GB2628152A

GB2628152A - A method, apparatus and computer program for selecting a service instance of a video service

Info

Publication number: GB2628152A
Application number: GB2303851.6A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Stuart Moore Nigel
Original assignee: Sony Group Corp
Current assignee: Sony Group Corp
Priority date: 2023-03-16
Filing date: 2023-03-16
Publication date: 2024-09-18
Also published as: WO2024189305A1

Abstract

A method comprising: receiving a priority associated with service instances of a video service; re-ordering the priority according to predetermined criteria; and selecting the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority. The priority information may be extracted from programme metadata. The method may further comprise selecting the instance with the highest priority when switching to a video service. The predetermined criteria may comprise user input, user preference, or a parameter of the reception apparatus (i.e. client device). The user preference may comprise a bandwidth, resolution, or accessibility setting. The parameter of the client device may comprise connection conditions (i.e. quality of service), battery level or power usage. The method may further comprise performing a frequency scan on terrestrial television bands to acquire channel frequency information that is matched to the priority information. The reordered priority information may be transmitted to a further client device. Also disclosed is an apparatus for carrying out the method.

Description

A METHOD, APPARATUS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR SELECTING A SERVICE

INSTANCE OF A VIDEO SERVICE

BACKGROUND

Field of the Disclosure

The present technique relates to a method, apparatus and computer program for managing a video service having a plurality of service instances.

Description of the Related Art

The "background" description provided herein is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in the background section, as well as aspects of the description which may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly or impliedly admitted as prior art against the present technique.

Digital Video Broadcasting -Internet (DVB-I) is a unified solution enabling a wide range of consumer devices, including smart TVs, set-top boxes, and mobile devices and in-vehicle systems to discover services delivered over broadband or broadcast by content providers or service providers. DVB-I aims to provide a standard for delivering multimedia content that can be optimized for both content providers and end-users, while preserving the high quality of service and reliability in traditional broadcast networks. For example, a DVB broadcast may contain multiple service instances, each one delivering a television program or movie via a different technology and/or in a different video resolution. Each service instance can have its own unique identification number and parameters, which allows reception devices such as television receivers to access or tune in to the specific content the end-user is interested in.

In view of this, there is expected to be a desire for current reception devices of digital video broadcasting services to provide flexibility for the users to manage the multiple service instances of the video services.

It s an a m of embodiments of the present disclosure to at least address this issue. SUMMARY According to the disclosure, there is provided a method of selecting a service instance of a video service having a plurality of service instances, comprising receiving a priority associated with each service instance of the video service; re-ordering the priority according to one or more predetermined criterion; and selecting the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority.

The foregoing paragraphs have been provided by way of general introduction, and are not intended to limit the scope of the following claims. The described embodiments, together with further advantages, will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS.

A more complete appreciation of the disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 describes a video service system according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 2A describes the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to some embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 2B describes the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to some other embodiments of the disclosure: Fig 2C shows a 2-D visualization of an example service list containing service instance variants according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 3 describes an example scenario in which a service instance of video service is manually selected based on user input to the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 4A shows a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus for manually selecting a service instance based on user input to the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 4B shows a flow chart describing a modified process in the reception apparatus for manually selecting a service instance based on user input to the reception apparatus according to some embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 5 describes an example scenario in which a service instance is automatically selected based on a condition of the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 6 shows a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus for automatically selecting a service instance based on a condition of the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure: Figure 7 describes an example scenario in which a service instance is automatically selected based on user preference stored in the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 8 shows a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus for automatically selecting a service instance based on user preference stored in the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 9 describes an example scenario in which a service list is shared with apparatuses associated with the reception apparatus of Figure 1 according to embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 10 describes an example programme metadata containing a service list according to some embodiments of the disclosure; and Figure 11 describes an example programme metadata containing a service list according to some embodiments of the disclosure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views.

The present disclosure provides a video service system which allows selecting a service instance of a video service having a plurality of service instances, with each service instance delivering the same service, such as a television program or a movie, via a different technology and/or in a different video resolution. In particular, the video resolution delivered by a service instance for the same service can have a fixed resolution or a variable resolution, such as a DASH service instance.. The selection of service instance is performed by using a video service reception apparatus, such as a smart TV, a set-top box, a computer, a tablet, a mobile phone, or an in-vehicle system, to first receive a default priority associated with each service instance of the video service. The reception apparatus then checks one or more predetermined criterion and re-order the priority associated with each service instance based on whether the predetermined criterion is satisfied. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the predetermined criterion may include a user input such as key press of a remote control. In some embodiments, the predetermined criterion may include user preference previously entered by the user and stored in the reception apparatus. For instance, the user preference may comprise a video resolution setting preferred by the user for the relevant video service, or a time period during which a certain video resolution setting is preferred. in some embodiments, the user preference may comprise a bandwidth setting of the network connection preferred by the user for the relevant video service, or a time period during which a certain bandwidth is preferred. In some embodiments, the user preference may comprise accessibility settings such as subtitles, languages, audio description tracks for example. In some embodiments accessibility information relating to accessibility features available in a stream may be obtained via DVB-I metadata in some embodiments history data related to streams or sources of content, optionally stored in memory of the reception apparatus or remotely may provide information relating to accessibility features available in a stream. In some embodiments, the predetermined criterion may include a status of the reception apparatus, such as quality of network connection, quality of received video signal, a value of a real time clock in the reception apparatus, or whether the network provider provides a data cap on the intend connection. Based on the re-ordered priority, the reception apparatus selects a service instance with the highest priority as the active service instance for providing the video service.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the default priority of service instances is determined based on programme metadata which is provided in accordance with the Digital Video Broadcasting Internet (DVB-I) standard.

With DVB-I, each video service or channel can have multiple service instances associated with it, which define the way of accessing the video service, such as cable, satellite (SAT), terrestrial (DTT) or the intemet (1P). A service instance may also define additional information in relation to the video delivery, such DRM protection modes, quality, codecs, and streaming format. For example, the service instances may be a different resolution of the same service, such as SAT UHD and SAT HD.

DVB-I metadata may contain, amongst others, parameters of different video services, the service instances available for each of the video services, and the priority of each of the service instances.

For instance, a service may contain two service instances -BBC 1 over DTT, and BBC 1 over IP using Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP (DASH). if a receiver apparatus can play either service instance, for example supporting the specified codec and screen resolution, then, upon a service selection mechanism, the service instance with the highest service instance priority will be selected. According to embodiments of the disclosure, in the event that the user feels the need to select an alternative service instance, for example, due to a playback problem or the need to release the bandwidth of network connection or reduce the amount of data provided over a network if there is data cap or the like, he or she may operate the reception apparatus to raise the priority parameter of the desired service instance in the DVB-I metadata. This raise may be to the highest priority level. The reception apparatus will then switch to the service instance based on the service selection mechanism. As such, the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure allows the user to select a desired service instance as the situation requires by re-ordering the priority of the service instances from the default priority levels.

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a video service system 100 according to embodiments of the disclosure in which various video services are delivered to multiple reception apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c, and the available services and corresponding service instances are discoverable by the multiple reception apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c based on programme metadata. The reception apparatuses 101a. 101b, 101c may be a smart TV, a set-top box, a personal computer, a laptop, a tablet, a mobile phone, or an in-vehicle system capable of receiving the video services, as will be explained later with reference to Figures 2A and 2B. Although Figure 1 shows only three reception apparatuses, any number of reception apparatuses is envisaged.

in some embodiments, the video service system 100 may involve iP servers I 02a, 102b and internet network 103. Reception apparatuses 101a, 101b, 101c are connected to the IP servers 102, 102b via the network 103 for accessing video services, for example, based on Over-the-Top (OTT) technology. in some embodiments, the video service system 100 may additionally involve satellite TV broadcasters I 04a, 104b, satellite transmitters 105a, 105b, a satellite 106, and a satellite receiver 107. The satellite TV broadcasters I 04a, 1046 respectively connected to the satellite transmitters I 05a, 105b may deliver video services by transmitting signals to the satellite 106, which re-transmits the signals to the reception apparatus 101a via the satellite receiver 107, for example, by using Satellite Direct-to-Home (DTH) technology. in some other embodiments, the video service system 100 may further involve terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, I 08b, land-based transmitters I 09a, l09b, and a TV aerial 110. The terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b respectively connected to the land-based transmitters 109a, 109b may deliver video services by broadcasting signals, for example, based on Digital Terrestrial Television (DTTV or DTT, or DTTB) technology. The reception apparatus 101a can then access the video service via the TV aerial 110.

The video services may be delivered by the IP servers 102a, 102b, satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b, and terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b in known video formats, for example, 4K 2160p, 4K 2160PsF, 1080p, 1080i, 1080PsF or 720p. Although Figure 1 shows only three technologies for delivering video services, i.e.: intemet network, satellite transmission, and land-based broadcasting, other technologies for delivering video services is envisaged, for example, cable TV.

Figure 2A shows a schematic block diagram illustrating the reception apparatus 101 of Figure 1 according to some embodiments of the disclosure, for accessing video services delivered by the IP sewers 102a, 102b. The reception apparatus 101 comprises a device processor 201. The device processor 201 is embodied as processing circuitry such as a microprocessor or an Application Specific integrated Circuit or another circuit design and controls the operation of the reception apparatus 101 using a computer program which is embodied as software code, for example, a receiving software. The reception apparatus 101 is controlled by the device processor 201 to perform embodiments of the disclosure. A memory unit 208 is connected to the device processor 201 and stores thereon computer-readable instmctions which control the device processor 20 I. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the memory unit 208 also stores data such as user settings of the reception apparatus 101, and programme metadata containing priority parameters of service instances, as will be described later with reference to Figures 10 and 11.

The reception apparatus 101, in embodiments, further comprises communication circuitry 202. The communication circuitry 202 may include a network adapter for connecting the reception apparatus 101 to the network 103. The network 103 to which the reception apparatus 101 is connected via the network adapter may be a wide area network, such as the Internet, or a local area network, and the like. The purpose of the network adapter is to receive from the IP servers 102a, 102b communication signals containing video services, for example, by means of streaming data.

Additionally connected to the device processor 201 is an audio and video decoder 205 for obtaining audio signals and video signals from the communication circuitry 202. The audio and video decoder 205 may support audio formats, such as MPEG-1 audio, MPEG-2 audio, AC-3 and Enhanced AC-3 audio, DTS Audio, MPEG-4 AAC, MPEG-4 HE AAC, AC-4, MPEG-H Audio, and DTS-UHD Audio. The audio and video decoder 205 may further support known video coding formats, for example, MPEG-2 video, H.264/AVC, MVC, SVC, HEVC and VC-1. The reception apparatus 101 may thriller comprise a display 206 and speakers 207 for respectively play back the video signals and audio signals decoded by the audio and video decoder 205.

Additionally connected to the device processor 201 is interface circuitry 209. The purpose of the interface circuitry 209 is to display a visual interface in the display 206 and to receive user inputs, such as from a touch screen of the display 206, or from an external control device 210, thereby allowing a user to enter commands to the reception apparatus 101, or to configure the settings of the reception apparatus 101.

Figure 2B shows a schematic block diagram illustrating a modification of the reception apparatus 101 of Figure 2A according to some embodiments of the disclosure, for accessing video services delivered by the TP servers 102a, 102b, satellite TV broadcasters 104a, 104b, or terrestrial TV broadcasters 108a, 108b.

The reception apparatus 101 in Figure 2B further comprises a tuner 203 and a demultiplexer 204 The tuner 203 receives RF signal such as satellite TV signals through the satellite receiver 107, or terrestrial TV signals via the TV aerial 110 and converts it to communication signals. The demultiplexer 204 is connected to the device processor 201 and transmits communication signals from the communication circuitry 202 or the tuner 203 to the audio and video decoder 205 based on instructions received from the device processor 201.

Figure 2C illustrates a 2-D visualization of an example service list containing service instance variants according to embodiments of the disclosure. Conventional reception apparatuses support service changes in the vertical direction, such as switching between different TV channels: "BBC1", "BBC2", "ITV", "Channel 4" and "Channel 5". According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the reception apparatus 101 also supports service instance changes in the horizontal direction, for example, switching between DTT and DASH for accessing the service of "Channel 4", as will be described below with reference to Figures 3 to 9.

Figure 3 illustrates an example scenario in which a service instance of video service is manually selected based on user input to the reception apparatus 101 according to embodiments of the disclosure. A user may feel the need to switch to a different service instance for a service, for example, to watch a video program via satellite TV instead of IP TV because of network congestion. In another example scenario, the user may want to reduce the resolution of a video programme from 41( Ultra HD to Full HD in order to release the intemet bandwidth in the household for simultaneously performing other tasks of higher priority, such as conducting a video conference. Following this example scenario, the user may want Lo switch back Lo 4K Ultra HD from Full HD resolution for the video programme when more intemet bandwidth becomes available after the video conference ends. In some embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 automatically switches to a different service instance for a service based on conditions of the reception apparatus (such as network conditions) or user preference, as will be described below with reference to Figures 5 to 8.

In Figure 3, a user 301 initially watching a channel over IP using DASH, based on service instance "CH1 DASH", needs to release the intemet bandwidth to another family member in the household. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the user operates a remote control 210 to bring up a service instances menu 303 on the display 206 of the reception apparatus 101 and select the desired service instance on the menu 303, such as "CH1 DTI-. After switching to the selected service instance of the video service, the reception apparatus 101 may temporarily display a caption "CHI DTT -304 on the display 206 to indicate that the desired service instance has become active.

Figure 4A illustrates a flow chart describing a computerized process 400 in the reception apparatus 101 for manually selecting a service instance based on user input according to embodiments of the disclosure. Process 400 may begin at step 405, where the reception apparatus 101 loads the programme metadata from the memory unit 208 upon power-on and obtains a service list containing parameters associated with the available video services and corresponding service instances. The programme metadata may be loaded in the memory unit 208 during manufacturing, or previously downloaded from providers such as the video service providers. The programme metadata may also be previously modified according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the programme metadata may be in a structured data format such as the Extended Metadata Language (XML) format or a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) format -or in a database format. According to embodiments programme metadata may adopt the DVB-1 programme metadata format. The structured data format may optionally include being operated under control of or in conjunction with a schema to validate or enforce the structure for correctness and/or conformity.

At step 410, the reception apparatus 101 accesses video service from the video service providers based on the service selected. For example, this may be a programme channel chosen by the user before the receiver apparatus was turned off last time. In another example, the receiver apparatus may be turned on by a wake-up timer function and a programme channel can be pre-selected.

At step 415, a service instance is selected based on priority parameters in the programme metadata. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a priority is assigned to each service instance associated with a video service by the programme metadata. In the example scenario of Figure 3, the service "CHI" has three service instances "CHI DASH", "CHI DTT'' and "CHI SAT" which are respectively assigned with priority values "1", "2" and "3" in the default programme metadata, where a smaller number represents a higher priority. The reception apparatus 101 will then select the service instance having the highest priority, i.e. "CH1 DASH". In some embodiments, the service instances may be a different resolution of the same service, for example, SAT UHD and SAT HD.

At step 420, the process waits until one or more predetermined criterion is satisfied, for example, whether the user has manually selected another service instance. In the event that another service instance is selected, the process moves to step 425, where the reception apparatus 101 re-orders the priority of the service instances in the programme metadata by placing the manually selected service instance at the top of the priority. In some embodiments, the priority value of the manually selected service instance is set as "1", and those service instances originally assigned with higher priority than the manually selected service instance will have their priority values increased by 1. The process then proceeds to step 415 where the manually selected service instance, now having the highest priority, will be selected by the reception apparatus. In the example scenario of Figure 3, after the user manually selecting the service instance "CH1 DTT", the priority values of the service instances "CH1 DTT-and CHI DASH" are changed to "1" and "2" respectively. The reception apparatus 101 then selects the service instance "CH1 DTT-for accessing the "CH1" service. Changing the default priority levels of the service instance based on one or more predetermined criterion such as a user input is beneficial because it provides flexibility for the user to select between the multiple service instances of the video service according to his or her needs. in addition, by adjusting the default priority parameters in the program metadata for the service instances, the desired service instance can be selected based on existing program metadata format without the need to modify the relevant standard. In embodiments, re-ordering does not necessarily mean the order in which an instance is listed in a structured markup language such as an XML file, but the priority values reallocated to different instances. It should also be noted that priority numbering in a sequence may be omitted, such as "1","2","4", "5". It could be that priority numbers do not replace others from the metadata and could all be reallocated starting from number "10" for example, or the first available free number.

Figure 4B illustrates a flow chart describing a computerized process 450 in the reception apparatus 101 modified from the process 400 in Figure 4A according to some embodiments of the disclosure. Process 450 may begin at step 401, where the reception apparatus 101 performs frequency scan in the RF spectrum to obtain channel frequencies for broadcasting services such as terrestrial TV service and satellite TV services. After the reception apparatus 101 loads the programme metadata in step 405, the service instances in the programme metadata are matched with the channel frequencies for the corresponding channels. The matching can be performed based on the service name in the parameters of the service instances. Once the matching has been done, the channel frequencies obtained from frequency scan in step 401 will store and replace the frequency parameters of the service instance in the programme metadata. Thereafter, the process continues to step 410 to 425 as previously described in Figure 4A. Matching frequency scan results with service instances in the programme metadata Lo update the frequency parameters is advantageous because it provides correct frequency tuning when a service instance based on broadcasting technology is selected according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 5 illustrates an example scenario in which a service instance is automatically selected based on a condition of the reception apparatus 101 according to embodiments of the disclosure. The reception apparatus 101 may automatically adjust the priority values of the relevant service instances, and effectively switching to a different service instance, in order to access a service instance which is optimal after taking account of the condition of the reception apparatus 101. For example, in the event of network congestion, it is more advantageous for the reception apparatus to switch from a DASH service instance to a satellite TV service instance or a terrestrial TV service instance even if the DASH service instance can provide the highest video resolution. In another example scenario, the reception apparatus 101 is a battery powered device and the batten; level is getting critical, the DASH service instance is not preferred because the video encoding format or available resolutions require a higher computational power for video decoding.

In Figure 5, the reception apparatus 101 initially accessing a video service over IP, based on service instance -CHI DASH", experiences network congestion and detects a drop in video signal quality. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, in the event that the signal quality drops below a predetermined threshold, the reception apparatus 101 automatically switches to the next available service instance of lower priority, such as "CH1 DTT". After switching to the next service instance of lower priority, the reception apparatus 101 may temporarily display a caption "CHI DTT" 304 on the display 206 to indicate that the next service instance has become active. In some embodiments, the service instances may be a different resolution of the same service, for example, DASH UHD and DASH HD. In embodiments, fixed rate streams may be used rather than adaptive streaming. The disclosure is not limited to DASH or other adaptive streaming protocols such as HLS.

According to the DVB-I standard, DVB-I metadata provides means to easily identify service instances. Each service element can have child service instance elements, which can be of inhomogeneous in type. Further, each service instance element within the service element contains a "priority" attribute as a steer to the terminal, for example, a reception apparatus.

The terminal filters out instances that it is not capable of playing, for example, if it does not support the delivery mechanism, the declared codec for the service, the required DRM to show the service, etc. From the remaining instances that the terminal can probably successfully present, the remaining priority order should be used at service selection time.

However, there is a need to dynamically change the selected service instance. For example, when the RF signal degrades substantively (for example, based on signal strength or signal quality measurement), it may be necessary to switch to an alternative service instance, such as a DVB-DASH based service delivered over IP. in embodiments BBC I may be prioritized over Standard Definition RF signal (DVB-T) for example because it carries local news. In the event that the RF signal degrades, the instance may switch to HD DVB-T2 RF signal and in the event that that signal degrades, then an intemet delivered instance is switched to (for example with a stream corresponding to the locally available stream carrying local news, whether or not equivalent to UHD, HD or SD). In embodiments the instance prioritization may be calculated by energy usage. This may be local energy usage in a TV receiver. it may be determined that decoding and displaying a DVB-T2 instance is more energy efficient than a DVB-T instance, which is more energy efficient that a DASH instance. It may be more complicated: A DASH instance operating at a higher bitrate may be less energy efficient than an RF instance, but if the same DASH instance uses a lower bitrate, it might become more efficient. As such, prioritization may depend on an instantaneous DASH bitrate or a DASH bitrate monitored over a period of time. There is concern about how much energy is used by distribution of data from cloud servers or Content Delivery Networks. A user may determine that they would rather include energy expended at the service provider to deliver an instance also in a calculation of the prioritization, not just their own personal/family local energy usage. This may or may not include an assumption that RF instances will be broadcast irrespective of the amount of energy needed at the transmitter for transmission. The disclosure is not limited to DVB-T and T2 discussed above, signals may be delivered by other standards such as ATSC or ARIB and indeed are not limited to terrestrial delivery standards.

In some embodiments, should the originally selected instance become available again, for example if the RF signal improves sufficiently!, a switch back to that instance is not necessary. in this case the service instance jump initiated by a "Jump" key could be employed.

Whilst the priority parameters are hinted at by DVB-i specification, manufacturers could be free to employ any logic they deem useful to consumers (subject to any restrictions from any logo / certification regime in place). For instances, if a service instance is received by a mobile device and battery consumption is critical for that service instance, the status of remaining battery power of the mobile device could be used to override the suggested default priorities and use an alternate service instance which is not battery consumption critical.

in some embodiments, the condition for the reception apparatus 101 to switch service instances automatically is determined by the length of the duration of signal drop, for example, the duration of loss of network for an IP based service instance, or a period of poor signal quality for an RF based service instance. In the event that the duration lasts longer than a predetermined threshold, the reception apparatus 101 automatically switches to an available but lower priority service instance.

In some embodiments, if the reception apparatus condition resumes, for example, when the original service instance becomes available again or the signal quality improves, then the reception apparatus 101 keeps the current service instance unchanged to maintain continuity (and minimise disturbance), rather than reverting to the now available highest service instance. In some other embodiments, the reception apparatus 101 switches back to the now available highest service instance immediately, in order to deliver the best video quality of the programme at the first opportunity.

Figure 6 illustrates a flow chart describing a computerized process 600 in the reception apparatus 101 for automatically selecting a service instance based on a condition of the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure. For example, the condition of the reception apparatus 101 niay be connection condition with the IP network, quality of signal received from a TV aerial, quality of signal received from a satellite dish, connection type with an IP network, data cap on the interne connection, battery level of the reception apparatus, data quantity available in local network, or energy usage for processing the service delivered by a service instance. Process 600 may begin at step 605, where the reception apparatus 101 loads the programme metadata from the memory unit 208 upon power-on and obtains a service list containing parameters associated with the available video services and corresponding service instances. The programme metadata may be loaded in the memory unit 208 during manufacturing, or previously downloaded from the video service providers. The programme metadata may also be previously modified according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the programme metadata may adopt the DVB-1 programme metadata format. In sonic embodiments, reception apparatus condition information can be derived by the reception apparatus by monitoring and maintaining data at interfaces. Such information, or data derived from the information, niay be stored at the device or remotely and based on this an Artificial Intelligence processing circuitry optionally implemented in the receiver apparatus, or remotely accessible to the receiver apparatus, can learn patterns that can be predicted or inferred from the information and used as reception apparatus condition information. hi some embodiments information can be queried by the reception apparatus from other devices such as from the router, home gateway or remote server (for example cloud server) to form the reception apparatus condition information. In some embodiments, these devices could collectively build a "condition" status between themselves and communicate the condition to the reception apparatus. In some embodiments, settings and preferences could be stored in the reception apparatus itself (for example the data cap information or the energy preferences) and possibly shared to/from other devices such as router, home gateway etc. In some embodiments, the reception apparatus condition includes conditions associated with one or more applications running on the reception apparatus and may be different for different applications.

At step 610, the reception apparatus 101 accesses video service from the video service providers based on the service selected. For example, this may be the user switching to a programme channel, or the apparatus loading a programme channel chosen by the user before the receiver apparatus was turned off last time. In another example, the receiver apparatus may be turned on by a wake-up timer filnction and a programme channel can be pre-selected. In a further example, this may be a device or application initiated switch or network initiated switch and, for example one stream ending and being linked to another, for example an end of an episode triggering start of another or the next episode.

At step 615, a service instance is selected based on priority parameters in the programme metadata. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a priority is assigned to each service instance associated with a video service by the programme metadata. in the example scenario of Figure 3, the service "CH1" has three service instances "CH1 DASH". "CH1 DTI-and "CH1 SAT" which are respectively assigned with priority values "1", "2" and "3" in the default programme metadata, where a smaller number represents a higher priority. The reception apparatus 101 will then select the service instance having the highest priority, i.e. "CH1 DASH". In some embodiments, the service instances may be a different resolution of the same service, for example, SAT UHD and SAT HD.

At step 620, it is determined whether one or more predetermined criterion is satisfied, for example, whether a condition of the reception apparatus 101 exceeds a predetermined threshold value. In some embodiments, the condition for the reception apparatus 101 to switch service instances automatically may be determined by whether the drop of signal quality has exceeded a predetermined threshold value, for example, based on packet loss or drop of frame rate for an iP based service instance, or a signal-to-noise ratio for an RF based service instance. In some embodiments, the condition may be determined by the length of the duration of signal quality drop, for example, the duration of loss of network for an IP based service instance, or a period of poor signal quality for an RF based service instance. in some embodiments, one or more predetermined criterion based on a condition or configuration of the reception apparatus 101 is also taken into account, such as checking if the TV/reception apparatus can support a resolution, or if the network is on a data cap or cannot support a high bandwidth. In the event that the condition of the reception apparatus 101 exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the process proceeds to step 630 where the service the reception apparatus 101 will automatically adjust the priority values of the service instances, and effectively switching to a different service instance, in order to access a service instance which is optimal after taking account of the condition of the reception apparatus 101. Otherwise, the process continues at step 620.

At step 625, the process waits until the user has manually selected another service instance. In the event that another service instance is selected, the process moves to step 630, where the reception apparatus 101 re-orders the priority of the service instances in the programme metadata by placing the manually selected service instance at the top of the priority. In some embodiments, the priority value of the manually selected service instance is set as "1", and those service instances originally assigned with higher priority than the manually selected service instance will have thcir priority values increased by 1. The process then proceeds to step 615 where the manually selected service instance, now having the highest priority, will be selected by the reception apparatus 101. in the example scenario of Figure 5, after the user manually selecting the service instance "CHI DTT", the priority values of the service instances "CH1 DTT and CH1 DASH" are changed to "1" and "2" respectively. The reception apparatus 101 then selects the service instance "CH1 DTT" for accessing the "CHI" service. in some embodiments, the priority level may be adjusted by more than one. For example, in the situation that the reception apparatus does not support UHD, then the UHD service instance will be relegated to the lowest priority.

Adjusting the default priority levels of the service instances based on one or more predetermined criterion such as a condition or configuration of the reception apparatus is beneficial because no user interaction is required during the process, hence there is no delay getting to the service instance wanted by the user or the service instance that is optimal for the reception apparatus condition or configuration.

in some embodiments, the process in Figure 8 may be modified to perform frequency scan, matching frequency with service instances, and updating the frequency parameters of the service instance in the programme metadata as described in Figure 4B. Matching frequency scan results with service instances in the programme metadata to update the frequency parameters is advantageous because it provides correct frequency tuning when a service instance based on broadcasting technology is selected according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Figure 7 illustrates an example scenario in which a service instance is automatically selected based on user preference stored in the reception apparatus 101 according to embodiments of the disclosure. In embodiments according to Figure 7, the reception apparatus 101 automatically adjusts the priority values of the relevant service instances, and effectively switches to a different service instance, in order to access a service instance that is optimal after taking account of a predetermined criterion, which may be the user preference, of the reception apparatus 101. For instance, the user preference may comprise a video resolution setting preferred by the user for the relevant video service, or a time period during which a certain video resolution setting is preferred. In some embodiments, the user preference may comprise a bandwidth setting of the network connection preferred by the user for the relevant video service, or a time period during which a certain bandwidth is preferred. In some embodiments, the user preference may comprise accessibility settings. For example, a user 301 may prefer a higher video resolution such as Ultra HD for watching a movie delivered by the video service. According to embodiments of the disclosure, the uses operates a remote control 302 to bring up a resolution settings menu 701 on the display 206 of the reception apparatus 101 and select the desired screen resolution on the menu 701, such as "Ultra HD". After configuring the user settings, the reception apparatus 101 determines a service instance that best match with the user settings, such as a service instance capable of providing the preferred video resolution, and switch to that service instance. The display 206 may temporarily show a caption "CH1 DASH" 304 to indicate that the best match service instance has become active.

Figure 8 illustrates a flow chart describing a process in the reception apparatus 101 for automatically selecting a service instance based on user preference stored in the reception apparatus according to embodiments of the disclosure.

Process 800 may begin at step 805, where the reception apparatus 101 loads the programme metadata and user preference from the memory unit 208 upon power-on and based on the programme metadata obtains a service list containing parameters associated with the available video services and corresponding service instances. The programme metadata may be loaded in the memory unit 208 during manufacturing, or previously downloaded from the video service providers. The programme metadata may also be previously modified according to embodiments of the present disclosure. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the programme metadata may adopt the DVB-1 programme metadata format. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a priority is assigned to each service instance associated with a video service by the programme metadata.

At step 810, the reception apparatus 101 automatically adjusts the priority values of the service instances in the programme metadata, such that service instances which are optimal after taking account of the predetermined criterion (such as user preference) are accessed by the reception apparatus 101 first. For example, if a higher video resolution such as Ultra HD for accessing a video service is preferred according to the user preference, the reception apparatus 101 will automatically re-order service instances of the same video resolution to a higher priority. in the example scenario of Figure 7, the service "CH1" has three service instances "CH1 SAT", "CH1 DASH" and "CH1 DTT" which are respectively assigned with priority values "1", "2" and "3" in the default programme metadata, where a smaller number represents a higher priority. The reception apparatus 101 will then select the service instance having the highest priority, i.e. "CHI SAT". in some embodiments, the service instances may be a different resolution of the same senice, for example, SAT UHD and SAT HD.

At step 8I5, the reception apparatus 101 accesses video service from the video service providers based on the service selected. For example, this may be a programme channel chosen by the user before the receiver apparatus was turned off last time. In another example, the receiver apparatus may be turned on by a wake-up timer function and a programme channel can be pre-selected.

At step 820, a service instance is selected based on priority values in the programme metadata which have been re-ordered according to the predetermined criterion in step 810.

At step 825, the process waits until one or more predetermined criterion is satisfied, for example, whether the user has manually selected another service instance, or has entered a new user preference which is relevant to the priority of the service instances. In the event that another service instance is selected or a new user preference has been entered, the process moves to step 830, where the reception apparatus 101 re-orders the priority of the service instances in the programme metadata by placing the manually selected service instance at the top of the priority, or the reception apparatus 101 automatically re-orders the priority of the service instances such that service instances which are optimal after taking account of the newly entered user preference are accessed by the reception apparatus 101 first, as previously described in step 810. In some embodiments, one or more predetermined criterion other than a user preference is also taken into account, for example the conditions or configuration of the reception apparatus 101, such as checking if the TV/reception apparatus can support a resolution, or if the network is on a data cap or cannot support a high bandwidth.

In some embodiments, the priority value of the selected service instance is set as "1", and those service instances originally assigned with higher priority than the selected service instance will have their priority values increased by I. in some embodiments, the priority level may be adjusted by more than one. For example, in the situation that the user preference specifies that a low data rate network connection is preferred, then the DASH UHD service instance will be relegated to the lowest priority.

The process then proceeds to step 820 where the service instance manually selected by the user or automatically selected by the reception apparatus, now having the highest priority, will be used by the reception apparatus to access the video service. In the example scenario of Figure 7, after the reception apparatus automatically selecting the service instance "CH1 DASH" by taking account of the user preference, the priority values of the service instances "CHI DASH" and CHI SAT" are changed to "1" and "2" respectively. The reception apparatus 101 then selects the service instance "CHI DASH" for accessing the -CHI" service. Changing the default priority levels of the service instances based on one or more predetermined criterion such as a user preference is beneficial because no user interaction is required during the process, hence there is no delay getting to the service instance wanted by the user or the service instance that is optimal for the reception apparatus settings, configurations and status.

Figure 9 illustrates an example scenario in which a service list is shared with apparatuses associated with the reception apparatus 101 according to embodiments of the disclosure. After the reception apparatus 101 has re-ordered the service instances in the programme metadata, for example as described in the scenarios and processes of Figures 3 to 9, the reception apparatus 101 may share the re-order service instances with trusted reception apparatuses 901, 902, 903 which are connected to the same network by transmitting the updated programme metadata to these trusted reception apparatuses 901, 902, 903 via the communication circuitry 202 in Figures 2A and 2B. The trusted reception apparatuses 901. 902. 903 will then adopt the re-ordered service instances in their own programme metadata so as to provide a consistent behaviour of video service instance selection when the user switches from the current reception apparatus 101 to one of the trusted reception apparatuses 901, 902, 903. According to embodiments of the disclosure, a trusted reception apparatus may be a reception apparatus in the same local area network. a paired Bluetooth device, a reception apparatus having the same user account, and the like.

Figure 10 illustrates an example programme metadata defining a DASH service instance according to embodiments of the disclosure. The programme metadata is received from video service providers and stored in the memory unit 208 of the reception apparatus 101. The service instance defined by the programme metadata relates to DASH delivery and it is specified in the programme metadata the priority of the DASH service instance, i.e.: "I". The programme metadata further defines other parameters for the service instance, such as the availability period and the DASH delivery parameters.

Figure 1 I illustrates an example programme metadata defining a DVBS service instance according to embodiments of the disclosure. The programme metadata is received from video service providers and stored in the memory unit 208 of the reception apparatus 101. The service instance defined by the programme metadata relates to DVBS delivery and it is specified in the programme metadata the priority of the DVBS service instance, i.e.: "2". The programme metadata further defines other parameters for the service instance, such as the content attributes and the DVBS delivery parameters.

According to embodiments of the disclosure, the user may select a service instance of a video service by using a predetermined key on a remote control. The predetermined key may be a key with a pre-existing function and a service instance is selected by cycling through a list of available service instances by a long press of the predetermined key (pressed for a duration longer than a predetermined time threshold, such as 1 second). In some embodiments, the predetermined key with a pre-existing function is a "Jump" key for jumping back and forth between the current channel or input and the last channel or input that was selected. in some other embodiments, the predetermined key with a preexisting -function may be a "P+" key for increasing the channel number, or a "P-" key for increasing or decreasing the channel number.

Each long press of the predetermined key will cycle through the list of available service instances in priority ordcr in a unidirectional cycle. In this way, the pre-existing function of the predetermined key can be retained, while enabling user to cycle through service instances.

In some embodiments, the user may enter a mode of changing service instance by a long press of the predetermined key. Service selection can then be performed by subsequent short press of the predetermined key (pressed for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold, such as I second) to cycle through the list of available service instances in a unidirectional priority order. The user may leave the mode of changing service instance by another long press of the predetermined key, or after an expiry of a predetermined time period.

In some embodiments, a service change (e.g.: change of programme or channel) may reset the state where the predetermined key,/ performs the pre-existing function. In some embodiments, another long press of the predetermined key may enter the mode of changing service instance again.

Numerous modifications and variations of the present disclosure are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the disclosure may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

in so far as embodiments of the disclosure have been described as being implemented, at least in part, by software-controlled data processing apparatus, it will be appreciated that a non-transitory machine-readable medium carrying such software, such as an optical disk, a magnetic disk, semiconductor memory or the like, is also considered to represent embodiments of the present disclosure.

it will be appreciated that the above description for clarity has described embodiments with reference to different functional units, circuitry and/or processors. However, it will be apparent that any suitable distribution of functionality between different functional units, circuitry and/or processors may be used without detracting from the embodiments.

Described embodiments may be implemented in any suitable form including hardware, software, firmware or any combination of these. Described embodiments may optionally be implemented at least partly as computer software running on one or more data processors and/or digital signal processors. The elements and components of any embodiment may be physically, functionally and logically implemented in any suitable way. Indeed the functionality may be implemented in a single unit, in a plurality of units or as part of other functional units. As such, the disclosed embodiments may be implemented in a single unit or may be physically and functionally distributed between different units, circuitry and/or processors. The different units, circuitry and/or processors may be physically distributed across any distance. The disclosed embodiments may also be implemented based on processing and storage units located in a remote system, such as in the Cloud.

Although the present disclosure has been described in connection with some embodiments, it is not intended to be limited to the specific form set forth herein. Additionally, although a feature may appear to be described in connection with particular embodiments, one skilled in the art would recognize that various features of the described embodiments may be combined in any manner suitable to implement the technique.

Embodiments of the present technique can generally be described by the following numbered clauses: 1. A method of selecting a service instance of a video service having a plurality/ of service instances, comprising the steps of receiving a priority associated with each service instance of the video service; re-ordering the priority according to one or more predetermined criterion; and selecting the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority.

2. The method according to clause 1, further comprising the step of extracting delivery parameters and priority information of service instances for video services from programme metadata, wherein the programme metadata is retrieved from memory or downloaded from a provider.

3. The method according to clause 1, further comprising the step of selecting, upon switching to a video service, the service instance of the highest priority in the programme metadata for providing the video service.

4. The method according to clause 1, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for re-ordering the priority comprises a user input.

5. The method according to clause 4, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration longer than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances.

6. The method according to clause 4, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances in a mode of changing service instance, in which the mode of changing service instance is entered into and exited from by a long press of the predetermined key.

7. The method according to clause 1, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for re-ordering the priority comprises a user preference.

8. The method according to clause 7 wherein the user preference comprises a bandwidth setting or a video resolution setting.

9. The method according to clause 1, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for re-ordering the priority comprises a condition of the reception apparatus.

10. The method according to clause 9, further comprising the steps of: switching to the next available scrvicc instance of lower priority upon a change of a reception apparatus in relation to the selected service instance; and keeping the service instance unchanged even when the reception apparatus condition resumes.

11. The method according to clause 10, wherein the reception apparatus condition is selected from the group consisting of connection condition with the IP network, quality of signal received from a TV aerial, quality of signal received from a satellite dish, connection type with an TP network, data cap on the intemet connection, battery level of the reception apparatus, data quantity available in local network, and energy usage for processing the service delivered by a scrvicc instance.

12. The method according to clause 1, further comprising the steps of: performing frequency scan on terrestrial television bands and satellite television bands to acquire channel frequency information for a plurality of broadcasting services; matching the acquired channel frequency information with the extracted delivery parameters and the priority information, with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services; and storing the acquired frequency information in the extracted delivery parameters with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services in the programme metadata.

13. The method according to clause 1, wherein the programme metadata complies with the Extensible Markup Language format.

14. The method according to clause 1, further comprising the step of transmitting the re-ordered priority of a first reception apparatus to a second reception apparatus, wherein the second reception apparatus adopts the re-ordered priority.

15. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to any preceding clause.

16. An apparatus, comprising circuitry configured to: receive a priority associated with each service instance of the video service; re-order the priority according to one or more predetermined criterion; and select the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority.

17. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: extract delivery parameters and priority information of service instances for video services from programme mctadata, wherein the programme metadata is retrieved from memory or downloaded from a provider.

18. The method according to clause I, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: select, upon switching to a video service, the service instance of the highest priority in the programme metadata for providing the video service.

19. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for reordering the priority comprises a user input.

20. The apparatus according to clause 19, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration longer than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances.

21. The apparatus according to clause 19, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances in a mode of changing service instance, in which the mode of changing service instance is entered into and exited from by a long press of the predetermined key.

22. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for reordering the priority comprises a user preference.

23. The apparatus according to clause 22 wherein the user preference comprises a bandwidth setting or a video resolution setting.

24. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for reordering the priority comprises a condition of the reception apparatus.

25. The apparatus according to clause 24 wherein the circuitry is further configured to: switch to the next available service instance of lower priority upon a change of a reception apparatus in relation to the selected service instance; and keep the service instance unchanged even when the reception apparatus condition resumes.

26. The apparatus according to clause 25, wherein the reception apparatus condition is selected from the group consisting of: connection condition with the TP network, quality of signal received from a TV aerial, quality of signal received from a satellite dish, connection type with an network, data cap on the internet connection, battery level of the reception apparatus, data quantity available in local network, and energy usage for processing the service delivered by a service instance.

27. The apparatus according to clause 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: perform frequency scan on terrestrial television bands and satellite television bands to acquire channel frequency information for a plurality of broadcasting services; match the acquired channel frequency information with the extracted delivery parameters and the priority information, with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services; and storing the acquired frequency information in the extracted delivery parameters with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services in the programme metadata.

28. The method according to clause I, wherein the programme metadata complies with the Extensible Markup Language format.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of selecting a service instance of a video service having a plurality of service instances, comprising the steps of: receiving a priority associated with each service instance of the video service; re-ordering the priority according to one or more predetermined criterion, and selecting the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority.
2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of extracting delivery parameters and priority information of service instances for video services from programme metadata, wherein the programme metadata is retrieved from memory or downloaded from a provider.
3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting, upon switching to a video service, the service instance of the highest priority in the programme mctadata for providing the video service.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more predetermined criterion for re-ordering the priority comprises a user input, a user preference, or a condition of the reception apparatus.
5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration longer than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances; or pressing a predetermined key for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances in a mode of changing service instance, in which the mode of changing service instance is entered into and exited from by a long press of the predetermined key.
6. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user preference comprises a bandwidth setting, a video resolution setting, or an accessibility setting.
7. The method according to claim 4, further comprising the steps of switching to the next available service instance of lower priority upon a change of a reception apparatus in relation to the selected service instance; and keeping the service instance unchanged even when the reception apparatus condition resumes.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the reception apparatus condition is selected from the group consisting of connection condition with the IP network, quality of signal received from a TV aerial, quality of signal received from a satellite dish, connection type with an IP network, data cap on the intemet connection, battery level of the reception apparatus, data quantity available in local network, and energy usage for processing the service delivered by a service instance.
9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps of performing frequency scan on terrestrial television bands and satellite television bands to acquire channel frequency information for a plurality of broadcasting services; matching the acquired channel frequency information with the extracted delivery parameters and the priority information, with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality ofbroadcasting services; and storing the acquired frequency information in the extracted delivery parameters with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services in the programme metadata.
10. The method according to claim I, wherein the programme metadata complies with the Extensible Markup Language or JavasScript Object Notation format.
11. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of transmitting the re-ordered priority of a first reception apparatus to a second reception apparatus, wherein the second reception apparatus adopts the re-ordered priority.
12. A computer program product comprising computer readable instructions which, when loaded onto a computer, configure the computer to perform a method according to any preceding claim.
13. An apparatus, comprising circuitry configured to: receive a priority associated with each service instance of the video service; re-order the priority according to one or more predetermined criterion; and select the service instance based upon the re-ordered priority.
14. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the circuitry is further configured to extract delivery parameters and priority information of service instances for video services from programme metadata, wherein the programme metadata is retrieved from memory or downloaded from a provider.
15. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the circuitry is further configured to select, upon switching to a video service, the service instance of the highest priority in the programme metadata for providing the video service.
16. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the one or more predetennined criterion for reordering the priority comprises a user input, a user preference, or a condition of the reception apparatus.
17. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration longer than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances; or wherein the user input comprises pressing a predetermined key for a duration shorter than a predetermined time threshold on a remote control for cycling through a list of service instances in a mode of changing service instance, in which the mode of changing service instance is entered into and exited from by a long press of the predetermined key; or wherein the user preference comprises a bandwidth setting, a video resolution setting, or an accessibility setting; or wherein the reception apparatus condition is selected from the group consisting of: connection condition with the IP network, quality of signal received from a TV aerial, quality of signal received from a satellite dish, connection type with an IP network, data cap on the intemet connection, battery level of the reception apparatus, data quantity available in local network, and energy usage for processing the service delivered by a service instance..
18. The apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: switch to the next available service instance of lower priority upon a change of a reception apparatus in relation to the selected service instance; and keep the service instance unchanged even when the reception apparatus condition resumes.
19. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the circuitry is further configured to: perform frequency scan on terrestrial television bands and satellite television bands to acquire channel frequency information for a plurality of broadcasting services; match the acquired channel frequency information with the extracted delivery parameters and the priority information. with respect to each of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services. and store the acquired frequency information in the extracted delivery parameters with respect to cach of the service instance for the plurality of broadcasting services in the programme metadata.
20. The apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the programme metadata complies with the Extensible Markup Language format.