U.S. patent application number 15/799096 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-01 for system and a method adapted to display epg media content from the world wide web.
The applicant listed for this patent is Magine Holding AB. Invention is credited to Mattias Hjelmstedt, Mats Johan Liseborn.
Application Number | 20180063571 15/799096 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49165880 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180063571 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hjelmstedt; Mattias ; et
al. |
March 1, 2018 |
SYSTEM AND A METHOD ADAPTED TO DISPLAY EPG MEDIA CONTENT FROM THE
WORLD WIDE WEB
Abstract
A system and a method of a remote control adapted to display
media content from the World Wide Web. This is accomplished by
utilizing a smart-phone as a remote control by an application
program, and transmitting the media content through a backend
system utilizing WI-FI adapters to transmit streaming media to for
instance a HDMI TV. Moreover, the invention provides viewing
already aired programs through an electronic program guide
(EPG).
Inventors: |
Hjelmstedt; Mattias;
(Sollentuna, SE) ; Liseborn; Mats Johan;
(Gustavsberg, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Magine Holding AB |
Stockholm |
|
SE |
|
|
Family ID: |
49165880 |
Appl. No.: |
15/799096 |
Filed: |
October 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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14531017 |
Nov 3, 2014 |
9813752 |
|
|
15799096 |
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PCT/SE2013/000119 |
Jul 26, 2013 |
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14531017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4821 20130101;
H04N 21/42222 20130101; H04N 21/25875 20130101; H04N 5/445
20130101; H04N 21/4222 20130101; H04N 21/43635 20130101; H04N
21/43637 20130101; H04N 21/4183 20130101; H04N 21/4325 20130101;
H04W 4/50 20180201; H04N 21/6587 20130101; H04N 21/4334 20130101;
H04N 21/47202 20130101; H04N 21/4227 20130101; H04N 21/42684
20130101; H04N 21/42221 20130101; H04N 21/42209 20130101; H04N
21/4627 20130101; H04N 21/41265 20200801; H04N 21/6125 20130101;
H04N 21/4782 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H04N 21/422 20110101
H04N021/422; H04W 4/00 20090101 H04W004/00; H04N 21/433 20110101
H04N021/433; H04N 21/6587 20110101 H04N021/6587; H04N 21/61
20110101 H04N021/61; H04N 21/482 20110101 H04N021/482; H04N 21/4782
20110101 H04N021/4782; H04N 21/472 20110101 H04N021/472; H04N
21/4627 20110101 H04N021/4627; H04N 21/4363 20110101 H04N021/4363;
H04N 5/445 20110101 H04N005/445; H04N 21/432 20110101 H04N021/432;
H04N 21/426 20110101 H04N021/426; H04N 21/4227 20110101
H04N021/4227; H04N 21/418 20110101 H04N021/418; H04N 21/258
20110101 H04N021/258 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 27, 2012 |
SE |
1200467-7 |
Apr 22, 2013 |
SE |
1300294-4 |
Claims
1-18. (canceled)
19. A system adapted to display media content from the World Wide
Web, through a backend system providing media content through an on
screen electronic program guide (EPG), comprising: a remote control
equipped with a screen showing said electronic program guide
retrieved from said backend system on said screen; a software
application program enabling a remote control user to watch
specific media content on demand backwards in time on at least one
of said remote control screen, and an apparatus with a screen; and
on said remote control being configured to prompt playback of an
already aired recorded program of said electronic program
guide.
20. A system according to claim 19, wherein a currently airing
program is paused, and time-shifted back in time in response to
user input on said remote control.
21. A system according to claim 19, wherein it records and stores
all electronic program guide channels, making its content available
for a period of time after it has been sent.
22. A system according to claim 21, wherein said period of time is
determined by the provider of the present invention, or set on the
request of end-users.
23. A system according to claim 19, wherein said remote control is
constituted by at least one of an IPhone .RTM., IPad .RTM., and an
android device.
24. A system according to claim 19, wherein it comprises: an
apparatus with a screen having a high-definition multimedia
interface (HDMI) capability; an interface to said apparatus screen
high-definition multimedia interface, said interface being equipped
with at least one of a WI-FI adapter, and a wired connection to the
World Wide Web; said remote control being equipped with said
screen, and at least one of a WI-FI adapter, a cellular network
connection by radio communication, and a web browser said at least
one of said WI-FI adapter, and cellular network connection by radio
communication, being in connection with at least one of a WI-FI
access point, a cellular network by radio communication, and
controlling said apparatus indirectly through said backend system;
a software application (app) program adapted to connect to said
backend system, showing electronic program information (EPG) about
media content on said remote control, said remote control
downloading said software application once, which uses at least a
UserID to login to said EPG server, and said software application,
through said server providing the remote control user to watch
media content on said apparatus at premises where a smart TV is
provided, browsing said electronic program information and
selecting a media content to be viewed by a user of said remote
control through said backend system; and said software application
program re-directing the selected streaming media content to at
least one of said WI-FI access point, and a wired connection to the
World Wide WEB, and addressing said apparatus, which is at least
one of in WI-FI transmitting proximity to said apparatus, and in
wire connection to said World Wide Web, receiving said streaming
selected media content from said backend system, and displaying
said media content on said apparatus screen through at least one of
said apparatus WI-FI adapter, and a wired connection to the World
Wide Web.
25. A system according to claim 24, wherein said interface to said
apparatus screen high-definition multimedia interface is embedded
in said apparatus.
26. A system according to claim 24, wherein said WI-FI access point
is a broadband modem recognized by its IP-address.
27. A system according to claim 24, wherein said interface to said
apparatus screen high-definition multimedia interface is a dongle
inserted in a HDMI port of said apparatus.
28. A system according to claim 24, wherein said dongle is equipped
with a USB port for powering of said dongle.
29. A system according to claim 24, wherein said web browser is
utilized together with a plug in supporting Digital Rights
Management (DRM) access control.
30. A system according to claim 24, wherein said apparatus is at
least one of an IPhone .RTM., IPad .RTM., a TV-set, Laptop,
computer, and an android device.
31. A system according to claim 24, wherein a camera/scanner of the
remote control is utilized to photograph/scan a barcode from the
screen of the apparatus, whereby the barcode comprises all of the
apparatus particulars needed to receive media content from the
backend system.
32. A system according to claim 24, wherein, the redirecting of the
media content to the apparatus WI-FI adapter is accomplished by
utilizing the apparatus media access control address, MAC address,
and it is also added a unique code.
33. A system according to claim 24, wherein an EPG menu or other
menu presenting media content can be pushed through the remote
control to the apparatus to enable an end user to choose media to
watch from said apparatus screen, and to select the media to
watch.
34. A system according to claim 19, wherein the software
application program is adapted to show the electronic program guide
(EPG) of media content on said remote control.
35. A system according to claim 34, wherein the EPG includes a
graphical element extending in a column direction indicating
current point in time of the media content, and scrolling the
graphical element in a row direction effects selection of media
content already broadcast in the past.
36. A method adapted to display media content from the World Wide
Web, through a backend system providing media content through an on
screen electronic program guide (EPG), comprising: providing a
remote control equipped with a screen showing said electronic
program guide retrieved from said backend system on said screen;
providing a software application program enabling a remote control
user to watch specific media content on demand backwards in time on
at least one of said remote control screen, and an apparatus
screen; and prompting with said remote control playback of an
already aired recorded program of said electronic program guide.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION DATA
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/531,017 filed on Nov. 3, 2014, which is a
continuation of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/SE2013/000119 filed
Jul. 26, 2013, the entireties of which are incorporated herein by
reference to the extent permitted by law. The present application
claims the benefit of priority to Swedish Patent Application No. SE
1200467-7 filed on Jul. 27, 2012 in the Swedish Patent Office and
Swedish Patent Application No. SE 1300294-4 filed on Apr. 22, 2013,
the entireties of which are incorporated by reference herein to the
extent permitted by law.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention pertains to a system, and a method
adapted to display media content from the World Wide Web, through a
backend system providing media content through an electronic
program guide (EPG).
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Currently, media such as cable TV is transmitted to a
television set by cable through for instance a set top box, i.e. an
end-user/TV viewer is not able to connect to the Internet in order
to catch media material, and directly send it to the TV set. To be
able to view media content from the Internet, the end-user has to
connect a computer to the TV set. Also, the end-user has to have a
computer with an HDMI port/interface to be able to view HDMI
content.
[0004] For the layman end-user it is a problem to connect a
computer to a set top box and TV.
[0005] It is appreciated that a new set of TVs already are equipped
with WI-FI adapters, i.e. so called smart-TV-sets. But there are
huge amounts of quite new TV-sets, which lack a WI-FI adapter, and
in accordance with the present invention such TV-sets can also be
utilized to perform the present invention.
[0006] Patent application document EP 2124440 A1 describes a
portable terminal such as a cellular phone utilized indirectly
through an electronic content guide (ECG) server to provide media
to for instance a TV-set. This is accomplished by the cellular
phone communicating at least once with the TV-set, transmitting
information to the TV-set using near field communication such as
infrared. Hence, it does not describe how media is sent to a TV-set
directly to the TV-set through for instance WI-FI communication
without a direct communication between the cellular phone, and the
TV-set. See column 8 [22], lines 3-9. Furthermore, FIG. 1 clearly
illustrates that there is a communication between the cellular
device 200, and the TV-set 300. Moreover, the portable terminal has
a terminal ID that allows identification of the terminal. Thus, the
terminal has identification to access the ECG, and not a UserID to
receive access to ECG information. This means for instance that the
portable terminal cannot be utilized at any place in the world
having an infrared connection as the near field communication means
for different TV-sets do not normally communicate with the same
communication protocol. As is to be understood in paragraph [0005],
the invention in accordance with EP 2124440A1 is intended to
replace a multiple of remote controls with one portable terminal
controlling different processing devices 300 as for instance at the
premises of a user 1. See FIG. 1.
[0007] An international patent application document published as WO
2011/047024 A1 discloses a smart phone to control an Internet TV
system. Hence, it discloses communication between an endpoint, for
instance a TV-set and a server, and vice versa in contrast, page 2.
Lines 7-9, to what is described below in accordance with the
present invention, which never communicates with the Internet
server. This is also expressed on page 5, line 22-25. Moreover, WO
2011/047024 A1 discloses that local activity, i.e. between smart
phone and TV-set, is required or desirable, page 9 line 3-4, which
is not the case with the present invention. Also a user of a smart
phone has to configure the phone, page 11 lines 14-19, which is not
the case with the present invention, which utilizes a downloaded
application (app) not requiring any user configuration to the smart
phone.
[0008] Furthermore, WO 2011/047024 A1 describes a cumbersome login
process, page 13, lines 3-10, i.e. the user of the smart phone has
to log in both to the TV-set through the smart phone, and to the
server with the same log in credentials. This inhibits the user to
utilize almost any other smart TV-set with a WI-FI adaption in the
world, and limits the access to Internet TV at the user premises,
which is in contrast to the described present invention.
[0009] Also, in a preferred embodiment the user has to login to the
endpoint (TV-set), page lines 10-14, lines 34-35. In the present
invention the smart phone only login to the server through its
UserID, and the server provides the connection to the TV-set. The
authentication process for the invention WO 2011/047024 A1 as
described in the latter is claimed in claim 1 a).
[0010] None of the mentioned background art devices suggests a
WI-FI communication.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] One aim among others of the present invention is to simplify
for end-users to watch media content from the Internet on a
television set with a WI-FI adapter. As such it also enables an end
user to watch already aired program content through an electronic
program guide.
[0012] Another important feature of the present invention comprises
that the remote control in the form of a smart phone or smart pad
is not directed to the apparatus it shall control, but to a backend
system in accordance with the present invention. One needed action
by a smart phone user is to download an application, app, which
uses at least a UserID to login to an EPG server in the Internet,
and the app through the server provides the smart phone user to
watch media content on for instance a TV-set almost anywhere in the
world where a smart TV is provided. This is not described through
the above mentioned prior art documents.
[0013] Hence, the present invention sets forth a system adapted to
display media content from the World Wide Web, through a backend
system providing media content through an on screen electronic
program guide (EPG), comprising:
[0014] at least one of a remote control being equipped with a
screen, and an apparatus with a screen showing the electronic
program guide retrieved from the backend system on the screen;
[0015] a software application program providing that the backend
system stores the electronic program information including metadata
of the content provided for a predetermined time, enabling a remote
control user at least one of watching specific media content on
demand backwards in time on the remote control screen, and on the
apparatus screen; and on the remote control prompting an already
aired recorded program in the electronic program guide provides
that the recorded program starts playing.
[0016] One embodiment of the present invention provides that a
currently airing program is paused, and time-shift back in time is
accomplished through the clicking.
[0017] Another embodiment provides that it records and stores all
electronic program guide channels, making its content available for
a period of time after it has been sent.
[0018] A further embodiment provides that the period of time is
determined by the provider of the present invention, or set on the
request of end-users.
[0019] In another embodiment the invention comprises:
[0020] the backend system providing media content through an
electronic program guide (EPG);
[0021] the apparatus with a screen having a high-definition
multimedia interface (HDMI) capability;
[0022] an interface to the apparatus screen high-definition
multimedia interface, the interface being equipped with at least
one of a WI-FI adapter, and a wired connection to the World Wide
Web;
[0023] the remote control being equipped with the screen, and at
least one of a WI-FI adapter, a cellular network by radio
communication, and a web browser, the at least one of a WI-FI
adapter, a cellular network by radio communication, being in in
connection with at least one of a WI-FI access point, a cellular
network by radio communication, and controlling the apparatus
indirectly through the backend system;
[0024] a software application (app) program adapted to connect to
the backend system, showing electronic program information (EPG)
about media content on the remote control, the remote control
downloading the software application once, which uses at least a
UserID to login to the EPG server, and the software application,
through the server providing the remote control user to watch media
content on the apparatus at premises where a smart TV is provided,
browsing the electronic program information and selecting a media
content to be viewed by a user of the remote control through the
backend system; and
[0025] the backend system server software application program
re-directing the selected streaming media content to at least one
of the WI-FI access point, and a wired connection to the World Wide
Web, and addressing the apparatus, which is at least in one of in
WI-FI transmitting proximity to the apparatus, and in wired
connection to the World Wide Web, receiving the streaming selected
media content from the backend system, and displaying the media
content on the apparatus screen through at least one of the
apparatus WI-FI adapter, and the wired connection to the World Wide
Web.
[0026] In one embodiment the present invention provides that the
remote control is constituted by at least one of an IPhone .RTM.,
IPad .RTM., and an android device.
[0027] Another embodiment provides that the interface to the
apparatus screen high-definition multimedia interface is embedded
in the apparatus.
[0028] A further embodiment provides that the WI-FI access point is
a broadband modem recognized by its IP-address.
[0029] Still one embodiment provides that the interface to the
apparatus screen high-definition multimedia interface is a dongle
inserted in a HDMI port of the apparatus.
[0030] A still further embodiment provides that the dongle is
equipped with a USB port for powering of the dongle.
[0031] Yet one embodiment provides that the web browser is utilized
together with a plug in supporting Digital Rights Management (DRM)
access control.
[0032] A further embodiment provides that the apparatus is at least
one of an IPhone .RTM., IPad .RTM., TV-set, Laptop, computer, and
an android device.
[0033] Yet a further embodiment provides that a remote control
inherent camera/scanner is utilized to photograph/scan a barcode
from the screen of the apparatus, whereby the barcode comprises all
of the apparatus particulars needed to receive media content from
the backend system.
[0034] Further, one embodiment provides that the invention remote
control
[0035] Indirectly utilizes the apparatus for remote control, but
the cloud backend system is remotely controlled to transmit media
content/menus to the apparatus.
[0036] Still another embodiment provides that the redirecting of
the media content to the apparatus WI-FI adapter is accomplished by
utilizing the apparatus media access control address, MAC address,
and it is also added a unique code.
[0037] Still one embodiment provides that an EPG menu or other menu
presenting media content can be pushed through the remote control
to the apparatus, thus an end user is able to choose media to watch
from the apparatus screen, and to select the media to watch by the
remote control.
[0038] Moreover, the present invention sets forth a method adapted
to display media content from the World Wide Web, through a backend
system providing media content through an on screen electronic
program guide (EPG), comprising:
[0039] providing at least one of a remote control being equipped
with a screen, and an apparatus with a screen showing the
electronic program guide retrieved from the backend system on the
screen;
[0040] adapting a software application program to connect to the
backend system, showing electronic program information (EPG) about
media content on the remote control screen, the remote control
downloading the software application once, which uses at least a
UserID to login to the EPG server, and the software application,
through the server providing the remote control user to watch media
content on the apparatus at premises where a smart TV is provided,
browsing the electronic program information and selecting a media
content to be viewed by a user of the remote control through the
backend system browsing the electronic program information and
selecting a media content to be viewed by a user of the remote
control through the backend system; and
[0041] prompting with the remote control on an already aired
recorded program in the electronic program guide providing that the
recorded program starts playing.
[0042] It is appreciated that the attached dependent method claims
adhere to the attached dependent system claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0043] Henceforth, reference is had to the accompanying drawings
throughout the present description for a better understanding of
the present inventions embodiments, and given examples,
wherein:
[0044] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a backend system utilized
by the system of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system
in accordance with the present invention;
[0046] FIG. 3 depicts a screen shot of the EPG menu in accordance
with the present invention; and
[0047] FIG. 4 depicts a screen shot of a similar EPG menu as in
FIG. 3, but also displaying a running media program.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0048] The present invention is at its core a system for
distributing live TV content to end consumers. It is in some ways
comparable to a traditional pay TV operation, but it differs in
some very significant ways. The defining characteristics of the
service provided by the invention comprises that it presents
content in a modern, easy to access views, such as on-screen EPGs
including rich metadata about the content provided, and searches
for content. Thus it is enabling to view live TV on a multitude of
devices, including smart-phones, pads, computers (through a web
browser), and TV sets. The interface to access content is very
similar on all devices/apparatuses. Current TV content providers
are not providing live TV broadcasted in real-time, but only
prerecorded content.
[0049] The system and method of the present invention does not tie
a subscription to a physical box such as a set top box as it
distributes content over the Internet/cloud, admitting anyone with
a subscription and a sufficient internet connection access to the
service. It operates over 3G/4G networks, as well as fixed internet
connections of about 2 Mbit or higher. The content is delivered in
a very high quality, even on networks with low bandwidth, the
perceived quality will often be significantly better than for
traditional TV distribution networks. Also, the system
records/stores all channels, making the content available for a
period of time after it has been sent. Even though the focus of the
present invention service is on distributing live TV content, the
service will also offer different types of on-demand content.
[0050] A principle among others that runs all the way through the
design of the consumer perspective of the present invention is the
end-user simplicity. In this sense it is constructed as simple as
possible for an end-user to consume live TV content, helping the
consumer finding content that is suitable for any particular
moment.
[0051] There are two different methods of finding and viewing
content through the system of the present invention, either the
consumer/end-user both searches and views the content on the same
device, or utilizes one device to search and browse for content,
and another device as the display for the actual content.
[0052] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system
10 in accordance with the present invention described further
below.
[0053] Now with reference to FIG. 1, as an example of the former,
it is provided a backend system 110 a consumer/end user 112 using a
smart phone for instance an iPhone .RTM. or android utilized to
browse through an electronic program guide (EPG) through an
application program (App) provided by the present invention. By
simply clicking/pressing/activating/prompting, or the like, a
channel symbol in the App, the live content of that channel from a
content provider 114 will start playing on the device. By
clicking/pressing/activating/prompting, or the like, an already
aired program, the recorded program will start playing. For a
currently airing program, it is also possible to pause and
time-shift back in time.
[0054] An example of the latter is a consumer 112 utilizing an iPad
.RTM. to browse for content, and when decided what to view, an
option to play the content "in the living room" or similar is
selected, enabling the living room TV set to start playing the
content. To access these types of use cases, the present invention
includes functions for connecting multiple devices to an account,
and allowing these devices to talk to and control each other. This
is closer described through the text referring to the attached FIG.
2.
[0055] An end user 112 can communicate for instance by utilizing
Akamai Technologies, Inc., which is an Internet content delivery
network, Limelight Networks, which provides simple, dynamic, user
interfaces, or Level 3 Communications, which is a multinational
telecommunications and Internet service provider company, and other
like communication providers 115.
[0056] In order to accomplish the latter, the present invention
backend system is firstly divided into two main parts, the Business
& Administrative System (BAS) 116 and the Media Handling System
(MHS). A third main part is the client application program/App that
provides consumers access to the present invention services.
[0057] As the name implies, BAS 116 handles the business and
administrative side of the present invention operation comprising
product and service offers to consumers, consumer account
information, such as contact information, current and past
subscriptions, payment methods, and the like. Furthermore, it
provides a customer self-service portal in a server, integration
with payment gateways, customer issue tracking, and usage analysis
for business development. Hereby, the BAS 116, in one embodiment is
built on top of Salesforce .RTM., utilizing the core Salesforce
.RTM. features for instance customer relation management (CRM), and
a 3rd party add-on product O2BCore .RTM. from ChikPea .RTM. for
product and subscription handling.
[0058] To build the BAS on top of Salesforce .RTM. provides many
benefits such as out of the box, Salesforce .RTM. already includes
a number of useful features, such as CRM, being a
cloud-based/Internet solution. Utilizing Salesforce .RTM. permits
to easily and quickly expand operations to new markets. Salesforce
.RTM. handles internationalization and localization of content,
which is also beneficial for quick expansion into new markets. As
such Salesforce .RTM. is a very open platform, allowing to extend
it if needed, as well as to integrate it through open application
programing interfaces (APIs) with e.g. the MHS. The O2BCore .RTM.
is a native Salesforce .RTM. add-on, which means that it is fully
built on top of Salesforce .RTM., extending the Salesforce .RTM.
data model with objects and functions for product and subscription
management.
[0059] The primary integration between BAS 116 and MHS is through
an Access Control Subsystem (ACS) which is part of MHS. The ACS
contains information about subscribers and what content they are
allowed to access, information which originates in BAS. As soon as
subscription information is updated in BAS, it will also be sent to
ACS. The main reason for having a copy of this information in MHS
is performance, as authorization checks are performed every time a
consumer tries to access a content item including both metadata and
actual media content.
[0060] Another point of integration provided is that the MHS feeds
back usage statistics from an Audit Logging Subsystem (ALS) 118 to
BAS, so that business development can analyze selected usage
data.
[0061] The MHS handles the actual media content and metadata 120
about the content. It also handles rating 122, recommendations 124,
and interaction with social networks 126 e.g. Facebook 128,
Twitter. In order to communicate with social networks 126, an end
user 112 has, in one embodiment, access to Janrain Engage 130,
which is a turnkey solution that empowers users to register or sign
in on your site with an account from one of 25+ social networks and
email providers, including Facebook 128, Google, Twitter and
Yahoo!. Simplify registration; eliminate the need for users to
remember passwords and access rich profile data from a user's 112
social network account with permission.
[0062] Moreover, Janrain Engage 130 also lets users 112 share
content or activities from your site to their social networks 126,
enabling word-of-mouth marketing and driving qualified referral
traffic. The Janrain Engage 130 is delivered through a set of
customizable JavaScript widgets and robust APIs. And the solution
supports cross-channel user 112 acquisition goals with SDKs for
mobile sites and applications.
[0063] Thus, in one embodiment of the present invention, the MHS
consists of the following subsystems; injection 132, transcoding
134, digital rights managing (DRM) 136, storage 138, streaming 140,
EPG , media metadata 120, rating 122, recommendation 124, audit
logging 118, access control 142, Social 126, real-Time
monitoring.
[0064] The injection 132 subsystem is responsible for getting
content master signals into the present invention system 110. This
Injection 132 subsystem is largely agnostic to the contribution
signal encoding format, transport layer, and physical delivery
media. For example, the encoding formats can be SDI, MPEG-2 4:2:2,
MPEG-2 4:2:0, MPEG-4 4:4:4, MPEG-4 4:2:2, MPEG-4 4:2:0, JPEG-2000
or SMPTE VC-1. As the transport layer can be SDI/ASI, IP, DVB-S2,
PDH, SDH or NGSDH (DTM).
[0065] Physical media can be fiber, coax, TP-cable, xDSL, radio
link or DTH. It can also be hybrid solutions such as IP over PDH or
Ethernet based FTTB. In one embodiment of the present invention,
the preferred contribution method is HD-SDI encoded signals over IP
on redundant fiber.
[0066] Moreover, the transcoding 134 subsystem is responsible for
taking the incoming contribution signal and transcode it into
formats suitable for delivery in the present invention
services.
[0067] The DRM Subsystem is in one embodiment a Widevine .RTM. DRM
solution. The DRM Subsystem takes the transcoded signal, divides it
into small segments for instance around 2 seconds of content per
segment, and wraps the segments in a DRM protective cover. Also,
the DRM 136 subsystem together with the ACS is responsible for
authenticating and authorizing access when a consumer 112 tries to
view a particular content item. In one embodiment all transcoded
and DRM 136 protected media files are stored on Amazon S3
.RTM..
[0068] The streaming of content is performed using HTTP Live
Streaming (HLS), and is thus essentially just serving files over
HTTP. Thus in one embodiment, the streaming 140 subsystem
essentially consists of a number of CDN Origin 144 Servers, and the
actual CDNs. As for now the present invention utilizes the Amazon
content delivery network (CDN) (CloudFront .RTM., but other CDNs
will be added.
[0069] The EPG 142 subsystem offers a REST API through which
consumers can access EPG data using a present invention client
application program/App. Both consumers and applications will need
to be authenticated and authorized. As such, the EPG 142 subsystem
contains information about available channels, the actual EPG data
per channel and day, and detailed information about programs. EPG
sources 146 are for instance provided by an external provider. For
example, EPG data is provided through EPG data in the XML format
from one of the EPG source 146 servers with the aid of an HTPP
call.
[0070] Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, the
media metadata 120 subsystem contains the same basic information as
the EPG 142 subsystem. In addition to this, the media metadata 120
subsystem will contain additional metadata about content from other
sources. Utilized as a primary interface to the media metadata 120
subsystem is for instance a REST API allowing general searches.
[0071] As mentioned in the latter, the system of the present
invention records 148 and stores 138 all EPG channels, making the
content available for a period of time after it has been sent. The
period of time is determined by the provider of the present
invention, and may be set on the request of end-users 112.
[0072] A rating 122 subsystem of the present invention handles
ratings of content items by consumers 112. The rating data may be
used for recommendations, as well as being displayed through the
social subsystem 126, which is a subject to consumer approval.
[0073] Moreover, a recommendation 124 subsystem produces
recommendations on what content may be of interest to a particular
consumer 112. Recommendations are based on data from several
sources, such as the audit logging 118 subsystem, the rating 122
subsystem, and the social 126 subsystem.
[0074] Hereby, the audit logging 118 subsystem handles logging of
any event in the MHS that may be of interest in an
after-the-fact-analysis. This includes both normal events such as a
consumer starting to view a particular content item; a new original
content item is imported into the MHS, and the like, as well as
extraordinary conditions, such as errors of different kinds.
[0075] The present invention ALS exposes an asynchronous API that
all MHS subsystems can use to post audit log events. The API is
built around the concept of topics, where each topic defines a
certain class of events. Each topic also defines a set of
parameters that must be included in an audit log event for that
particular topic. The ALS API rests on top of the Amazon Simple
Notification Service, whereby the ALS is an SNS listener which sits
on top of Amazon DynamoDB .RTM., storing all the audit log events.
This design permits to easily extend the types of events that can
be handled by the ALS. It also admits to perform efficient
post-processing of the audit logs using Amazon Elastic MapReduce
.RTM..
[0076] The access control subsystem is essentially a mapping from
subscriber IDs to the content items they are allowed to access. The
information in ACS is a copy of a subset of the subscriber
information available in the BAS. ACS will be utilized to authorize
access every time a consumer tries to access a content item.
[0077] In accordance with the present invention a social subsystem
integrates the MHS with social networks 126 such as Facebook 128,
Twitter, and Google+. This may include features such as publishing
information about the content a consumer has viewed, ratings, and
other information.
[0078] Furthermore, a real-time monitoring subsystem monitors and
graphs important system parameters, to give a quick view of the
system state and health to the operations staff of the present
invention.
[0079] The present invention system provides native Apps for iPhone
.RTM., iPad .RTM., and a number of android devices both phones and
pads, but not restricted to those mentioned. A reason for native
applications, as opposed to purely web-based applications, is that
they are providing a smoother end-user experience, and are able to
securely apply the DRM protection.
[0080] A web client/application program will be included in the
present invention, which for instance allows end-users utilizing a
computer to view content using a regular web browser together with
a player plug-in which supports the DRM system.
[0081] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates one embodiment of a system
10 in accordance with the present invention. Hereby, FIG. 1 depicts
the cloud/Internet/iCloud 12, wherein a backend system 14
comprising servers to operate, and to provide the operation of the
present invention utilizing the means/apparatuses/devices/software
and subsystems mentioned. This embodiment illustrates a TV
set/apparatus 16 with HDMI capabilities. It is appreciated that the
apparatus 16 could be a computer, Lap-Top, iPad .RTM., Android pad,
and like devices having smart device capabilities.
[0082] Moreover, a smart-phone/pad 18 such as an iPhone .RTM.
utilized as a TV remote control through an app stored in the phone
18. With aid of the App an end-user chooses the media content to
watch, and for instance clicks on it to view it, and the phones
WI-FI adapter/interface 20 connects 24 to a WI-FI access point (AP)
25, through its WI-FI adapter 20, whereby the WI-FI AP 25 connects
to the present 26 invention backend system 14 handling the
mentioned means which operate the system 10. The backend 14
processes demanded media content to view and re-directs the media
content to the WI-FI AP by addressing 28 the WI-FI adapter and HDMI
interface/dongle/TV embedded interface 22, and streaming media
content to the TV set. Communication signals in the system 10 are
wired through the connections 24, 26, 28 wireless and/or by cable,
by for instance utilizing the Internet protocol (IP), which is
schematically depicted in FIG. 2.
[0083] FIG. 3 depicts a screen shot 30 of the EPG menu in
accordance with the present invention. Thus the reference line 32
in one embodiment of the present invention, which depicts which of
the present in real time EPG menu programs that are available. The
EPG program menu depicts programs in the language they are
available, whereby the light grey colored fields 34 depict media
programs to be sent and/or programs already transmitted, but saved
to be watched backwards in time by scrolling the field 34 and/or
the line 32 to a backwards position for a user to view already
broadcasted media programs. The darker grey fields 36 depict
programs that are currently broadcasted.
[0084] FIG. 4 depicts a screen shot of a similar EPG menu as in
FIG. 3, but also displaying a running media program 38.
[0085] WI-FI is the name of a wireless networking technology that
uses radio waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and
network connections. The Wi-Fi Alliance, the organization that owns
the Wi-Fi .TM. term specifically defines Wi-Fi as any "wireless
local area network (WLAN) products that are based on the Institute
of Electrical and Electronics Engineers' (IEEE) 802.11
standards."
[0086] Alternatively in an embodiment of the present invention, the
remote control utilizes a cellular network by radio communication
to access the backend system 14, i.e. not a WI-FI adapter, to
direct media content to an apparatus 16.
[0087] It is appreciated that an alternative to only communicate
through WI-FI, would include that the apparatus 16 is wire
connected to the internet, but that the remote control still
accesses a WI-FI access point to re-direct media content to the
apparatus 16. Thus, the media content is transmitted from the
Internet to the apparatus through wire/cable.
[0088] In accordance with the present invention, as mentioned, a
HDMI Dongle 22 a small device with an HDMI interface and a WI-FI
interface/adapter is provided. This can be connected to e.g. a TV
set lacking smart-TV-set capabilities. Additionally, the dongle can
also be equipped with a universal serial bus, USB, interface for
power, which contains an application program which allows it to be
controlled by other present invention applications, such as the
iPhone .RTM. application program/App. This permits end-users to
view content on any TV set with an HDMI interface, using another
device as a remote control.
[0089] New modern smart-TV sets and like devices are already
provided with an embedded WI-FI adapter, and not utilizing a
dongle.
[0090] To summarize, servers ones in connection providing media
content through an electronic program guide accomplishing this, the
invention comprises a backend system 14 and/or comprising (EPG),
and an apparatus 16 with a screen having a high-definition
multimedia interface (HDMI) capability. Thus comprising an
interface 22 interfacing the apparatus 16 screen high-definition
multimedia interface, whereby the interface 22 is equipped with a
WI-FI adapter.
[0091] Moreover the system 10 provides a remote control 18 equipped
with, a screen, and at least one of a WI-FI adapter 20, a cellular
network radio communication capability, and a web browser, the
WI-FI adapter 20 is in connection with a WI-FI access point 25. A
software application program adapted to connect 24, 26 to the
backend system 14 through, shows electronic program information
(EPG) about media content on the remote control 18 screen browsing
the electronic program information and selecting a media content to
be viewed by an end-user 112 of the remote control 18. In this
sense, the remote control 18 could be in contact with any available
WI-FI access point 25, i.e. not only an access point situated in
the same room as the apparatus 16, but also with access point at
any place and country as the remote control not directly controls
the apparatus 16, but controls it from the backend system 14.
Hence, for instance any suitable TV-set in the world could be
initiated by e.g. a barcode function, as is further elaborated
below.
[0092] In order to clarify, the present invention remote control,
it does not directly utilize the apparatus 16 for remote control,
but the cloud backend system 14 is remotely controlled to transmit
media content/menus to the apparatus 16.
[0093] Furthermore, a backend system 14 server software application
re-directs the selected streaming media content to the WI-FI access
point 25 and addresses the apparatus 16, which is in WI-FI
transmitting proximity to the apparatus 16, and receives the
streaming selected media content from the backend system 14, and
displays the media content on the apparatus screen through the
apparatus WI-FI adapter 22. The redirecting of the media content to
the apparatus 16 WI-FI adapter is in one embodiment accomplished by
utilizing, the apparatus 16 media access control address, MAC
address, and it can also be added a unique code. This can either be
accomplished through an account in the backend system, held by an
end-user listing its devices in the account. Else, as an
alternative the remote control 18, when an apparatus 16 is utilized
for the first time in accordance with the present invention a
barcode is pushed to the TV-set initiated by the remote control 18,
and shown on the apparatus 16 screen. Thereafter, the remote
control inherent camera/scanner is utilized to photograph/scan the
barcode from the screen, whereby the barcode comprises all of the
apparatus particulars needed to receive media content from the
backend system 14 of the present invention. A barcode to be
utilized is a code able to contain enough of characters to hold the
apparatus 16 particulars such as a 2D or quick response code (QR)
and the likes.
[0094] The MAC address is a unique identifier assigned to network
interfaces for communications on the physical network segment. MAC
addresses are used for numerous network technologies and most IEEE
802 network technologies. One embodiment of the present invention
comprises that the MAC address and its unique assigned code is
utilized to pair the remote control 18 with an apparatus 16.
[0095] In one embodiment the EPG menu or other menu presenting
media content to can be pushed through the remote control 18 to the
apparatus 16. Thus the end user is able to choose media to watch
from the apparatus 16 screen, and to select the media to watch by
remote control 18. To push data means for instance to allow a
device/apparatus to be constantly awake to immediately download new
content such as emails, news feeds, menus and the like data as soon
as it is available.
[0096] The attached set of claims determines other possible
embodiments of the present invention to a person skilled in the art
of the present technical field.
* * * * *