterized in that it comprises the steps implemented in a control module:

- receive parameter settings related to the current playback of content;

- memorization of the parameters set in connection with the content being restored.

According to the invention, the parameters related to the reproduction of a content are stored and can therefore be reused for the content concerned even if the restitution is interrupted and resumed later and even if the settings are changed during the interruption. An interruption aims to stop the restitution for example following a power off, a sleep, etc. an interruption is also aimed at a change of content to be restored, for example a change of television channel by another television channel. Taking again the example described above of a user who again selects the same first program, thanks to the invention the user will not have to redefine the parameters of reproduction of this first program following an interruption; the parameters that have been saved for this first content are reused each time this first content is rendered. According to a first particular mode of implementation, the parameters are memorized for a given duration. The parameters related to the return of a content are stored and can therefore be reused for the duration of the storage; providing a storage time avoids, for example, memorizing parameters while the content concerned is no longer accessible to the reproduction.

According to a variant of this first embodiment, the storage duration is a function of the type of content.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous variant, if the content is a broadcast television program having a given playback time, the storage duration corresponds at least to the remaining period of restitution.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which may be implemented alternately or cumulatively with the previous variant, the parameters are accessible for the duration.

According to another variant of this first embodiment, which may be implemented alternately or cumulatively with the previous variant, the storage step only concerns a subset of contents. Indeed, some television programs do not require management of the playback parameters as defined above. On the other hand, the method offered above is of interest for certain television programs such as films or sports matches; indeed, the restitution of this type of content is often personalized by adding a subtitling, selecting a particular sound, etc.

According to a second embodiment, the storage step follows a step of selecting a content other than that which is being restored. In this configuration, the settings are stored only after a content change to be restored. Using the example of a channel being broadcast; the storage step only takes place if a user zaps on another channel that is to say it requires a change of channel. This feature avoids storing setting-related parameters in conjunction with content unnecessarily; especially when the content is rendered entirely without being interrupted by changes in content. According to a hardware aspect, the invention relates to a module for controlling the setting of parameters related to the rendering of a content selected from among several contents that can be restored on a rendering device, comprising a processor configured for:

- receive parameter settings related to the current playback of content;

storage of the parameters set over a given duration in connection with the content being restored.

According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a digital television decoder comprising a control module as defined above.

According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a computer program capable of being implemented on a decoder as defined above, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor performs the process steps defined above. According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a data medium on which at least one set of program code instructions has been stored for the execution of a method defined above.

The information carrier may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may include storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM or a magnetic recording means, for example a diskette or a hard disk. On the other hand, the information medium can be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal that can be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by others. means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded to a network, particularly of the Internet type.

Alternatively, the information carrier may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings, in which: FIG. 1 presents a block diagram of a multimedia communication network according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 2 provides a simplified flowchart of the method for controlling the setting of the parameters related to a restitution of contents; FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the evolution in time of the content restitution, and the storage of the reproduction parameters according to one embodiment; FIGS. 4 and 5 are variants of the embodiment described with reference to FIG.

Detailed description of a fool of) exemplefs ^") achievement illustrating the invention

FIG. 1 shows an example of a computer system SYS in which the technique of the invention can advantageously be implemented. Such a system includes a MOD module for controlling the setting of the parameters for rendering a content on a rendering device.

The location of the MOD module is irrelevant. In our example, this MOD module is located in an STB decoder coupled via a first communication link RES1 to a reproduction equipment, such as a television set, capable, at least, of rendering a visual content, such as images, of the video or text. This reproduction equipment can also allow the restitution of sound contents. The invention is not limited to this configuration.

In our example, the STB decoder communicates with a home gateway GTW via a second communication link RES2 such as an Ethernet link, a WiFi network, etc.

This GTW gateway provides network coverage to household equipment such as a PC. A MOD module may also be installed on this computer so as to manage the adjustment of restitution parameters according to the method of the invention.

The different devices of the system, namely the GTW gateway, the STB decoder, the PC computer all have the hardware architecture of a conventional computer. They each include a processor, a RAM type of RAM and a ROM in which a computer program can be recorded. In particular, in our example, the MOD module is a computer program; this is stored in the MEM memory of the STB decoder with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5 described below; this program comprising instructions for executing the steps of the method whose flowchart is given in FIG. 2. If the PC computer implements the invention, another MOD module can also be installed in the computer's ROM. PC.

The GTW gateway is able to communicate with service providers, in particular content providers FC such as television channels, or a telecommunication operator offering a service for access to multimedia contents; this communication is effected via an arbitrary communication network RES3. In our example, this network is a wide area network (WAN) for example the Internet network. It will be seen later that the MOD module can also be located elsewhere for example on the GTW gateway or on a device located in the WAN network that can access the gateway GTW. The location of the module on the gateway makes it possible in particular for the module MOD to manage several playback devices at a time, and to allow, for example, the sharing of the playback parameters, stored according to the principle of the invention, with different playback devices which belong for example to the same user or group of users. Such a group is for example a family having several rendering devices, for example several televisions. FC content providers offer different types of content for selection, such as access to broadcast channels (for example, the TFl channel, BBC, etc.), television-on-demand content (TVOD) , content to be purchased of the VOD type, or any other content whose playback parameters may be modified. A user can, by manipulating the STB decoder, for example by means of a remote control, or tactilly if the decoder has a touch screen, or any other similar control means, control the return of a television program on the television TV; then adjust program playback parameters by selecting a particular language for sound reproduction eg the original version of a movie.

The intended content is any; it can be indifferently multimedia data (television channels, photo, video, etc.), data relating to an online game, etc.

To illustrate an embodiment, it is considered that the content is a television program. During the restitution of a first TV1 program, for example the TMF1 television channel, the user can select another television program TV2 for example the BBC channel, or even several other channels successively. Also, following the (x) change (s) program (s), the user may wish to restore the same first program TMF1 before the first program ends. According to the invention, the playback parameters selected for a program are stored, preferably for a given duration. In this way, if the restitution of the first program is interrupted; for example, restitution is interrupted by a restitution of at least one other program; in this case a user interrupts a first program, in our example the TF1 channel, changes program, and returns later on the same first program, TF1, before the end of this first program, the first program is then restored taking best account for all stored parameters or even part of them. The origin of the interruption of the program referred to above may be of any kind; the origin may be a channel change as explained above but could also be a power off of the STB decoder, etc.

An example is the return of a football match. The user sets the restitution by selecting a "sport" function capable of reproducing more vivid colors, a special sound adapted to the sport, and a suitable volume.

The selected parameters are stored either automatically unconditionally or conditionally. A condition may be the detection of a television program change request. One embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2. This FIG. 2 is an algorithm illustrating two phases each comprising different steps ET1n (n = 2.3) and ET2m (m = 1.2.3), respectively. This figure 2 is completed by a figure 3 which shows what is the content restored as a function of time. In this figure 3, a hatched portion indicates the content being restored. In this same FIG. 3, the storage of the parameters in the MEM memory of the STB decoder is illustrated and the storage duration TM chosen. A program change is referenced ZAPn.

The phases are preceded by a first step ET1 in which the user selects, via the STB decoder, a multimedia content and displays it. A first phase relates to the recording of parameters related to the reproduction of the content selected in the first step ET1. In our example, the content in question is for example a television program broadcast by a television channel. This first phase is executed following the selection of a TV program TVl (at 8:00 in Figure 3), for example during the return of this TV program TVl. During the rendering, the user modifies MDF1 the restitution parameters defined by default. Suppose for example that the user activates, in a second step ET12, a function "Sport" able to restore an ideal sound for this type of content.

During a third step ET13, the module detects the setting namely the activation and stores the PARI restitution parameters.

The memorization of the selected parameter, in our example the "sport" function, is carried out for a given duration TM. The storage duration TM chosen depends on the type of content; Examples of duration will be described below with reference to several possible variants. Suppose here that the duration TM corresponds to the duration of the program TVl.

A second phase relates to the taking into account of the stored parameters following a customization made by the user. This second phase includes the following steps:

A first step ET21, which follows the first step ET1, during which the user selects ZAP1 a second TV2 program different from the first program TVl.

Following the selection, during a second step ET22, the module MOD checks whether setting parameters have been stored for this second program TV2.

At this stage, two cases arise In the negative, during a third step ET32, the parameters chosen are the default parameters.

Or

If so, in a third step ET32 bis, the parameters used are the parameters stored in connection with this second program TV2.

In our example, the second program TV2 has not been selected previously, the parameters chosen for the restitution are those defined by default that is to say in our example the last used, that is to say in our example those used for the restitution of the first program TVl.

In our example, the steps ET22, ET23 / ET23bis are executed following each change ZAPn (n = 1, 2, etc.) of the television program.

During the restitution of the second program TV2, it is now assumed that the user re-selects ZAP2 (ET21) again the first program TV1 before its end and therefore, in our example, before the end of the storage duration TM of the parameters of setting concerned PARI.

At this stage, the steps ET22, ET23 / ET23bis are executed again.

In the second step ET22, the module MOD checks whether personalized parameters have been stored in connection with the first program TV1 during a previous first phase. In our example, the first program TV1 has been restored previously, and the personalized playback parameters PARI were memorized during the first phase in connection with this first program TVl. In our example, the storage duration has not expired, PARI parameters used for the return of the first TVl program in a third step ET32bis are the stored parameters; the first TVl program is automatically restored without user intervention with the "Sport" function.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variant of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 3 in which the PARI restitution parameters can be updated during the entire duration TM. Suppose that, during the restitution of the first program TV1, the user modifies (MDF2) once again the setting parameters PARI stored previously. Suppose for example that the user deactivates, during the second step ET12, the "Sport" function. In the third step ET13, the module detects the setting namely the deactivation and stores the new setting parameters PAR2 for the remaining time.

According to a variant, during the third step ET13 of the first phase, the new settings are memorized during a given storage time TM. The storage time of the settings can differ depending on the type of content.

Several possible variants are described below. These examples give an order of magnitude of storage times TM adapted to the type of content considered.

The content may be a broadcast television program having a start time and an end time. Take the example of a TV program having a start time at 8:00 and an end time at 8:30. In this configuration, if the user selects the program in question at 8:11, the storage duration corresponds to at least the remaining time of 19 minutes. This remaining time can be increased or decreased as needed; for example, 19 minutes + 10 minutes in case the probable time of broadcast may not correspond to the actual broadcast time. Also, if the same program is provided for rebroadcasting, optionally, the storage time is increased by an additional period so as to take into account the parameters during the replay. If the content is rented for a given duration, the given duration of storage corresponds to at least the rental period.

If the content is purchased content, the given duration of storage is for example infinite. If the content is a content in replay (television on demand), the given duration of storage corresponds to a lifetime applied for this type of content. For example, if the content provider offers replay content for 6 months, then the storage time is 6 months, ideally. Also, the storage step can be executed at different times. This step could be executed as soon as a parameter is customized.

FIG. 5 illustrates another variant relating to the instant of storage of the PARI adjustment parameters. This moment does not follow the setting time of PARI parameters but at a later time. With reference to FIG. 5, this storage instant is based on a detection by the module MOD of a program change, for example ZPA1 (8hll), of the first program TV1 to the second program TV2. FIG. 5 shows the storage instant I coinciding with the instant of the change ZAP1 at 8hll. this variant avoids storing parameters unnecessarily especially when the user does not change programs.

In the example described above, only two TV1 and TV2 programs were considered; however, there is no limit, in the context of the present invention, the number of programs, or more generally the number of contents, which can be restored.

The place of execution of the steps of the method is arbitrary. In the example described above, the storage location of the MOD control module is ideally the STB decoder. However, if the refund is made on a device such as the PC computer, the MOD control module will be conveniently located in a computer PC memory.

According to one variant, the two phases described above can be executed on two different equipments. In this configuration, the control module MOD is able to control the settings relative to several playback equipment. The settings stored in step ET13 relative to a first device, for example the decoder, can therefore be taken into account for the reproduction of the same program on a second device, for example the PC computer. Note that the MOD module can be implemented in software form (or "software"), in which case it takes the form of a program executable by a processor, or in hardware form (or "hardware"), as a circuit integrated application-specific (ASIC), a system-on-a-chip (SOC), or in the form of a combination of hardware and software elements, such as for example a software program intended to be loaded and executed on a FPGA type component (Field Programmable Spoil Array).

Depending on the embodiment chosen, certain acts, actions, events or functions of each of the methods described in this document may be performed or occur in a different order from that in which they were described, or may be added, merged or not to be performed or not to occur, as the case may be. In addition, in some embodiments, certain acts, actions or events are performed or occur concurrently and not successively.

Although described through a number of detailed exemplary embodiments, the proposed method and apparatus for implementing the method include various alternatives, modifications, and improvements which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, being understood that these various variants, modifications and improvements are within the scope of the invention, as defined by the claims that follow. In addition, various aspects and features described above can be implemented together, or separately, or substituted for each other, and all of the various combinations and combinations of aspects and features are within the scope of the invention.

Claims

A method for controlling the setting of parameters (PAR1, PAR2) related to the reproduction of a selected content from among several contents (TV1, TV2) able to be reproduced on a rendering device (TV), characterized in that it comprises the steps, implemented in a mod control module (MOD), of:

- receive (ET12) parameter settings related to the current playback of content;

- storage (ET13) of the parameters set in connection with the content being restored.

Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the parameters are stored for a given duration (TM).

Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage duration (TM) is a function of the type of content.

A control method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the content is a broadcast television program having a given playback time, in that the storage time (TM) corresponds to at least the remaining playback time.

Control method according to claim 2, characterized in that the parameters are accessible for the duration.

Control method according to claim 1, the storage step follows a step of selecting a content other than that which is being restored.

Module for controlling the setting (MOD) of parameters related to the rendering of a content selected from among several contents (TV1, TV2) able to be rendered on a rendering device (TV), comprising a processor configured to: - receive parameter settings related to the current playback of content;

storage of the parameters set over a given duration in connection with the content being restored. 8. Digital television decoder comprises a control module (MOD) as defined in claim 7.

9. Computer program adapted to be implemented on a decoder as defined in claim 8, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, performs the process steps defined in the claim 1.

Data carrier on which at least one set of program code instructions for storing a method according to claim 1 has been stored.