WO2022066604A1

WO2022066604A1 - Content casting from digital televisions

Info

Publication number: WO2022066604A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/051221
Authority: WO
Inventors: Dale Seed; Paul Dougherty; Sanghoon Kim; Lu Liu
Original assignee: Interdigital Patent Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-09-24
Filing date: 2021-09-21
Publication date: 2022-03-31

Abstract

A method performed by a casting device includes receiving a request for digital content to be transmitted from the casting device towards a receiver viewer device configured to receive a transmission from the casting device detecting a trigger event, determining a destination for a transmittal towards the receiver viewer device, determining digital content to be transmitted towards the receiver viewer device, and transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the receiver viewer device.

Description

CONTENT CASTING FROM DIGITAL TELEVISIONS

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of US provisional patent application No. 63/082778 filed on 24 September 2020 which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.

FIELD

[0002] The present principles relate to communications from digital televisions, specifically, they relate to a method to transmit content from a digital television towards a viewer.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Casting Background

A digital television (DTV) is a television having Internet connectivity that allows viewers to stream on-demand videos, online interactive media, over-the-top content, music, browse the internet, view photos, and the like. There are existing technologies that enable a user to mirror the content displayed on the screen of their personal device to the screen of a digital television (DTV). Some examples of these technologies include Google Chromecast™ and Apple TV™. This technology enables a user to share content from their personal devices onto a larger screen such that it can be more easily viewed by others. For example, displaying pictures or movies stored on a personal device onto the larger screen of a DTV for others to more easily view.

[0004] DTV Remote Control via Personal Devices

There are existing technologies that enable a personal device (e.g. smart phone or tablet) to function as a remote control for a DTV rather than using the remote control that shipped with the DTV from the manufacturer. To enable a personal device to function as a DTV remote, a user must first download a remote-control app onto the personal device. In addition, a dongle for the DTV may also be required. Some examples of these technologies include Android™ TV Remote Control, Amazon™ Fire TV Remote and Google™ Home. Via the remote-control app on the personal device, a viewer can control a DTV in a similar fashion as a remote that came with the DTV but with an improved touch-screen style of interaction.

[0005] Picture-In-Picture Picture-In-Picture (PIP) is a technology that enables a TV to display multiple pictures on the TV screen simultaneously. Each picture takes up a portion of the screen and can display a different content stream. One picture may be overlaid on top of another picture or along-side it. This is achieved by the TV supporting independent tuners for each picture that is simultaneously shown on the screen. This feature was first deployed in Analog TVs. With the advent of DTVs, support for this feature has waned since many DTVs make use of an external tuner located inside a cable or satellite set top box rather than the tuner inside the DTV itself. For this reason, as well as to scale back on costs, many DTV manufacturers no longer support multiple internal tuners and therefore no longer support PIP functionality.

[0006] A secondary screen is a display other than the main display of a DTV upon which DTV menus and content can be displayed (e.g. a screen on a personal device such as a phone, tablet, laptop, AR HMD or watch). Screen Casting is mirroring content shown on a screen of one device onto a screen of another device. Content Casting is displaying content sourced from a device (but not necessarily displayed on the screen of the device) to another device. A personal device may include a device that a viewer uses to interact with a DTV such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop, smart watch, AR HMD, and the like.

[0007] Although there are existing technologies that allow a secondary screen (e.g. smart phones, tablet, PC) to be casted and displayed onto the primary screen of a DTV, technology is lacking that enables viewers to request a DTV to cast (transmit) content from the DTV onto secondary screens and devices in close proximity to the viewers themselves or to other viewers. This includes the DTV casting (transmitting) content currently displayed on its primary screen, content previously viewed on its primary screen or other available content not currently being viewed (e.g. sub-titled content, language translation, content on other DTV channels). For example, casting can enable a viewer to rewind/re-watch a scene on a secondary screen without impacting other viewers in the room. Or allow a viewer to check-in on the ball game being shown on another channel in a manner that does not impact the viewing experience of other near-by viewers. Or provide complementary / extra / bonus content to what is being shown on the screen. Thus, although up-casting, (i.e. transmitting from a personal or secondary devices up to a prime screen DTV device), such as used by Google Chromecast exists, down-casting (transmitting from a DTV down to a to a user’s receiving viewer device) is not well known.

[0008] Likewise, technology is also lacking to enable a DTV to cast interactive and personalized content down onto secondary screens to individual viewers such that viewers can more easily interact with the DTV. For example, a DTV currently lacks the capability to solicit and collect input from individual viewers in real-time which the DTV can then use to cast interactive and personalized content down onto secondary screens to individual viewers as well as collective group of viewers.

[0009] In a first example use case for group television viewing, a solution may be sought for a family member that may have missed parts of a movie after the rest of the family has already started to watch. In this situation, the family member arriving late either needs to interrupt the other family members watching the movie to have them re-start the movie, or start watching the movie mid-stream without the benefit of all the context of the storyline.

[0010] A similar scenario can occur if a family member must leave during the movie (e.g. to visit the restroom or refrigerator for a snack). In this situation, the family member either needs to interrupt the other family members watching the movie to have them pause the movie or miss some parts of the movie while they are gone.

[0011] A similar scenario can also occur if a family member is watching the movie, but can't keep up with the content for whatever reason (e.g. the show is fast-paced, complicated, or the language is hard to follow) or would like to view a particular scene again (e.g. one viewer thought a particular scene was funny and wants to view it a second time).

[0012] All these scenarios result in either an interruption to the rest of the family or a non- optimal viewing experience for the family member that misses parts of the movie.

[0013] In a second example use case for group television viewing, a solution may be sought for family members watching a movie or show together that have different viewing preferences. A grandparent may have hearing problems and prefer sub-titles to be displayed or the volume to be turned up louder than the other family members prefer. There may also be viewers in the family with different language preferences (e.g. English and Spanish). In these situations, it may be difficult for the viewing preferences of all the viewers to be met with a single common set of settings for the content that is shown on the primary DTV screen.

[0014] The above example use-cases exhibit a need for individualized viewing experiences in a group setting where the present invention may provide a solution to the problem of a customized viewing experience in a group viewing setting.

SUMMARY

[0015] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later. The summary is not intended to identify key or essential features, nor is it intended to delineate the scope of the claimed subject matter. [0016] In one embodiment, a method performed by a wireless casting device includes receiving a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device, determining digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device, sending a request to the second viewer device to accept or reject transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device, receiving a response to accept the transmission of the determined digital content; and transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device.

[0017] Additional features and advantages will be made apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments which proceeds with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings are for purposes of illustrating the concepts of the disclosure and is not necessarily the only possible configuration for illustrating the disclosure. Features of the various drawings may be combined unless otherwise stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are included by way of example, and not by way of limitation with regard to the present principles. In the drawings, like numbers represent similar elements.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a depiction three utilizations of DTV casted presented in the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a depiction of an activity diagram showing aspects of a casting configuration setup;

FIG. 3 is a depiction of an activity diagram showing aspects of DTV casting to a viewer;

FIG. 4 is a depiction of an activity diagram showing aspects of DTV casting to a second viewer is initiated by a first viewer;

FIG. 5 is a depiction of a local environment for casting content from a DTV to a viewer’s personal devices;

FIG. 6 is a depiction of a local environment for casting content from a DTV to a viewer using a holographic projection;

FIG. 7 is a depiction of a local environment for casting content from a DTV to secondary devices having a cast application installed on the secondary devices.

FIG. 8 is a depiction of a method according to principles of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts an example method according to principles of the disclosure; and FIG. 10 is a depiction of an example architecture of a casting device. DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0020] In the following description of various illustrative embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and in which is shown, by way of illustration, how various embodiments may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structural and functional modification may be made without departing from the scope of the present principles.

[0021] This disclosure defines several proposed features that enable a casting device, such as any of a digital television (DTV), a laptop, a personal computer, an access point, and the like to support casting (transmitting) of digital content from the casting device to one or more secondary devices/screens that viewers can use to enhance their viewing experiences. Although the drawing representations in this disclosure depict a DTV as the casting device, it is well understood that the casting device may be any of the casting device embodiments indicated above and other electronic devices which are compatible with the casting functions described herein. As shown in FIG. 1, this disclosure proposes three main DTV casting utilizations of the present disclosure, to address the shortcomings aforementioned, regarding the lack of support for a DTV to cast content towards viewers. The three main utilizations include:

1. DTV Casting Configuration and Setup

2. DTV Casting to Individual User/Viewers

3. DTV Casting of DTV Content to Other Viewers

In the descriptions to follow, the term “viewer” may indicate a viewer device, or it may be used to indicate a user of the viewer device. As one of skill in the art can appreciate, a viewer device is an apparatus that the user/viewer may utilize to interact with other network devices. In all instances, the actions of a user in the control of the viewer device are effectuated via the viewer device.

[0022] FIG. 1 is an example signaling/utilization diagram 100 depicting possible communications interactions between entities on a local network to accommodate the above three utilizations of DTV Casting (transmitting). FIG. 1 depicts a 1^st viewer device 130, a 2^nd viewer device 140, a casting device (e.g. DTV 120), and a viewer profile repository 125. The viewer profile repository 125 may be either local to the casting device 120 (an internal or an external unit or function) or a remotely accessed function. The viewer profile repository includes data storage inclusive of information concerning users of the 1^st viewer device or the 2^nd viewer device. Such information may include viewing history, viewing preferences, or other relevant information that is useful by the casting device to determine content, viewing device attributes, viewer device user preferences, and the like.

[0023] In FIG. 1, the first utilization of casting 101, functionality for enabling viewers to configure a DTV with their content casting preferences is provided. The DTV may store within a viewer profile the content casting preferences and then may use the profile to determine if/when to cast content to the viewer device, how to cast content to the viewer device, and what content to cast to the viewer device. The configuration of viewer’s DTV content casting preferences may be made by the 1^st viewer, and/or the 2^nd viewer with resources of the DTV where the viewer profiles are configured and updated to be stored in the DTV viewer profile repository. In the 1^st utilization example 101, viewers issue requests to configure a DTV with their DTV content casting preferences.

[0024] In the second utilization of casting 102 of FIG. 1, functionality for enabling a DTV to detect content casting triggers is provided. In addition, the ability to cast content to individual viewer devices that meets the content casting preferences of the users of the viewer devices may be performed. The DTV content casting to individual views is depicted in FIG. 1 as a 2^nd viewer device requesting and receiving a DTV casting using the resources of the DTV and the DTV viewer’s profile repository. In the 2^nd utilization example 102, the DTV casts content towards individual viewers based on their individual DTV content casting preferences such that their DTV viewing experiences can be customized and further enhanced.

[0025] In the third utilization of casting 103 depicted in FIG. 1, functionality for enabling viewers to initiate the casting of DTV content to other viewer devices may be provided. In the coordinated DTV content casting utilization shown in 103 of FIG. 1, a 1^st viewer device may request a DTV casting to a second viewer device using resources of a DTV and the DTV viewer profile repository. In the 3^rd utilization example 103, the DTV coordinates the casting of content involving multiple viewer devices. For example, one viewer requests that the DTV cast content towards a second viewer device such that the second viewer can view the same content that the first viewer is viewing either on the primary DTV screen or on the first viewer’s secondary screen.

[0026] FIG. 1 depicts the use of down-casting (screen casting) using a DTV as the downcasting transmitting device. However, one of skill in the art can appreciate that although the ideas and embodiments of this disclosure focus on screen casting by a DTV towards a receiving viewer device, screen casting from other types of devices towards a receiving viewer device are also applicable. For example, screen casting from a laptop, desktop computer, or another device such as an access point towards a phone, tablet, or other secondary device is also contemplated. [0027] Configuration of DTV Content Casting Preferences

FIG. 2 depicts an example method signaling diagram 200 where viewers may configure a DTV with their content casting (transmitting) preferences. The DTV stores and uses the content casting preferences to determine if/when to cast content to the viewer, how to cast content to the viewer, and what content to cast to the viewer. FIG. 2 depicts a viewer device 230, a casting device (e.g. DTV 220), and a viewer profile repository 225. As before, the viewer profile repository 225 may be either local to the casting device 220 (an internal or an external unit or function) or a remotely accessed function.

[0028] In FIG. 2 communication 201, a viewer optionally issues a request to configure a DTV with the viewer’s DTV content casting preferences. Where the DTV content casting preferences may include the informational elements defined in the Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences section presented herein.

[0029] At block 202, the DTV receives and processes the 201 communication request by verifying whether the preferred method of content casting and trigger conditions specified by the viewer are supported by the DTV.

[0030] At communication 203, if the DTV determines that it can support the DTV content casting preferences of the viewer, the DTV creates a new or updates an existing DTV viewer profile based on the information included in the request. The DTV stores the created/updated DTV profile of the viewer such that the DTV can access and use this information to monitor for the detection of the viewer’s DTV content casting trigger criteria ( see block 205) and determine how to cast DTV content towards the viewer if/when the trigger criteria have been met. The DTV may store this information locally in the DTV viewer profile repository or remotely in another node in the system (e.g. set-top-box, Web Server, etc.).

[0031] At communication 204, the DTV responds to the viewer indicating whether the request to configure the viewer’s DTV content casting preferences has been accepted or rejected by the DTV. At block 205, the DTV starts to monitor for the detection of the viewer’s DTV content casting trigger criteria. The configuration method 200 need only be performed once, however, a user/viewer profile and /or DTV casting preferences may be updated at any time. Example DTV casting preferences are presented in the Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences section presented herein.

[0032] Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences

The following are examples of information elements and their respective descriptions for example DTV content casting preferences. The following example information element and description pairs are numbered for organizational reference. 1. Preferred DTV Casted Content: Defines the preferred types of content that the viewer would like the DTV to cast towards it. The preferred casted content may include but is not limited to the following:

(a) Content that complements the content being shown on the primary DTV screen.

(i) Additional metadata such plot/story lines, summary information about past scenes in the movie/ show to allow viewers to easily catch-up on any content they may have missed.

(ii) Related advertisements or purchases that viewers can make.

(b) Sub-titles for a specified language (e.g. English, Spanish, etc.).

(c) A separate audio track with customized settings such as volume level or specified language format.

(d) A personal and customizable screen that viewers can use to view content that is being shown on the primary DTV screen (e.g. scroll backwards/forwards to view missed content) or another DTV channel not being shown on the primary DTV screen.

2. Preferred DTV Content Casting Methods: Defines the preferred methods for the DTV to cast content towards the viewer. The preferred methods may include but are not limited to the following:

(a) Casting content from the DTV to a viewer device (e.g. a device having a secondary display and/or audio capabilities).

(b) Casting a screen from the DTV to a holographic display in the vicinity of the viewer.

3. Personal Device IDs: List of identifier(s) of a viewer’s personal device(s) for the DTV to cast content towards. The viewer may include multiple devices in the list, and when a DTV is triggered to cast content, the viewer may select one of them or the DTV may select the most suitable device (e.g. based on device availability and device capabilities).

4. Personal Device Network Address(s): List of network address(s) of a viewer’s personal device(s) for the DTV to cast content towards.

5. DTV content casting trigger conditions: Defines a list of trigger conditions that when detected by the DTV, are used to start/stop casting of a screen from the DTV towards the viewer. The DTV content casting trigger conditions may include but are not limited to the following:

(a) A specific phrase spoken by the viewer (e.g. “hey TV, cast a screen to me”).

(b) A specific body motion performed by the viewer (e.g. waving motion).

(c) A specific action performed by the viewer (e.g. grabbing the phone or tablet, opening/closing media related apps such as Netflix, Disney+, etc.). (d) A specific sound made by the viewer (e.g. clapping, snapping fingers).

(e) A specific command received by the DTV from a viewer’s device (e.g. DTV screen cast button is pushed on a device).

(f) A response from a viewer when asked by the DTV whether the viewer would like a DTV screen casted towards it.

(g) Detected presence of a viewer (e.g. viewer’s face is recognized).

(h) Detected presence of a viewer’s device (e.g. MAC or Bluetooth address is detected).

6. Viewer’s Voice Signature: A viewer’s voice signature that is used by the DTV to identify and detect the viewer’s presence and location.

7. Viewer’s Picture: A picture or video image of the viewer that is used by the DTV to identify and detect the viewer’s presence and location.

8. Video Resolution / Format: A viewer’s device preferred video resolution / format (e.g. HD, Full-HD, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer device from the DTV. Alternatively, if the viewer does not specify a preferred video resolution/format, the DTV can determine what resolution/format should be used according to the type/capability of the device that the DTV is casting content towards or based on information provided by the device when content casting is performed.

9. Preferred Language: A viewer’s preferred language (e.g. English, Spanish, French, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV. Alternatively, if the viewer does not specify a preferred language, the DTV can determine what language should be used according to the language spoken by the viewer when issuing voice commands to the DTV or configuring its voice signature.

10. Preferred Audio: A viewer’s preferred audio settings (e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer device from the DTV.

11. Preferred Picture: A viewer’s preferred picture preferences (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV.

[0033] Returning to the DTV configuration example of FIG. 2, a DTV that supports the method 200 may be configured to receive a request to configure DTV content casting preferences for a viewer using a viewer device. Further, the DTV may process the request and store the DTV content casting preferences of the viewer using a viewer device within the DTV viewer profile. The DTV may return an acknowledgement to the viewer device that its DTV viewer profile has been updated successfully to include its DTV content casting preferences.

[0034] DTV content casting preferences of a viewer using a viewer device may include: (a) One or more preferred types of DTV casted content that complement the content a viewer watches on the primary DTV screen (e.g. sub-titles, separate audio track with customized settings such as volume or language, personal viewing screen, etc.).

(b) A preferred method for casting DTV content to the viewer, where the method may be casting from the DTV to a receiving viewer device having a secondary screen and/or audio capabilities or casting from the DTV to a holographic display in the vicinity of the viewer.

(c) One or more identifiers and/or network addresses of receiver viewer devices for the DTV to cast content towards.

(d) DTV content casting trigger conditions that, when detected by the DTV, are used to start/stop casting of content towards the viewer device.

(e) A viewer's voice signature used by the DTV to help identify the viewer.

(f) A viewer's picture or video image used by the DTV to identify the viewer.

(g) A viewer's preferred video resolution / format of casted content (e.g. HD, Full-HD, etc.).

(h) A viewer's language preferences (e.g. English, Spanish, French, etc.).

(i) A viewer's volume preferences (e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.).

(j) A viewer's picture preferences (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.).

(k) A viewer's content preferences (e.g. favorite shows, genres, actors/actresses, etc.).

[0035] In the example method 200, a DTV content casting trigger condition may be:

(a) A specific phrase spoken by the viewer (e.g. "hey TV, cast a screen to me").

(b) A specific body motion performed by the viewer (e.g. waving motion).

(c) A specific action performed by the viewer (e.g. grabbing the phone or tablet, even further opening media related app such as Netflix, Disney+, etc.).

(d) A specific sound made by the viewer (e.g. clapping, snapping fingers).

(e) A specific command received by the DTV from a viewer's device (e.g. DTV content cast button is pushed on a device).

(f) A response from a viewer when asked by the DTV whether the viewer would like DTV content casted towards them.

(g) The detected presence of a viewer by the DTV (e.g. viewer's face is recognized).

(h) The detected presence of a viewer's device by the DTV (e.g. MAC or Bluetooth address is detected).

[0036] DTV Content Casting to Individual Viewers

FIG. 3 depicts an example method 300 a DTV may support functionality to cast (transmit) content to individual viewers that meets their content casting preferences. As a possible precondition, the DTV may be pre-configured with viewer DTV content casting preferences as outlined in the FIG. 2 method 200. These preferences may be stored and used by the DTV to monitor for the detection of the viewer's DTV content casting trigger criteria and determine how to cast DTV content towards the viewer if/when the trigger criteria have been met. Alternatively, a DTV may instead rely on information provided by a viewer within a DTV content casting request (optional communication 301) rather than pre-configured viewer DTV content casting preferences. FIG. 3 depicts a viewer device 330, a casting device (e.g. DTV 320), and a viewer profile repository 325. As before, the viewer profile repository 325 may be either local to the casting device 320 (an internal or an external unit or function) or a remotely accessed function.

[0037] In optional communication 301, a viewer device 330 may optionally issue an explicit request to a DTV 320 to start casting content from the DTV towards the viewer device 330. Where the request may include but is not limited to the following information:

(a) an identifier of the viewer.

(b) a preferred method for the DTV to cast content towards the viewer (e.g. to a personal device, to a holographic image, etc.).

(c) an identifier or network address of a viewer's personal device.

(d) an indication of what content to cast to the viewer which may include but is not limited to the following: (i) the same content that is being shown on the primary DTV screen, (ii) content that is different from the content being shown on the primary DTV screen (e.g. content from a different channel, etc.), (iii) a viewer's preferred video resolution / format (e.g. HD, Full-HD, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV, (iv) a viewer's preferred language (e.g. English, Spanish, French, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV, (v) a viewer's preferred audio settings (e.g. e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV, (vi) a viewer's preferred picture preferences (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV, and/or (vii) a viewer's content preferences (e.g. favorite shows, genres, actors/actresses, etc.).

[0038] At block 302, the DTV 320 detects a trigger condition has been met to start casting DTV content towards a viewer device 330. Where detecting a trigger condition to start casting DTV content towards a viewer may include but is not limited to the following:

(a) detecting a DTV content casting phrase has been spoken by a viewer that matches the trigger phrase and voice signature configured in the viewer's DTV profile.

(b) detecting a DTV content casting body motion has been performed by a viewer that matches the trigger body motion configured in the viewer's DTV profile. (c) detecting a DTV content casting sound has been made by a viewer that matches the trigger sound configured in the viewer's DTV profile.

(d) detecting an explicit DTV content casting trigger request from a device as defined in communication message 301.

(e) detecting the presence of a viewer via a facial recognition match, based on a picture or video image of the viewer configured in the viewer's DTV profile.

(f) detecting a specific action performed by the viewer (e.g. grabbing the phone or tablet, or opening a media related app such as Netflix, Disney+, etc.).

(g) detecting the presence of a viewer's device via a match based on the device identifier information configured in the viewer's DTV profile.

(h) detecting a positive response from a viewer that is asked by the DTV whether the viewer would like DTV content casted towards it. or

(i) detecting content likely to be of interest to the viewer that is currently available on a channel different than the channel that the viewer is watching on the primary DTV screen.

[0039] At block 303 the DTV determines the method to cast DTV content towards the viewer device 330. This processing block uses information stored in the viewer profile repository. In the block 303, the DTV may apply a target for the casting as follows: casting DTV content towards a viewer's personal device (e.g. a device supporting a secondary display and/or audio capability), or casting to a holographic display in the vicinity of the viewer.

[0040] In the block 303, the DTV 320 may determine the method to cast DTV content towards the viewer device 330 by applying one or more of using information specified in the viewer's DTV profile (Preconditions as described above), and/or using information specified within a viewer's explicit DTV content casting request (as in block 302).

[0041] At block 304, the DTV 320 determines the destination to cast DTV content towards the viewer device 330. This determination may involve but is not limited to the following: determining the identity and/or network address of a viewer's personal device specified in the viewer's DTV profile, or within the viewer's explicit DTV content casting request. A DTV may select the most suitable device based on device availability and device capabilities, or determining the physical location of the viewer within proximity to the DTV using methods such as but not limited to facial recognition or voice signature detection and localization.

[0042] At block 305, the DTV determines the DTV content to cast towards the viewer device. This determination to cast DTV content towards the viewer device may include:

(a) casting video and/or audio content currently displayed on the primary DTV screen. (b) casting content recorded by the DTV (e.g. content previously displayed on the primary screen and contained in the DTV's buffer, content recorded by the DTV's DVR capability, etc.).

(c) casting content not currently displayed on the primary DTV screen but requested by the viewer via the viewer's DTV profile or within the viewer's explicit DTV content casting trigger request (e.g. content from another channel or from a remote content server).

(d) casting an audio track with customized settings for the viewer such as volume and language settings, and/or

(e) casting a DTV menu that the viewer can use to interact and control the DTV, such as the primary DTV screen.

[0043] At communication 306, the DTV 320 starts casting towards the viewer device 330 via the determined method (block 303), towards the determined destination (block 304) and containing the determined content (block 305). The DTV casting DTV content towards the viewer device may include but is not limited to the following: casting the determined content to a secondary screen and/or audio capability of a viewer's device over a network, casting the determined content towards the viewer as a holographic screen image projected by the DTV within the physical vicinity of the viewer, casting the determined content in a manner that complies with the content casting preferences that may include but are not limited to the video resolution / format, preferred language, audio settings, picture preferences defined in the Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences section presented herein. A DTV can also determine what resolution/format should be used according to the type/capability of the device that the DTV is casting content towards or based on information provided by the device when content casting is performed. A DTV can also determine what language should be used according to the language spoken by the viewer when issuing voice commands to the DTV or configuring its voice signature.

[0044] At block 307, the DTV 320 may receive a request from the viewer device 330 (e.g. interacting with the casted secondary screen). The received request may include but is not limited to the following information:

(a) A command to make a DTV menu selection by the viewer via interacting with the DTV (e.g. via a menu that is shown on the casted secondary screen or via a voice or gesture command issued by the viewer).

(b) A command that scrolls back to a point in time to replay content on a casted secondary screen that was earlier played on the primary DTV screen.

(c) A command that adjusts the playback speed of the content shown on the casted secondary screen (e.g. 1.0 is normal speed; 0.5 is half speed (slower) 2.0 is double speed (faster)). (d) A command to toggle/ switch the content being shown on the casted secondary screen with the content being shown on the primary DTV screen and vice versa.

(e) A command to zoom in or out the content shown on the primary DTV screen and/or a casted secondary screen.

(f) a command to change the audio track settings of the casted content and/or the content shown on the primary DTV screen (e.g. change the language, sub-titles, etc.).

[0045] At optional communication 308, the viewer device 330 may issue an explicit request for the DTV 320 to stop casting the content from the DTV towards the viewer device 330. The issued request may include but is not limited to the following information: an identifier of the viewer, an identifier or descriptor of a DTV casted content (e.g. a session identifier), a command (e.g. stop or pause), and/or an identifier or network address of a viewer's personal device.

[0046] At block 309, the DTV 320 detects a trigger condition has been met to stop casting the DTV content towards the viewer device 330. Detecting a trigger condition to stop casting the DTV content towards the viewer device may include but is not limited to the scenarios described in block 302. At block 310, the DTV stops casting the DTV content towards the viewer device based on the detection at block 309.

[0047] Coordinated DTV Content Casting Involving Multiple Viewers

[0048] As shown in the example signaling method diagram 400 in FIG. 4, a DTV may support functionality to enable viewers to initiate the casting of DTV content to other viewers. In the example of FIG. 4, a first viewer may request DTV content be casted to a second viewer. The DTV uses its resources to accomplish this task including the DTV viewer profile repository. [0049] FIG. 4 depicts a 1^st viewer device 430, a 2^nd viewer device 440, a casting device (e.g. DTV 420), and a viewer profile repository 425. As in previous figures, the viewer profile repository 425 may be either local to the casting device 420 (an internal or an external unit or function) or a remotely accessed function. The viewer profile repository 425 includes data storage inclusive of information concerning users of the 1^st viewer device or the 2^nd viewer device. Such information may include viewing history, viewing preferences, or other relevant information that is useful by the casting device to determine content, viewing device attributes, viewer device user preferences, and the like.

[0050] In the example of FIG. 4, a DTV 420 may support:

(a) receiving a first request from a first viewer to start casting DTV content towards a second viewer of the DTV.

(b) processing the request to determine the identity of the second viewer.

(c) determining the method, destination and DTV content to cast towards the second viewer. (d) sending a request to the second viewer to check if they accept/reject the request from the first viewer for the casted DTV content.

(e) receiving a response from the second viewer indicating whether they accept/reject the request for casted DTV content.

(f) starting the casting of DTV content towards the second viewer via the determined method, towards the determined destination and that includes the determined content.

(g) receiving a request from the first or second viewer to stop casting DTV content towards a second viewer, and

(h) stopping the casting of DTV content towards the second viewer.

[0051] At optional block 401, the DTV casts content towards the first viewer. For example, after detecting a content casting trigger condition has been met for the first viewer, the DTV may cast content towards the first viewer.

[0052] At FIG. 4 communication 402, the DTV receives a request from the first viewer to start casting DTV content towards a second viewer of the DTV. The request received may include but is not limited to the following information: the identity of a second viewer or a second viewer's device, an indication of what content to cast to the second viewer (e.g. same content that is casted to the first viewer, content currently being displayed on the primary DTV screen, content on another DTV channel not currently displayed on primary DTV screen, etc.), and/or a message from the first viewer to the second viewer (e.g. "hey check this out").

[0053] At block 403, the DTV processes the request to determine the identity of the second viewer based on information provided in the request from the first viewer.

[0054] At block 404, the DTV determines the method, destination and/or content to cast DTV content towards the second viewer device. The determining may include but is not limited to the following: using information specified in the second viewer's DTV profile, using information contained within the request from the first viewer, and/or consulting with another DTV and/or another entity in the network (e.g. for the case when the second viewer is not located in the same vicinity as the first viewer and/or the DTV).

[0055] At communication 405, the DTV sends a request to the second viewer to check if they accept/reject the request from the first viewer for the casted DTV content. The request may include but is not limited to the following information: the identity of the first viewer, a message from the first viewer (e.g. "hey check this out"), and/or a description of the content that the first viewer wishes to share with the second viewer. [0056] At communication 406, the DTV receives a response from the second viewer indicating whether they accept/reject the request for the casted content. The response may include but is not limited to the following information:

(a) an accept/reject status indication.

(b) an indication that the second viewer would like the DTV to buffer the content such that the content can be casted to the second viewer at a later point in time that is more convenient for the second viewer.

(c) one or more additional viewers that the second viewer would also like to share the content with and that it would like the DTV to cast the content towards.

(d) one or more viewing preferences that may include but are not limited to:

(i) a preferred method for the DTV to cast content towards the second viewer (e.g. which personal device).

(ii) an identifier or network address of the second viewer's personal device.

(iii) a preferred video resolution / format (e.g. HD, Full-HD, etc.) for content casted towards the second viewer from the DTV.

(iv) a preferred language for casted content (e.g. English, Spanish, French, etc.).

(v) preferred volume settings for casted content (e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.) or

(vi) picture preferences for casted content (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.).

[0057] At communication 407, the DTV starts the casting towards the second viewer via the determined method, towards the determined destination and that includes the determined content. Casting DTV content towards the second viewer may include but is not limited to the following: casting the determined content to a secondary screen and/or audio capability of a second viewer's device over a network, or casting the determined content towards the viewer as a holographic screen image projected by the DTV within the physical vicinity of the second viewer.

[0058] At block 408, the DTV may receive a request from the first or second viewer (e.g. via their respective casted secondary screens, via voice command, via gesture, etc.). When processing the request from one viewer, the DTV may also coordinate the synchronization of content between the primary DTV screen and one or more casted screens of the first and second viewers and/or synchronization of content between the casted screens of the first and second viewers. The received request may include but is not limited to the following information:

(a) A command to make a DTV menu selection made by the second viewer via interacting with a DTV menu that is shown on a casted secondary screen. (b) A command that scrolls back to a point in time to replay content on a casted secondary screen that was earlier played on the primary DTV screen.

(c) A command that adjusts the playback speed of the content shown on a casted secondary screen (e.g. 1.0 is normal speed; 0.5 is half speed (slower) 2.0 is double speed (faster)).

(d) A command to toggle/switch the content being shown on a casted secondary screen with the content being shown on the primary DTV screen and vice versa.

[0059] At optional communication 409, the DTV optionally receives a request from the first or second viewer to stop casting content to the secondary screen of a second viewer. Where the issued request may include but is not limited to the following information: an identifier of the viewer, an identifier or descriptor of a DTV casted content (e.g. a session identifier), a command (e.g. stop or pause), and/or an identifier or network address of the viewer's personal device. At block 410, the DTV stops the casting of the DTV content towards the second viewer in response to the request 409.

[0060] DTV Content Casting to a Viewer's Personal Devices

A DTV may cast content from the DTV towards various types of personal devices of a viewer including but not limited to a smart phone, tablet, laptop, smart watch, smart glasses, AR HMD, and the like. DTV content casting to a viewer’s personal devices is depicted in an example environment 500 of FIG. 5. In FIG. 5, casting device (e.g. DTV, computer, access point) 501 is able to cast digital content from the casting device to personal devices 502 of a viewer 503. [0061] DTV Content Casting to a Holographic Image in the Vicinity of a Viewer

A DTV may cast content from the DTV towards a viewer via the use holographic images as shown in the environment 600 of FIG. 6. A DTV 601 and project DTV content to be displayed in the vicinity of a viewer 603 by projecting the content towards the viewer via a holographic image 602 projected in the vicinity of the viewer. The viewer can then interact with the casted holographic image to observe DTV content as well as issue commands to the DTV. Issuing commands via the holographic image can take place via the viewer touching the casted holographic image. Touching of the holographic image can be detected by the DTV via holographic technology that can detect interactive human touch (e.g. capacitive or ultrasound holographic technology). When the casted holographic image is touched by the viewer, signaling can be sent to the DTV to relay the command from the holographic image projected by the DTV back to the DTV for further processing (e.g. detecting a particular menu button/icon is pressed). Alternatively, the viewer can make gestures towards the casted holographic image which can then be detected by the DTV. This gesturing can be detected by the DTV using technology such as cameras (not shown) which monitor and detect the gestures made by the viewer towards the casted holographic image.

[0062] DTV Content Casting Messaging Protocol

A DTV may cast content from the DTV towards a viewer via the use of DTV content casting protocol. This protocol may be supported by DTV content casting applications and/or services. These DTV content casting applications and/or services may be hosted by a DTV and/or secondary devices that communicate with the DTV as shown in the example environment 700 of FIG. 7. In FIG. 7, a DTV 701 may cast DTV content to one or more secondary devices 702 that have a Casting Application resident thereupon. The casting application of the personal devices may use a DTV content casting messaging protocol to interface between the DTV and the personal device to accommodate the casting experience provided by the system environment 700.

[0063] The content casting applications and/or services hosted by the DTV and secondary devices can support the exchange of content casting protocol messages. In one embodiment, this protocol can be realized as a client/server messaging protocol where content casting applications and/or services can function in the role of a client and/or a server to exchange content casting request and response messages with each another. For example, the information elements of the content casting request and response protocol messages can be encapsulated and carried within the payloads of existing client/server protocols such HTTP, COAP or Web Sockets.

[0064] In another embodiment, these information elements can be encapsulated and carried within lower level protocols such as TCP or UDP without the use of higher layer protocols such as HTTP, COAP or Web Sockets.

[0065] In yet another embodiment, the content casting protocol can be realized as a publish/subscribe messaging protocol. For example, a DTV can support message broker functionality. Alternatively, this broker functionality can be supported by another network node (e.g. set top box, cloud server, etc.). This broker functionality can be used by the content casting applications and/or services hosted by the DTV and secondary devices to exchange content casting request and response messages with one another. This exchange can be facilitated by each content casting application and/or service subscribing to the message broker to receive messages from other content casting applications and/or services. Likewise, each content casting application and/or service can publish message to the message broker that target other content casting applications and/or services. The information elements of the content casting request and response protocol messages can be encapsulated and carried within the payloads of existing publish/sub scribe protocols such MQTT or AMQP.

[0066] Various types of context casting request and response protocol messages can be supported by content casting applications and/or services. These may include but are not limited to the types defined in the section entitled DTV Content Casting Protocol Message Types presented herein.

[0067] DTV Content Casting Protocol Message Types

The following are examples of types of content casting messages and their respective descriptions for example DTV content casting protocol message types. The following example content casting message types and description pairs are numbered for organizational reference.

1. Content Casting Preferences Configuration Request: Issued by a content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) and received by a content casting application or service on a DTV. This request is used to configure the DTV with the content casting preferences of a viewer. The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the types of information elements defined in the Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences section presented herein.

2. Content Casting Preferences Configuration Response: This response is returned by the content casting application or service on a DTV to the content casting application or service that issued the Content Casting Preferences Configuration Request. The information elements contained in this response can include but are not limited to a status code indicating whether the request was successfully performed as well as the information elements defined in the Example of DTV Content Casting Preferences section presented herein.

3. Request to Trigger DTV to Start Casting Content: Issued by a content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) and received by a content casting application or service on a DTV. This request is used to trigger the DTV to start casting content towards one or more viewers (e.g. towards a content casting application or service hosted on a secondary device or as a holographic image towards a viewer). The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the following:

(a) an identifier of the viewer.

(c) an identifier or network address of a viewer’s personal device.

(d) an indication of what content to cast to the viewer which may include but is not limited to the following: (i) the same content that is being shown on the primary DTV screen.

(ii) content that is different from the content being shown on the primary DTV screen (e.g. content from a different channel, etc.).

(e) a viewer’s preferred video resolution / format (e.g. HD, Full-HD, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV.

(f) a viewer’s preferred language (e.g. English, Spanish, French, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV.

(g) a viewer’s preferred audio settings (e.g. e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV.

(h) a viewer’s preferred picture preferences (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.) for content casted towards the viewer from the DTV.

4. Request from DTV to Cast Content: Issued by a content casting application or service of a DTV and received by a content casting application or service on a secondary device. This request is used by the DTV to cast content toward a viewer. The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the following types of DTV content:

(a) video and/or audio content currently displayed on the primary DTV screen.

(b) content recorded by the DTV (e.g. content previously displayed on the primary screen and contained in the DTV’ s buffer, content recorded by the DTV’ s DVR capability, etc.).

(c) content not currently displayed on the primary DTV screen but requested by the viewer via the viewer’ s DTV profile or within the viewer’ s explicit DTV content casting trigger request (e.g. content from another channel or from a remote content server).

(d) a DTV menu that the viewer can use to interact and control the DTV.

5. Request to Control Content Casted from DTV: Issued by a content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) and received by a content casting application or service on a DTV. This request is used to interact with and/or control the casted content and may include but is not limited to the following:

(c) A command that adjusts the playback speed of the content shown on the casted secondary screen (e.g. 1.0 is normal speed; 0.5 is half speed (slower) 2.0 is double speed (faster)). (d) A command to toggle/switch the content being shown on the casted secondary screen with the content being shown on the primary DTV screen and vice versa.

6. Request to Trigger DTV to Start Casting Content to Another Viewer: Issued by a first content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) and received by a content casting application or service on a DTV. This request is used to trigger the DTV to start casting content toward a second content casting application or service (e.g. towards a content casting application or service hosted on a secondary device or as a holographic image towards a viewer). The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the following:

(a) the identity of a second viewer or a second viewer’s device.

(b) an indication of what content to cast to the second viewer (e.g. same content that is casted to the first viewer, content currently being displayed on the primary DTV screen, content on another DTV channel not currently displayed on primary DTV screen, etc.).

(c) a message from the first viewer to the second viewer (e.g. “hey check this out”).

7. Request from DTV for Authorization to Cast Content Viewer: Issued by a content casting application or service of a DTV and received by a content casting application or service on a secondary device. This request is used by the DTV to check if a content casting application or service accepts/rejects the request from another content casting application or service for the casted DTV content. The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the following:

(a) the identity of the first viewer.

(b) a message from the first viewer (e.g. “hey check this out”), and/or

(c) a description of the content that the first viewer wishes to share with the second viewer.

8. Response to DTV for Authorization to Cast Content Viewer: This response is returned by the content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) to the content casting application or service on a DTV that issued the Authorization to Cast Content Viewer Request. The information elements contained in this response can include but are not limited to the following:

(a) an accept/reject status indication, (b) an indication that the second viewer would like the DTV to buffer the content such that the content can be casted to the second viewer at a later point in time that is more convenient for the second viewer,

(c) one or more viewing preferences that may include but are not limited to:

(ii) an identifier or network address of the second viewer’s personal device.

(v) preferred volume settings for casted content (e.g. volume level, base, treble, etc.).

(vi) picture preferences for casted content (e.g. brightness, contrast, etc.).

9. Request to Trigger DTV to Stop Casting Content: Issued by a content casting application or service (e.g. on a secondary device) and received by a content casting application or service on a DTV. This request is used to trigger the DTV to stop casting content toward one or more viewers (e.g. towards a content casting application or service hosted on a secondary device or as a holographic image towards a viewer). The information elements contained in this request can include but are not limited to the following:

(a) an identifier of the viewer.

(b) an identifier or descriptor of a DTV casted content (e.g. a session identifier).

(c) a command (e.g. stop or pause), and/or

(d) an identifier or network address of a viewer’s personal device.

[0068] FIG. 8 depicts an example general method 800 for casting digital content towards a receiver viewer device. At block 805, a casting device, such as a DTV, laptop, desktop computer, access point, or the like, may receive a request for casting. The casting device controls the transmission of digital content that is available on the casting device or is accessible via the casting device. A request can include an identifier of the viewer, a preferred method for the DTV to cast content towards the viewer (e.g. to a personal device or a hologram projection device), an identifier or network address of a viewer's personal device, an indication of what digital content to cast to the receiver viewer device, receiver viewer device preferred resolution, language, receiver viewer device settings, and the like. [0069] At block 810, a trigger event is detected by the casting device. Examples of trigger events include detecting a content casting phrase, motion, or action of a user of the viewing device, detecting an explicit content casting trigger request from a receiver viewer device whose identifier matches the device identifier configured in the viewer's profile, detecting the presence of a viewer/user via a facial recognition match, detecting the presence of a viewer's device, detecting a positive response from a receiver viewer device confirming content to be casted towards the receiver viewer device, detecting content likely to be of interest to the user/viewer that is available from the casting device, and the like.

[0070] At block 815, a destination for the transmission of the requested content is determined by the casting device. An example destination may be a receiving viewer’s device, as identified by a network address of the receiver viewer device and the like. Another example may be a holographic receiver device. At block 820, the digital content to be transmitted towards a receiver viewer device from the casting device is determined. Such a determination may be made based on the content of the request for casting. Available content for casting may include the same content that is being shown on the primary casting device screen, content to complement the content that is being shown on the primary casting device screen, other content that is of a different channel that is available to the content casting device, and/or other stored content. Such other content may be presented to the receiver viewer device via a menu.

[0071] As part of the determination of digital content, at block 825, if a menu is to be transmitted to the viewing device, then block 830 is entered where the receiver viewer device responds to the receipt of the menu and selects an item of digital content from the menu. The method 800 then moves from block 830 to 835. At block 835, the digital content is transmitted to the receiver viewer device.

[0072] If at block 820, it is determined that the digital content is to be a specific digital content selection that is found in the request of block 805, then at step 825, the method 800 flows directly to the block 835, where the casting device transmits content to the receiving viewer device. In another instance, the request of block 805 may have indicated a requested stored program of the casting device, then that content can be transmitted to the viewing device at block 835.

[0073] FIG. 9 is an example flow diagram 900 of a method performed by a casting device according to principles of the disclosure. Flow diagram 900 is generally compatible with signal/method diagram 400. In the environment of FIG. 9, a first viewer device and a second viewer device are connected to a network that includes a casting device that has access to digital content. At 905, The casting device receives a request from a first viewing device. The request is for digital content to be transmitted to the second viewer device.

[0074] In one example, receiving a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device may include receiving a request from a first viewer device after the first viewer device receives casted digital content from the casting device. The request may include one or more of an identifier or identity of a second viewer device, an indication of the digital content to be casted towards the second viewer device, and/or a message from the first viewer device to the second viewer device.

[0075] At 910 of FIG. 9, the casting device determines/identifies the digital content to be casted from the casting device to the second viewing device. In one example, determining digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device may include using one or more of information specified in a second viewer's profile accessible by the casting device, information contained within the request from the first viewer device, and/or information from another entity in a network of the first viewer device, the second viewer device, and the casting device.

[0076] At 915 of FIG. 9, the casting device sends/transmits to the second viewer device a request to accept the content determined at 910. In one example, sending a request to the second viewer device to accept (or reject) transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device may include one or more of an identity of a user of the first viewer device, a message from the first viewer device, and/or a description of the digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device.

[0077] At 920 of FIG. 9, if the casting device receives an accept message from the second viewer device, then the example method 900 moves to 930. If at 920, the casting device receives either a reject response or no response within a time period, then the example method 900 moves to 925. In one example, at 925, the casting device, after receiving a reject response (or timeout), the casting device may send a reject status message to the first viewer device. However, if an accept message is received, then at 930, the casting device may optionally configure for a transmission of digital content to the second viewing device.

[0078] In one example, at 930, the content casting device may further evaluate the accept transmission message received from the second viewer device by detecting one or more of an accept indication, an indication from the second viewer device to buffer the digital content for later consumption by the second viewer device, and/or configuring a transmission of the digital content for the second viewer device using a second viewer device preference information including any of an identifier of the second viewer device, a video resolution or format of the second viewer device, a language for the digital content, a volume setting for the digital content; and/or a display setting for the digital content.

[0079] At 935 in FIG. 9, the digital content is sent/transmitted from the casting device to the second viewer device. In one example, transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device may include one or more of transmitting the determined digital content to a secondary screen of the second viewer device over a network, and/or transmitting the determined digital content towards the second viewer device as a holographic image projected by the casting device. Further, transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device may include one or more of transmitting content displayed on the first viewer device, transmitting content that is being casted to the first viewer device; and/or transmitting content available on another DTV channel not currently being displayed on the casting device.

[0080] The casting device may further perform a synchronizing of views of the digital content on the first viewer device and the second viewer device. Further, the casting device may receive a subsequent request from the first viewer device (or second viewer device) to stop casting the digital content to the second viewer device. Subsequently the casting device may cease transmission of the digital content to the second viewer device.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a depiction of an example casting device architecture 1000, such as for a DTV, laptop computer, desktop computer, access point, and the like configured to perform the method of FIG. 8 or FIG. 9 or the signaling of any of FIGs. 2-4. The apparatus of FIG. 10 can be either a special-purpose machine, or part of a larger machine that performs other tasks. For example, the apparatus of FIG. 10 can be an access point or an access point capable device that can support a wireless local area network for casting purposes. Such a machine can be a digital television, a laptop, a personal computer, a mobile phone, a tablet, and the like that is configured to act as a casting device. Here, for simplicity, the description may follow that of a DTV, but other devices, such as those listed above, are also possible as is well understood by those of skill in the art.

[0082] The apparatus 1000 of FIG. 9 includes a transmitter/receiver interface 1002 providing connectivity to IP network to receive (1001) digital content. The interface 1002 connects to the bus interface 1004 which allows access to the internal bus 1024. Other non-bus implementations are also possible as is well known to those of skill in the art. Present on bus 1024 are a storage device 1006 which can be used for any general storage such as retrieved or requested data and network management data, parameters, and digital content, and executable software instruction programs. Storage device 1006 may also serve as disk or solid-state storage for the information collected as displayable digital content. Main executable programs, utility and other programs may be under the control of controller/processor 1008.

[0083] This controller/processor 1008 may be a single processor or a multiplicity of processors performing the tasks of digital content data acquisition, user interface control, and resource management. Controller/processor 1008 can perform the method described in FIG. 8 or 9. Control memory 1010 may also supply program instruction and configuration control for controller/processor 1008. The status indicators 1018 are a user interface and allows a user, system owner, or system manager to see a status of the apparatus 1000. Such indicators may include a display, LEDs, speaker, and the like. A graphical processing unit (GPU) and input/output (I/O) interface 1016 allows the casting device to connect to a main display screen 1020 that may be used to display digital content on the casting device 1000. The I/O interface 1016 may also include a be a hardline interface, such as an Ethernet interface for a local area network or may be an HDMI interface for the main screen 1020. Other options for the I/O interface are a RF or IR interface for a remote control of the apparatus 1000. Another option of I/O interface 1016 is an interactive interface which may include the use of a separate display device (secondary device), keyboard, mouse, light pen, and the like.

[0084] Apparatus 1000 has a wireless network interface 1012 which allows access to and from wireless devices, such as receiving viewer devices. The wireless receiving viewer devices may be those that are known and registered to a WLAN of the apparatus 1000. Such an interface 1012 includes all elements to control a wireless network, including the use of wireless network protocols such as IEEE 802. XX, Bluetooth, other near field protocols, and the like for communication between the apparatus 1000 and receiving viewer devices.

[0085] As can be appreciated by one of skill in the art, combinations of features of various utilizations of the current disclosure can be combined unless otherwise specifically stated. Thus, features of the various figures may easily be combined. For example, a setup or configuration of a casting function can be generated for a DTV casting such that a DTV casting is performed for a viewer using either or both of a personal device, a secondary device, or a hologram concurrently. In that instance the viewer may also invoke a DTV casting request for a second (or more) viewer to share the viewing DTV casting experience. Combining features described in this disclosure is within the scope of the concepts presented herein. Such combinations of concepts and features are considered viable embodiments unless otherwise restricted if indicated herein.

[0086] The implementations described herein may be implemented in, for example, a method or process, an apparatus, or a combination of hardware and software. Even if only discussed in the context of a single form of implementation (for example, discussed only as a method), the implementation of features discussed may also be implemented in other forms. For example, implementation can be accomplished via a hardware apparatus, hardware and software apparatus. An apparatus may be implemented in, for example, appropriate hardware, software, and firmware. The methods may be implemented in, for example, an apparatus such as, for example, a processor, which refers to any processing device, including, for example, a computer, a microprocessor, an integrated circuit, or a programmable logic device.

[0087] Additionally, the methods may be implemented by instructions being performed by a processor, and such instructions may be stored on one or more processors or non-transitory computer-readable media such as, for example, an integrated circuit, a software carrier or other storage device such as, for example, a hard disk, a compact diskette (“CD” or “DVD”), a random-access memory (“RAM”), a read-only memory (“ROM”) or any other magnetic, optical, or solid-state media. The instructions may form an application program tangibly embodied on a computer-readable medium such as any of the media listed above or known to those of skill in the art. The instructions thus stored are useful to execute using elements of hardware and software to perform the steps of the method described herein. In this disclosure, the computer-readable media is useful to instruct a processor to perform the steps of the methods disclosed herein.

Claims

Claims:

1. A method performed by a wireless casting device, the method comprising: receiving a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device; determining digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device; sending a request to the second viewer device to accept or reject transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device; receiving a response to accept the transmission of the determined digital content; and transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device comprises receiving a request from a first viewer device after the first viewer device receives casted digital content from the casting device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device comprises receiving a request comprising one or more of an identifier of a second viewer device; an indication of the digital content to be casted towards the second viewer device; or a message from the first viewer device to the second viewer device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein determining digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device comprises using one or more of information specified in a second viewer's profile accessible by the casting device; information contained within the request from the first viewer device; or information from another entity in a network of the first viewer device, the second viewer device, and the casting device.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein sending a request to the second viewer device to accept or reject transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device comprises one or more of

28 an identity of a user of the first viewer device; a message from the first viewer device; or a description of the digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein receiving a response to accept the transmission of the determined digital content comprises one or more of: an accept status indication; an indication from the second viewer device to buffer the digital content for later consumption by the second viewer device; a second viewing device viewing preference comprising any of: an identifier of the second viewer device; a video resolution or format of the second viewer device; a language for the digital content; a volume setting for the digital content; or a display setting for the digital content.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device comprises one or more of: transmitting the determined digital content to a secondary screen of the second viewer device over a network; or transmitting the determined digital content towards the second viewer device as a holographic image projected by the casting device.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein transmitting the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device comprises one or more of: transmitting content displayed on the first viewer device; or transmitting content that is being casted to the first viewer device; or transmitting content available on another DTV channel not currently being displayed on the casting device.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising: synchronizing views of the digital content on the first viewer device and the second viewer device.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a request from the first viewer device to stop casting the digital content to the second viewer device; and ceasing transmission of the digital content to the second viewer device.

11. A casting device comprising circuitry, including a transmitter, a receiver, a processor, and memory, the casting device configured to: receive a request from a first viewer device to start a transmission of digital content towards a second viewer device; determine digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device; send a request to the second viewer device to accept or reject transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device; receive a response to accept the transmission of the determined digital content; and transmit the digital content from the casting device to the second receiver viewer device.

12. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the receiver receives a request from a first viewer device after the first viewer device receives casted digital content from the casting device.

13. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the receiver receives a request from a first viewer device comprising one or more of: an identifier of a second viewer device; an indication of the digital content to be casted towards the second viewer device; or a message from the first viewer device to the second viewer device.

14. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device comprises one or more of: information specified in a second viewer's profile accessible by the casting device; information contained within the request from the first viewer device; or information from another entity in a network of the first viewer device, the second viewer device, and the casting device.

15. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the transmitter sends a request to the second viewer device to accept transmission of the determined digital content to the second viewer device comprising one or more of: an identity of a user of the first viewer device; a message from the first viewer device; or a description of the digital content to be transmitted towards the second viewer device.

16. The casting device of claim 13, wherein the receiver receives the response to accept the transmission of the determined digital content comprises one or more of: an accept status indication; an indication from the second viewer device to buffer the digital content for later consumption by the second viewer device; a second viewing device viewing preference comprising any of: an identifier of the second viewer device; a video resolution or format of the second viewer device; a language for the digital content; a volume setting for the digital content; or a display setting for the digital content.

17. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the transmitter sends the digital content to one or more of: a secondary screen of the second viewer device; or a holographic image projected by the casting device.

18. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the casting device acts to synchronize views of the digital content on the first viewer device and the second viewer device.

19. The casting device of claim 11, wherein the casting device is one of a digital DTV, laptop, desktop computer, or access point.

20. A computer-readable storage media having instructions which, when executed by a processor, perform the method of any of claims 1-10.