U.S. patent application number 13/280171 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-25 for method and system for using a second screen device to tune a set top box to display content playing on the second screen device.
This patent application is currently assigned to The DIRECTV Group, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Charles W. Beeson, Earl J. Bonovich, Shannon A. Kallin, Erin K. Nelson. Invention is credited to Charles W. Beeson, Earl J. Bonovich, Shannon A. Kallin, Erin K. Nelson.
Application Number | 20130104160 13/280171 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47215735 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130104160 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Beeson; Charles W. ; et
al. |
April 25, 2013 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING A SECOND SCREEN DEVICE TO TUNE A SET
TOP BOX TO DISPLAY CONTENT PLAYING ON THE SECOND SCREEN DEVICE
Abstract
A system and method for displaying operating a receiving device
includes a second screen device in communication with the receiving
device. The second screen device displays streamed content having
an identifier associated therewith having a touch screen, forms a
tune command comprising the identifier and a receiving device
identifier in response to a gesture on the touch screen and
communicates the tune command to the receiving device from the
second screen device. The receiving device is tuned to receive a
channel corresponding to the streamed content in response to the
tune command. The receiving device displays the channel.
Inventors: |
Beeson; Charles W.; (La
Mirada, CA) ; Bonovich; Earl J.; (Tinley Park,
IL) ; Kallin; Shannon A.; (Santa Monica, CA) ;
Nelson; Erin K.; (Torrance, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Beeson; Charles W.
Bonovich; Earl J.
Kallin; Shannon A.
Nelson; Erin K. |
La Mirada
Tinley Park
Santa Monica
Torrance |
CA
IL
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
The DIRECTV Group, Inc.
El Segundo
CA
|
Family ID: |
47215735 |
Appl. No.: |
13/280171 |
Filed: |
October 24, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
725/28 ;
725/43 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20130101;
H04N 21/4122 20130101; H04N 21/42209 20130101; H04N 21/454
20130101; H04N 21/4126 20130101; H04N 21/43637 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/28 ;
725/43 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/482 20110101
H04N021/482; H04N 7/16 20110101 H04N007/16 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: displaying streamed content having an
identifier associated therewith on a second screen device having a
touch screen; generating a gesture on the touch screen; forming a
tune command comprising the identifier and a receiving device
identifier in response to the gesture in the second screen device;
communicating the tune command to the receiving device from the
second screen device; tuning the receiving device to receive a
channel signal corresponding to the streamed content in response to
the tune command; and displaying the channel signal at a display
associated with the receiving device.
2. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein displaying streamed
content having an identifier associated therewith on a second
screen device comprises displaying streamed content in a media
player of the second screen device.
3. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein generating the gesture
comprises generating the gesture within the media player.
4. The method as recited in claim 2 wherein generating the gesture
comprises selecting a tune selection box from the media player.
5. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein displaying streamed
content having the identifier associated therewith on the second
screen device comprises displaying streamed content having a
channel identifier associated.
6. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein forming the tune
command comprises the identifier and the address of the receiving
device comprises forming the tune command comprising the identifier
and an Internet-protocol (IP) address of the receiving device.
7. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein forming the tune
command comprising the identifier and the address of the receiving
device comprises forming the tune command comprising the identifier
and the address of a set top box.
8. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein forming a tune command
comprising the identifier and an address of a receiving device
comprises forming the tune command comprising a channel identifier
and the address of a satellite television set top box.
9. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein communicating the tune
command to the receiving device comprises communicating the tune
command to the receiving device through a local area network having
the second screen device in communication therewith.
10. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein communicating the tune
command to the receiving device comprises communicating the tune
command to the receiving device through a local area network and a
router associated with the local area network.
11. The method as recited in claim 1 wherein prior to displaying
streamed content, comparing content data to parental controls
associated with the second screen device and wherein displaying is
performed when the parental controls correspond to the content
data.
12. The method as recited in claim 11 wherein the parental controls
comprises at least one of a rating, a channel identifier and a time
restriction.
13. A method comprising: displaying streamed content having an
identifier associated therewith in a media player displayed on a
second screen device; forming a record command signal from the
media player comprising the identifier and a receiving device
identifier; communicating the record command signal to the
receiving device; tuning a tuner in the receiving device to receive
received content corresponding to the streamed content in response
to the record command; and storing the received content in the
receiving device.
14. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein communicating the
record command signal comprises communicating the record command
signal comprising a channel identifier.
15. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein forming the record
command signal comprises forming the recording command signal from
a drop-down menu of the media player.
16. The method as recited in claim 13 wherein communicating the
record command signal comprises communicating the recording command
signal through a local area network.
17. A system comprising: a receiving device; and a second screen
device in communication with the receiving device and displaying
streamed content having an identifier associated therewith having a
touch screen, forming a tune command comprising the identifier and
a receiving device identifier in response to a gesture on the touch
screen and communicating the tune command to the receiving device
from the second screen device; said receiving device tuned to
receive a channel corresponding to the streamed content in response
to the tune command, said receiving device displaying the
channel.
18. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the receiving device
comprises a set top box.
19. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the second screen
device comprises a mobile touch screen device.
20. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the second screen
device communicates the tune command through a local area
network.
21. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the identifier
comprises a channel identifier.
22. The system as recited in claim 17 wherein the second screen
device displays the streamed content in a media player.
23. The system as recited in claim 22 wherein the gesture is within
the media player on the touch screen.
24. The system as recited in claim 22 wherein the gesture is formed
using a tune selection box from the media player.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally a television
programming delivery system, and, more specifically, to using a
second screen device to enhance a user experience by tuning a set
top box to content being streamed to the second screen device.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background
information related to the present disclosure and may not
constitute prior art.
[0003] Television content providers are continually increasing the
amount of television content provided. In addition to the actual
television programming content, television providers also provide
limited information regarding the content such as a brief
description, running time, parental ratings, and the like. The
limited data may be metadata delivered with the content or guide
data and may be delivered directly to the set top box. Content
users increasingly desire further information relative to the
content.
[0004] Mobile devices such as touch-screen mobile devices have also
increased in popularity. Such devices are typically connectable to
the internet to obtain content from various sources. Mobile
touch-screen devices include the iPad.RTM. by Apple and various
Android.RTM. operating system devices. The mobile devices are
capable of receiving Internet Protocol content including streamed
videos.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present disclosure provides a system and method for
using a second screen device for controlling the tuning of a set
top box to a content being displayed on the second screen
device.
[0006] In one aspect of the disclosure, a method includes
displaying streamed content having an identifier associated
therewith on a second screen device having a touch screen,
generating a gesture on the touch screen, forming a tune command
comprising the identifier and a receiving device identifier in
response to the gesture in the second screen device, communicating
the tune command to the receiving device from the second screen
device, tuning the receiving device to receive a channel signal
corresponding to the streamed content in response to the tune
command and displaying the channel signal at a display associated
with the receiving device.
[0007] In a further aspect of the disclosure, a system for
displaying operating a receiving device includes a second screen
device in communication with the receiving device. The second
screen device displays streamed content having an identifier
associated therewith having a touch screen, forms a tune command
comprising the identifier and a receiving device identifier in
response to a gesture on the touch screen and communicates the tune
command to the receiving device from the second screen device. The
receiving device is tuned to receive a channel corresponding to the
streamed content in response to the tune command. The receiving
device displays the channel.
[0008] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the
description provided herein. It should be understood that the
description and specific examples are intended for purposes of
illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the
present disclosure.
DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes
only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present
disclosure in any way.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a block diagrammatic view of a communication
system for content playback and delivery according to the present
disclosure.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagrammatic view of the head
end of FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a high-level block diagrammatic view of the set
top box of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a high-level block diagrammatic view of a second
screen device of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for displaying related
data on a second screen device associated with the set top box.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a screen display illustrating having various
modules displayed thereon.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a screen display illustrating a welcome screen for
installing an application for live streaming.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a screen display illustrating a channel selection
for live streaming.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a screen display for entering parental controls
for a media player for a second screen device.
[0019] FIG. 10 is a passcode screen that must be chosen to prevent
unauthorized changing of the parental controls.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a screen display illustrating parental controls
using an alphanumeric password.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a screen display for setting movie ratings for
parental controls.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a screen display for setting television show
ratings for parental controls.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a screen display for setting specific settings
within the parental guidance setting for television ratings.
[0024] FIG. 15 is a screen display for selecting or deselecting
programs with no ratings.
[0025] FIG. 16 is a screen display for setting times for viewing
within the parental controls.
[0026] FIG. 17 is a screen display illustrating channels that may
be selected or deselected for live streaming according to parental
controls.
[0027] FIG. 18 is a screen display for selecting channels to stream
or not stream in a list of available channels.
[0028] FIG. 19 is a warning screen when streaming is
unavailable.
[0029] FIG. 20 is a screen display illustrating a media player used
for live streaming.
[0030] FIG. 21 is a screen display illustrating a pull-down menu
for various options to perform with the media player.
[0031] FIG. 22 is a screen display illustrating an indicator
illustrating a gesture is recognized.
[0032] FIG. 23 is a screen display illustrating an indicator that a
tune command was sent to a set top box.
[0033] FIG. 24 is a flowchart of a method for tuning a set top box
and recording content in a set top box as controlled from a second
screen device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0034] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and
is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or
uses. For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers will be
used in the drawings to identify similar elements. As used herein,
the term module refers to an Application Specific Integrated
Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared,
dedicated, or group) and memory that execute one or more software
or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other
suitable components that provide the described functionality. As
used herein, the phrase at least one of A, B, and C should be
construed to mean a logical (A or B or C), using a non-exclusive
logical OR. It should be understood that steps within a method may
be executed in different order without altering the principles of
the present disclosure.
[0035] While the following disclosure is made with respect to
example DIRECTV.RTM. broadcast services and systems, it should be
understood that many other delivery systems are readily applicable
to disclosed systems and methods. Such systems include wireless
terrestrial distribution systems, wired or cable distribution
systems, cable television distribution systems, Ultra High
Frequency (UHF)/Very High Frequency (VHF) radio frequency systems
or other terrestrial broadcast systems (e.g., Multi-channel
Multi-point Distribution System (MMDS), Local Multi-point
Distribution System (LMDS), etc.), Internet-based distribution
systems, cellular distribution systems, power-line broadcast
systems, any point-to-point and/or multicast Internet Protocol (IP)
delivery network, and fiber optic networks. Further, the different
functions collectively allocated among a service provider and
integrated receiver/decoders (IRDs) as described below can be
reallocated as desired without departing from the intended scope of
the present patent.
[0036] Further, while the following disclosure is made with respect
to the delivery of content (e.g., television (TV), movies, games,
music videos, etc.), it should be understood that the systems and
methods disclosed herein could also be used for delivery of any
media content type, for example, audio, music, data files, web
pages, games, etc. Additionally, throughout this disclosure
reference is made to programs, data, information, movies, assets,
video data, etc., however, it will be readily apparent to persons
of ordinary skill in the art that these terms are substantially
equivalent in reference to the example systems and/or methods
disclosed herein. As used herein, the term content, title or
program will be used to refer to a movie or television program
name
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 1, a satellite television broadcasting
system 10 is illustrated. The satellite television broadcast system
10 includes a head end 12 that generates wireless signals 13
through an antenna 14 which are received by an antenna 16 of a
satellite 18. The wireless signals 13, for example, may be digital.
The wireless signals 13 may be referred to as an uplink signal. A
transmitting antenna 20 generates downlink signals that are
directed to various receiving systems including stationary systems
such as those in the home, as well as, mobile receiving systems. A
set top box 22 is an example of a stationary receiving device or
system that may be placed at different locations relative to the
display or television. The set top box 22 is in communication with
an antenna 24. The antenna 24 receives downlink signals 26 from the
transmitting antenna 20 of the satellite 18.
[0038] The head end 12 may communicate various content, program
guide data or other data through the satellite 18. For example,
television channels from a broadcast network or channels generated
locally at the head end 12 may be communicated through the
satellite. The set top box 22 may receive the content and data. A
plurality of set top boxes 22 may be provided in a system. The
plurality of set top boxes 22 may be located within a single
building or household.
[0039] The set top box or boxes 22 each have a display 30
associated therewith. The display 30 may be a television or monitor
used for displaying video images and providing an audio output.
[0040] A network 36 may be used to connect the head end 12 with
various devices including the set top box 22. The network 36 may be
one type of network or multiple types of networks. The network 36
may, for example, be a public switch to telephone network, the
internet, a mobile telephone network or other type of network. The
head end 12 may simultaneously communicate streaming channel
signals corresponding to all or a limited set of the channels from
the head end 12. The streaming channels are communicated through
the head end 12.
[0041] The system 10 may also include a second screen device 40.
The second screen device 40 may be various types of devices
including a mobile phone, a laptop, or a touch screen device,
tablet device or computer. The second screen device 40 may have a
screen display 42 used for displaying various types of information
as will be set forth further below. The second screen device 40 is
referred to as such because it is used together with the display 30
associated with the set top box 22. The second screen device 40 may
be referred to as a mobile device.
[0042] A local area network (LAN) 44 may also be incorporated into
the system. The local area network 44 may be in communication with
the set top box 22 and the second screen device 40. The local area
network 44 may be a wireless local area network.
[0043] The local area network 44 may also include a router 46. The
router 46 may allow the devices within the local area network 44 to
inter-communicate. In this example, the local area network 44 may
allow the second screen device 40 and the set top box 22 to
communicate. The router 46 may also communicate with the network
36.
[0044] The local area network 44 may be used to communicate the
streaming channels to the second screen device 40. The router 46
may be in communication with the head end 12 through the network
12.
[0045] A data services center module 50 (data services center) may
be in communication with the head end 12. The data services center
50 may also be included in the head end 12 as is illustrated. The
data services center 50 is in communication with the network 36 to
gather various data. As mentioned above, the network 36 may be the
internet. The data services center 50 may gather data from various
data sources 52 and act as a data server for distributing the data.
The data sources 52 may include data sources 52 for different types
of data related to the content provided. Examples of data will be
provided below. In general, the data may include actor information,
pictures, posters, ratings data, sports scores, and the like.
[0046] Another source of data in communication with the data
services center 50 is a social media source 54. Various types of
social media sources may be used including websites. Blogs,
Twitter.RTM., and Facebook.RTM. are examples of social media
sources or websites. The data services center 50, as will be
described below, may aggregate data from the various sources. The
data may be aggregated and indexed in a database with the head end
12 or data services center 50 to correspond to a content identifier
as will be described below.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 2, the head end 12 is illustrated in
further detail. The head end 12 may include various modules that
are interconnected. The interconnections have been eliminated in
the figure for simplicity. The head end 12 is illustrated as being
within one facility. However, various numbers of facilities with
different numbers of modules may be used in an actual
implementation.
[0048] The head end 12 may include an application system web
service module 110. The application system web service module 110
may be a configuration service that provides site definitions, host
uniform research locators and application settings. The application
system web service module 110 may be used to call other web
services such as the program guide web service 112. Interaction of
the application system web service 110 will be further described
below.
[0049] The program guide web service module 112 provides a listing
of content to various devices including the set top box 22. The
program guide web service module 112 may provide details for a grid
guide or specific data for a specific channel. The program guide
web service module 112 may deliver the program data, channel data,
ratings data or other forms of data to the second screen device
through the network 36 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0050] The data services center 50 is also illustrated as being
incorporated within the head end 12. The data services center 50
may include a second screen process module 114 for providing second
screen data to second screen devices with the system. As mentioned
above, the data services center 50 may be used to aggregate various
data from various sources that it may be provided to the second
screen device upon request.
[0051] The head end 12 may also include an authentication web
service module 120. The authentication web service 120 may act as a
look-up service to authenticate a user device such as the set top
box or the second screen device. The authentication web service
module 120 may also be used as a setup service that is used to
setup the second screen device based on various user parameters.
Such user parameters may include the type of device and the
services subscribed to. Some services may be selectively provided
to user devices for a fee.
[0052] The head end 12 may also include a content module 124. The
content module 124 may store content therein. The content module
124 may store movies or sports or other on-demand types of content.
Some content may be communicated on a pay-per-view basis.
Pay-per-view is communicated on a linear channel at a predetermined
time. The content module 124 may also be used to communicate live
content to users from a content source 126. The content source 126
may provide live or linear content. Linear content is content that
is broadcasted at a pre-scheduled time according to a
pre-determined schedule. Non-linear content, such as on-demand
content, is different than pay-per-view and is broadcasted upon
request and not according to a preset schedule.
[0053] A metadata module 128 may also provide data that is
broadcasted with the content. The metadata module 128 may also
provide data to the program guide web service 112. The metadata
module 128 may also include close-captioning, ratings data, or
other data that is broadcasted with the content or program
guide.
[0054] A content delivery network 130 is used to broadcast content
to the set top boxes. The content delivery network 130 may
broadcast formatted signals such as packetized signals. The
formatted signals may be broadcasted through the satellite 18 or
may be communicated through the network 36 illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0055] Referring now to FIG. 3, the set top box 22 is illustrated
in further detail. Although, a particular configuration of the set
top box 22 is illustrated, it is merely, representative of various
electronic devices with an internal controller used as a content
receiving device. The antenna 24 may be one of a number of
different types of antennas that may include one or more low noise
blocks associated therewith. The antenna 24 may be a single antenna
used for satellite television reception. Of course, multiple
antennas for different orbital slots may be used. In a cable system
no antenna may be used. Rather, a connector to a cable may be used.
The set top box 22, as described above, is coupled to a display 30.
The display 30 may have an output driver 310 within the set top box
22.
[0056] A controller 314 may be a general processor such as a
microprocessor that cooperates with control software. The
controller 314 may be used to coordinate and control the various
functions of the set top box 22. These functions may include a
tuner 320, a demodulator 322, a decoder 324 such as a forward error
correction decoder and any buffer or other functions.
[0057] The tuner 320 receives the signal or data from the
individual channel. The tuner 320 may receive data from a satellite
or a terrestrial source such as a cable. The tuner 320 may receive
television programming content, program guide data or other types
of data. The tuner 320 may be tuned to a particular channel under
the control of the controller 314 for recording or displaying a
particular channel or content.
[0058] The demodulator 322 demodulates the signal or data to form a
demodulated signal or data. The decoder 324 decodes the demodulated
signal to form decoded data or a decoded signal. The controller 314
may be similar to that found in current DIRECTV.RTM. set top boxes
which uses a chip-based multifunctional controller. Although only
one tuner 320, one demodulator 322 and one decoder 324 are
illustrated, multiple tuners, demodulators and decoders multiple
tunes, demodulators and decoders may be provided within a single
set top box 22.
[0059] The controller 314 may also include a hypertext transfer
protocol (HTTP) engine module 316 and a television application
framework module 318. The HTTP engine module 316 (HTTP engine) is
used to receive commands through the local area network 44. The
commands in this example are received from the second screen device
40. The HTTP engine module 316 receives the commands that are acted
upon by the controller 314. When the HTTP signals are received at
the HTTP engine 316 are remote control commands, the HTTP engine
exposes the underlying commands from the signal which are acted
upon by the controller 314. The remote control commands may be the
same commands that are used by a remote control device that are
used to control the set top box 22. Other commands may be received
at the HTTP engine 316 such as a tune command to tune a tune the
tuner 320 to a particular channel for viewing or recording or
storing within the set top box 320.
[0060] The television (TV) application framework module 318 is used
for launching various applications such as a widget that is
viewable on the television. The widgets may be displayed on top of
the video on the display 30. In this particular example, the
television application framework module 318 may be used to
communicate with the data services center 50 illustrated in FIG. 1.
The TV application framework module 318 may request data for user
accounts, program information, sports data, or the like from the
data services center 50. The TV application framework module 318
may receive the requested data and display the data in a particular
format or position on the display 20.
[0061] The controller 314 is in communication with a memory 330.
The memory 330 is illustrated as a single box. The memory 330 may
actually be a plurality of different types of memory including the
hard drive, a flash drive and various other types of memory. The
memory 330 may be other types of memory or sections of different
types of memory. The memory 330 may be non-volatile memory or
volatile memory.
[0062] The memory 330 may include storage for various operational
data collected during operation of the set top box 22. For example,
the memory 330 may store various types of data including set top
box playlist data that has the playlist for content saved within
the memory 330. Another type of data stored in the memory is the
favorite settings for the set top box 22. Another type of data in
the memory 330 may include the channels subscription data, the
blocked channels, adult channels, rating limits set by the set top
box 22, current set top box language, prioritizer data, TV
resolution data, to do list data, the conditional access module
identifier, time zone data, time of day daylight savings, status
data, aspect ratio data, viewing hours data, quick tune list and a
zip code.
[0063] The memory 330 may also store the advanced program guide
data. The memory 330 may store program guide data that is received
at the head end. The program guide data may include amounts of data
including two or more week's worth of program guide data. The
program guide data may be communicated to the set top box 22 in
various manners including through the satellite 18 of FIG. 1. The
program guide data may include a content or program identifiers,
and various data objects corresponding thereto. The content
identifier may include series data. The first 4 digits may, for
example, identify the series. The program guide may include program
characteristics for each program content. The program
characteristic may include ratings, categories, actor, director,
writer, content identifier, producer data and event type. The data
may also include various other settings.
[0064] The memory 330 may also include a digital video recorder
332. The digital video recorder 332 may be a hard drive, flash
drive, or other memory device. A record of the content stored in
the digital video recorder is a playlist. The playlist may be
stored in the DVR 332 or other parts of memory 330.
[0065] The set top box 22 may also include a user interface 350.
The user interface 350 may be various types of user interfaces such
as a keyboard, push buttons, a touch screen, a voice activated
interface or the like. The user interface 350 may be used to select
a channel, select various information, change the volume, change
the display appearance, or other functions. The user interface 350
may also be used for selecting recommendation and providing
feedback for recommendations as will be described below.
[0066] A network interface 352 may be included within the set top
box 22 to communicate various data through the networks 36/44
described above. The network interface 352 may be a WiFi, WiMax,
WiMax mobile, wireless, cellular, or other types of communication
systems. The network interface 352 may use various protocols for
communication therethrough including, but not limited to, hypertext
transfer protocol (HTTP).
[0067] The set top box 22 may also include a conditional access
module 360. The conditional access module 360 prevents unauthorized
reception of the television signals through the antenna 24. The
conditional access module 360 may use a cryptographic hash to
authorize the use and display of the received signals.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 4, a block diagrammatic view of the
second screen device 40 illustrated in FIG. 1 is set forth. As
mentioned above, the second screen device 40 is a user device that
includes a display or screen. The second screen device 40 may be a
tablet computer, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, or the like.
One example of such a device is an iPad.RTM. Apple Corp. The second
screen device 40 includes a controller 410. The controller 410 may
include a central processing unit that is microprocessor-based. The
controller 410 performs various functions including controlling a
screen display 42. The controller 410 is also in communication with
a user interface 414. The user interface 414 may be one or a
combination of different types of user interfaces depending upon
the device. Many tablet computers include push-buttons or touch
screens or both. Keyboards, styluses and other types of input
devices may also be used as a user interface 414 of the
second-screen device. The user interface 414 is used to provide
various inputs and responses to elements displayed on the screen
display 42. When the user interface is a touch screen or touch
display, the screen display 42 and the user interface 414 may be
one in the same. More than one user interface 414 may be
incorporated into the second screen device 40.
[0069] The controller 410 may include a gesture recognition module
416. A gesture originates from a bodily motion associated with a
touch screen. Gestures are interpreted by a mathematical algorithm
within the gesture recognition module 416. Various types of
gestures may perform various functions depending upon the screen
display. In the present example, a media player may be sized by
"pinching" or "spreading" the media player window. Touching,
sliding or other gestures may be performed with the different
meanings based on the screens displayed and the context. Other
gestures, such as a swipe gesture, also move or initiate a
particular procedure. Touching the touch pad in a particular
location may activate a menu. In the present example, a combination
gesture such as a touch followed by an upward swipe motion on the
screen display may communicate a tune signal to the set top box.
The gesture recognition module 416 mathematically recognizes a
touching or a plurality of touchings of the touch screen and
initiates a function performed by the controller 410 in conjunction
with other modules within the second screen device 40.
[0070] A memory 420 is also in communication with the controller
410. The memory 420 may include different types of memory that
store different types of data. The memory 420 may store operating
software for the device, operating data, user settings, video,
music, documents, and applications. The applications may perform
various functions, including an application for communicating with
a set top box 22 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3 and obtaining data
from the set top box and data services center. The application may
allow the second screen device 40 to communicate directly with the
data service center 50. A web interface 430 may be used for
communicating with the data services center 50 and the set top box
22. The web interface 430 may allow a connection to the network 36
and network 44. The web interface 430 may allow communication
through a wireless network such as a local area network, a wide
area network or a mobile or cellular network.
[0071] In the present example, the controller 410 allows the user
to customize the screen display 42 to display various types of data
in a user-controlled format. That is, the screen display 42 may be
customized to display the data desired by the user. The second
screen device 40 may act as an extension of the set top box 22 and
display 30 as illustrated in FIG. 1 to display additional
information about the programming shown through the set top box 22.
The data is received through the web interface 430.
[0072] Referring now to FIG. 5, a method for using the second
screen device 40 to display related content to enhance the viewing
experience of the user is set forth. Different types of data from
different sources may be displayed on the second screen device.
[0073] In step 510, an application is stored in a memory of the
second screen device 40. An application is a program that interacts
with the user interface and the controller to perform a function.
In this example, the second screen device and the set top box
interact to receive and transmit specific content data using the
application. In step 512, an application is stored in the set top
box. The application in the set top box, in this example, allows
the set top box to communicate with the second screen device and
provide data thereto. The data may be data about or related to
video content. Also, the application within the set top box
controls the display associated with the set top box to display
various data associated with the application.
[0074] In step 514, the set top box is tuned to various content.
The set top box may be tuned to live television which is referred
to as linear content. The display associated with the set top box
may thus display content in real time. The set top box may also be
used to playback content from a digital video recorder. Thus,
content stored within the digital video recorder is played back and
displayed on the screen display. The content displayed on the
screen display may have a content identifier associated therewith.
The content identifier and other metadata may be displayed but, is
used to identify the content. The broadcasting system typically
associates a content identifier with the content.
[0075] In step 516, a second screen application is launched at the
second screen device. The process for authentication and the like
is set forth in greater detail below. In step 518, a content
information request signal is generated at the second screen
device. The content information request signal may be communicated
to the HTTP engine of the set top box. The content information
request signal may thus use HTTP to configure the request. In step
520, the content information request signal is communicated to the
HTTP engine of the set top box through the local area network.
[0076] In step 522, a content information request signal is
generated at the set top box. The content information signal may
include a content identifier corresponding to the content being
displayed from the set top box. That is, the content information
signal may include a content identifier. The content identifier may
be an alphanumeric identifier uniquely identifying the content
being displayed through the set top box. Other information may also
be included in the content information signal including program
characteristics including a series identifier, episode identifier,
event type identifier, date identifiers, ratings, category, actor,
director, writer, title and the like. The content information
signal may also include channel data. The channel data may include
a channel identifier for the channel to which the set top box is
currently tuned. The channel data may also include the channel or
network or both from which the content was recorded when a
recording is played back through the set top box. The show or
content name and episode data may be used for identifier rather
than an alphanumeric identifier.
[0077] In step 524, the content information signal is communicated
to the second screen device. The content information signal may be
communicated through the HTTP engine 316 illustrated in FIG. 3.
Thus, the content information signal may be formatted in an HTTP
format.
[0078] In step 526, the second screen device receives the content
information signal and generates a request for related data signal
using the content data received in the content information signal.
The second screen device may generate the request for related data
in an HTTP protocol. In step 528, the request for related data
signal is communicated to the data services center 50 illustrated
in FIG. 1. The data services center 50, as mentioned above, may be
part of the head end 12 or a separate server. The request for
related data signal may be communicated through the local area
network 44, the router 46 and the network 36 illustrated in FIG.
1.
[0079] In step 530, the data center aggregates related content data
from various sources. As mentioned above, the data sources 52 may
comprise various websites and the like. A social media website may
also be used for the aggregated data. The content may be aggregated
and coordinated based upon a content identifier. The data services
center 50 may aggregate data upon request or may aggregate data
continually so that it is available upon request. The aggregated
data may include, but is not limited to, pictures, social
commentary, trivia, ratings, merchandize procurement services, or
other types of data.
[0080] In step 532, the aggregated related content data generated
in step 530 is communicated to the second screen device. The
aggregated related content data may be communicated directly to the
second screen device using HTTP. In step 534, the aggregated
related content data at the second screen device is displayed. As
will be described further below, the data may be displayed in
user-selectable modules corresponding to the specific type of
data.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 6, a screen display 610 is illustrated
having various modules displayed thereon. The screen display 610
displays a homepage for DIRECTV.RTM. service referred to as
DIRECTV.RTM. Home. As mentioned above, various modules may be
displayed at any one time. A Currently Watching module 612 is
displayed as mentioned above the set top box identifies to the
second screen device the program currently being watched. The
program being watched may be a linear broadcast or programs
recorded on the set top box. An information button 614 and a record
button 616 may also be displayed along with data in a data portion
618. The more information button may be selected to obtain more
information regarding the program currently being watched. The
record button 616 may initiate a recording sequence for scheduling
recording of the current program. Other data that may be displayed
are the channel number 620, the channel name 622, and an image 626
corresponding to the current program. A title and time section 630
may also be used. A ratings indicator may also be displayed.
[0082] Another module is a guide listing module. In the present
example, the guide listing module is displaying guide favorites
(favorite channel listings). The guide favorites may be
user-selected using the edit button 642. The edit button may be
used to select the favorite channels. The edit buttons may also be
used to select the favorite programs, or pre-canned lists like
news, programs and children's programs. In this example, guide
favorites are displayed for a predetermined channel in a channel
module box 644. When a channel module box is selected using the
user interface such as the touch screen, further information and
details about the particular channel or program may be displayed
within the guide listing box 640. Recording options may also be
provided when further details is displayed.
[0083] Another module is a sports module 650. The sports module 650
may be configured in various manners according to user selections
by using the edit box 652. The sports module 650 may generate
sports scores for current events as well as listings for future
events. By selecting any one of the sports boxes 652, further
information may be obtained by the second screen device. A
recording box may also be provided after further information is
displayed. The sports module 650 may have scores updated after a
predetermined amount of time. For example, the sports may be
updated every 45 seconds. Of course, only sports scores with a
start time of the current day are updated.
[0084] A plurality of tabs 660-670 may be provided at the bottom of
the screen display of the second screen device. A remote tab 660
may be selected for a touch screen remote control to be displayed
on the display. A home tab 662 may be selected to display the
homepage with the user's selection of modules. Default settings may
be provided for first time users. The screen display 610
illustrates the home selection. The playlist tab 664 displays the
playlist of the digital video recorder within the set top box. The
playlist is a compilation of all of the content recorded on the set
top box. Some of these functions will be described further
below.
[0085] Referring now to FIG. 7, a second screen device 40 with the
screen display 42 displaying an application installation module 710
is set forth. The application installation module 710 includes a
positive query button 712 and a negative query button 714 for
determining whether live streaming is desired through the device
40. Live streaming allows the second screen device 40 to receive
channels from the head end for display on the display 42 associated
with the second screen device 40. As will be described below, a
media player may be amended that provides an overlay over the
existing screen or consume the entire screen.
[0086] Referring now to FIG. 8, various channels may be made
available for streaming. In box 810, live streaming channels may be
edited by selecting the selection boxes 812. Each sub-box 814
includes one selection box 812 and other identifiers such as a
channel 816, a network abbreviation 818 and a full channel title
820. By selecting and deselecting the selection boxes 812, a list
of channels may be generated. The list may be displayed in a module
illustrated in FIG. 6 so that quick access may be provided to the
user of the second screen device 40.
[0087] Referring now to FIG. 9, a media player for displaying
streaming channels may also have various parental settings
associated therewith. A parental setting control box 910 may be
activated from a settings module 912. The parental controls may
include controls for hiding adult channels and titles in box 914,
controls for setting the movie rating limits in box 916, controls
for setting the TV show ratings in box 918 and controls allowing
shows with no ratings to be displayed in box 920. Controls for
setting viewing hours for Monday through Thursday are in box 922,
Fridays and Saturdays in box 924 and Sundays in box 926. The
setting of parental controls may be protected by a passcode.
[0088] Referring now to FIG. 10, a passcode entry box 1010 provides
means for setting a passcode for changing parental controls.
Without entering a passcode in the code boxes 1012, the parental
controls may not be changed.
[0089] Referring now to FIG. 11, the parental controls may also be
enabled using a password box 1110. The password box 1110 allows a
password to be entered in the dialog box 1112. Entering a password
in a password box 1110 is an alternative to the passcode of FIG.
10.
[0090] Referring now to FIG. 12, when the movie box 916 is selected
in FIG. 9, desired movie ratings may be set in a movie ratings box
1210. Movie ratings may be selected or deselected at the selection
buttons 1212. An indicator such as a check for selected and slash
for deselected may be used.
[0091] Referring now to FIG. 13, a TV ratings box 1310 may appear
when the TV shows box 918 of FIG. 9 is selected. Suitable parental
ratings may be selected in the TV show box 1310. An indicator such
as a check for selected and slash for deselected may be used.
[0092] Referring now to FIG. 14, each rating may also have specific
limitations as shown in the boxes 1410. The rating may be allowed
unless certain sub-ratings are present. For example, when TV-PG is
selected as viewable from FIG. 13, various types of sub-ratings may
be selected as unviewable using the selector buttons 1412. In this
example, suggestive dialog and sexual content are allowed to be
viewable within the PG category while language content and violence
are not allowed to be viewable. Thus, a parent can control
allowable sub-ratings.
[0093] Referring now to FIG. 15, a dialog box 1510 for allowing
programs with no ratings to be displayed is set forth. In this
example, programs with no ratings are allowed as indicated by the
selector button 1512.
[0094] Referring now to FIG. 16, a timing window 1610 may be
generated when one of the viewing hours boxes 922-926 is selected
in FIG. 9. In this manner, the time window for viewing hours may be
set. The start time may be set in box 1612 and the duration of
viewing hours may be set in box 1614. "All day" may be enabled or
disabled in box 1616.
[0095] Referring now to FIG. 17, a channel blocking box 1710 is set
forth. The channel blocking box 1710 provides a list of channels
1712 and selection boxes 1714 for selecting and de-selecting
channels to be blocked from live streaming. In this example, all
channels that the user is subscribed to may be displayed. All
channels may be defaulted in an allowable state. By selecting the
selection boxes 1714, the allowed or disallowed state may be
changed.
[0096] Referring now to FIG. 18, the second screen device 40 having
the screen display 42 is illustrated having a live streaming module
1810. The live streaming module 1810 has "The Dan Patrick Show"
selected. Each of the other titles in the live streaming module
1810 has not been selected. When a particular title box 1812 has
been selected by a gesture, a control box 1814 may be displayed.
Selection of a title box 1812 may be performed by touching a title
box 1812. The control box 1814 may include various buttons
including a watch button 1816, an info button 1818 and a record
button 1820. By selecting the watch button 1816, two different
selections may be enabled in this example. The watch button 1816
may be expanded to include an "on-TV button" 1822 and an
"on-iPad.RTM. button" 1824. By selecting one of the two buttons
1822, 1824 associated with the watch button 1816, the particular
content corresponding to the particular channel may be watched on
either the television associated with the set top box or on the
iPad.RTM.. That is, the second screen device 40 may receive an IP
stream from the head end corresponding to a channel on which the
particular content title is being broadcasted. By selecting the
"on-TV" button, the controlled set top box may be tuned to the
desired channel for the content. As is illustrated in FIG. 18, a
set top box selection box 1830 is illustrated. In this example,
"family room" is selected which corresponds to a particular set top
box such as in the family room. Other set top boxes in a household
or system may be controlled. The controlled set top box may be
changed by selecting the button 1830.
[0097] By selecting the "info" button 1818, information
corresponding to the particular content may be displayed. As
mentioned above, different types of information data may be
displayed including actor information, descriptions of the content,
maturity ratings, audience ratings, posters and the like. Selecting
the "info" button 1818 may initiate a window or module to open for
display the information data.
[0098] By selecting the record button 1820, recording the content
in the set top box selected in the set top box selection box 1830
may be provided.
[0099] Referring now to FIG. 19, restrictions may be applied to
live streaming so that live streaming is only available through the
same local area network as the set top box. A warning box 1920 may
describe that live streaming is unavailable when not on the same
network as a set top box within the system. Of course, this may not
be a requirement depending on system requirements.
[0100] Referring now to FIG. 20, when "watching" on the second
screen device is selected from the menu in FIG. 18, a media player
window 2010 is displayed. The media player window 2010 displays
content streaming from the head end within an area of the touch
screen bounded by the media player edges 2011. The media player
window may include a title bar 2012 which displays the title of the
content. A channel indicator 2014 may also be displayed. An arrow
key 2016 may be selected for bring up an additional menu for
performing various actions.
[0101] The media player window 2010 may be moved or resized using
gestures. A close button 2018 may be selected for closing the media
player window 2010.
[0102] Referring now to FIG. 21, a drop-down additional menu
displayed in response to selecting the arrow key 2016 is set forth.
In this menu, a "watch on TV button" which is a tune selection box
2110 is provided. The tune selection box 2110, when selected, may
send a tuning command to the set top box for tuning the set top box
to the channel being streamed to the second screen device. However,
the set top box may not tune to the streaming channel but rather to
the direct connection through the satellite or through a cable head
end.
[0103] An information box 2112 may also be provided in the dropdown
menu. The info button 2112 may allow further information to be
displayed on the second screen device. A share button 2114 may use
social networking to share the content title with pre-determined
friends in a social network setting. A record button 2116 may also
be present on the dropdown menu. By selecting the record button
2116, a record command signal may be communicated to the set top
box through the local area network. When the record command signal
is received by the set top box, one of the tuners is selected to
receive the same channel through the satellite or cable network so
that the content is recorded in the memory of the set top box.
[0104] Referring now to FIG. 22, a gesture indicator 2210 is
illustrated within the media player. In this example, the gesture
indicator 2210 is displayed in response to a single finger tap for
longer than a predetermined amount of time such as two seconds.
After the second screen device recognizes the initial gesture, a
second gesture comprising a movement in an upward direction as
indicated by the arrow 2212 on the touch screen causes the second
screen device to generate a tune command. The tune command 2212 may
include a set top box identifier corresponding to the connected set
top box. In this example, the living room indicator 2214 indicates
the living room set top box is in communication with the second
screen device. The tune command may thus include an
Internet-protocol (IP) address of the living room set top box and a
channel identifier or other content identifier. The set top box is
then tuned to the channel being displayed on the second screen
device.
[0105] Referring now to FIG. 23, an indicator box 2310 may generate
an indicator stating that the tune signal has been communicated to
a particular device. In this example, the living room is the device
being tuned by the second screen device. The indicator may be
displayed for a short time.
[0106] Referring now to FIG. 24, a method for operating a second
screen device with a set top box is set forth. In step 2410, an
application for the second screen device is installed on the second
screen device. Similarly, an application may be required to be
installed on the set top box. This step may only be required to be
performed once. In step 2412, an optional step of setting the
parental controls within the set top box may be performed. As
mentioned, various aspects of parental controls may be controlled
depending upon the particular system requirements. For example, the
movie rating, the television rating, the viewing time restrictions,
and other specific parental ratings may be set. Examples are set
forth above in FIGS. 9-17. A passcode may also be set in step 2412
to prevent unauthorized changes to the parental control
settings.
[0107] In step 2414, a channel list suitable for streaming may be
displayed on the second screen device. In step 2416, a channel may
be selected for display on the second screen device. In step 2418,
content is communicated with a content identifier or other content
data to the second screen device. The content may be streamed using
a channel stream corresponding to an over-the-air broadcast channel
stream. The channel stream may, however, be formatted for various
mobile devices in a different format such as an IP format.
[0108] In step 2420, the channel data associated with the content
channel and the content or program displayed is compared to the
parental settings. If the channel data does not meet the parental
settings, step 2421 prevents the display of the channel. In step
2420, when the channel data is within the parental settings, the
channel may be displayed. It should be noted that the channel
content and thus the channel data may continually change.
Therefore, the step of 2420 may be continually performed especially
during program transition times within the channel. That is, at
some point a different program may be displayed on the channel that
has a different rating and thus the ratings may be continually
monitored.
[0109] After the channel data (optionally) meets the parental
settings, step 2422 displays content from the channel and the media
player on the mobile device. Step 2422 may launch the media player
as an overlay on the second screen device. Various controls may
also be associated with the media player. For example, the media
player may be sized or repositioned since it is an overlay. Various
positions or the like may be performed with gestures on a touch
screen in step 2424. When a gesture is identified for which tuning
is desired, step 2426 is performed. The gesture from step 2424 may
correspond to touching an area on the tough screen within the outer
boundaries of the media player for a predetermined amount of time
and then generating an upward motion on the touch screen. When a
particular gesture is identified using mathematical algorithms, the
controller of the set top box determines a tuning signal is
required. The tuning signal is generated in step 2426. The tuning
signal, as mentioned above, may include a content identifier or
channel identifier which is sent to the set top box through the
local area network. A set top box identifier may also be included
within the tune signal. As mentioned above, both the second screen
device and set top box may be required to be in the same network or
the same router depending upon rights granted from the content
suppliers. In other situations, there may be no requirement between
or for the same local area network.
[0110] In step 2428, the set top box may be tuned in response to
the tune signal. That is, the controller may generate a tuner
control signal that tunes the tuner to a broadcasted channel being
received at the set top box. Typically, the channel signal may be
received through a cable or from a satellite. Once tuned, the set
top box generates an output signal corresponding to the channel in
the tune signal.
[0111] In step 2430, a tuning confirmation indicator may be
generated at the second screen device. That is, the indicator as
set forth above may be displayed on the screen of the second screen
device indicating that the tuning signal was sent to the set top
box. The name of the particular set top box may be set forth.
[0112] Referring back to step 2424, when the gesture identified
corresponds to a recording area or a recording selection, step 2450
may be performed. In step 2450, recording content may be desired
from the second screen device. If the gesture does not correspond
to a recording selection, step 2422 may again be performed. The
current example is only provided with two selections or gestures.
Of course, other gestures may be used to perform different
functions.
[0113] In step 2450 when recording content is selected from the
media player displayed on the media player of the second screen
device, step 2452 communicates a record command signal having a
content identifier and/or a channel identifier to the set top box.
The recording signal also may include a set top box identifier
since more than one set top box may be in a household.
[0114] Step 2454 tunes a tuner to record the content on the content
channel and stores the content within the set top box according to
the record signal.
[0115] Those skilled in the art can now appreciate from the
foregoing description that the broad teachings of the disclosure
can be implemented in a variety of forms. Therefore, while this
disclosure includes particular examples, the true scope of the
disclosure should not be so limited since other modifications will
become apparent to the skilled practitioner upon a study of the
drawings, the specification and the following claims.
* * * * *