JP4496190B2 - Method and system for using a broadcast service in a communication network - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to communication networks. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for utilizing a broadcast service in a communication network.

  A broadcast service provider relays a broadcast service in a communication network. Examples of broadcast services include music programs that are relayed as streaming audio and soccer matches that are relayed as a combination of streaming video and streaming audio. In a communication network, these broadcast services are accessed by electronic devices. Examples of electronic devices include mobile phones, set top boxes, computers, laptop computers, satellite phones and the like. Examples of communication networks include code division multiple access (CDMA) networks, global systems for mobile communications (GSM) networks, the Internet, local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). When a user of an electronic device tries to access a desired broadcast service, it may be necessary to browse the plurality of broadcast services and specify the desired broadcast service. When there are a large number of broadcasting services, searching for a desired broadcasting service for a user is a time-consuming and tedious process. Furthermore, the user may not succeed in searching for a desired broadcast service among many broadcast services.

Patent Document 1 discloses a system that enables transmission of a message between television apparatuses. There are various ways to search for broadcast services in a communication network. One way is to connect the electronic device to the Internet and search for the desired service using various search engines available on the Internet. The electronic device is connected to the Internet using a wireless application protocol (WAP), a general packet wireless service (GPRS), or the like. Alternatively, the broadcast service provider relays a selective broadcast service. Accordingly, a list of broadcast services is transmitted to the electronic device by GPRS. The user can select a broadcast service from the list and access the broadcast service.
International Publication No. 03/047257 Pamphlet

  However, these methods have one or more of the following limitations. First, in these methods, it is possible to search for a desired broadcast service when the electronic device is connected to the Internet. With such a method, it is impossible to search for a desired broadcast service if the electronic device is not connectable to the Internet. The electronic device needs to have a function of connecting to the Internet. For this reason, the cost of an electronic device increases. Second, in these methods, when a broadcast service is broadcast on a communication network other than the Internet, a search for a desired broadcast service may fail. In this case, information about the desired broadcast service is not available on the Internet. Thirdly, these methods only provide access to a limited number of broadcast services included in the list transmitted through the electronic device. Fourth, in these methods, it is impossible to search for a broadcast service on an electronic device based on information transferred by another electronic device.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a method for using a broadcast service in a communication network including a plurality of electronic devices, wherein the first electronic device is transferred to a second electronic device. One based on the one or more reference identifiers, a metadata file receiving step for receiving the metadata file transmitted by the reference file, a reference identifier reading step for reading one or more reference identifiers for the broadcast service from the metadata file, The broadcast service specifying step for specifying the above broadcast service, and the action execution step for the second electronic device to execute the action specified by the metadata file based on the user preference of the first electronic device. Is the gist.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the method of the first aspect, the broadcast service specifying step is compatible with at least one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device by a search algorithm. The gist includes including a step of specifying a format of one or more broadcast services.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the method according to claim 1, wherein a broadcast service is selected in the user interface of the first electronic device from the one or more broadcast services specified by the second electronic device. It is made to include.

  The invention according to claim 4 is the method according to claim 1, wherein the action execution step includes a step of transmitting a message to the first electronic device in response to the broadcast service specifying step.

A fifth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the method according to the first aspect, the action execution step includes a step of accessing the one or more broadcast services.
The invention according to claim 6 is the method according to claim 1, characterized in that the action execution step includes a step of scheduling a time for accessing the one or more broadcast services.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the method according to claim 1, wherein the action execution step includes a step of recording a program corresponding to the one or more broadcast services in one or more files. .

The invention described in claim 8 is summarized in that, in the method described in claim 7, the method includes the step of converting one or more files from the first format to the second format.
The invention according to claim 9 is characterized in that, in the method according to claim 7, the method includes the step of transmitting a program to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that, in the method according to the first aspect, the method includes a step of transmitting a metadata file to one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices.

  The invention according to claim 11 is a system for using a broadcast service in a communication network including a plurality of electronic devices, and is capable of reading one or more reference identifiers for the broadcast service from a metadata file. The gist of the invention is that it comprises a module and a service management module capable of specifying one or more broadcast services based on one or more reference identifiers read by the reading module.

  The invention according to claim 12 is characterized in that the system according to claim 11 includes a messaging module capable of transmitting a message to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices.

  The gist of the invention described in claim 13 is that the system according to claim 11 includes a service consumption module capable of accessing the one or more broadcast services.

  A fourteenth aspect of the present invention is the system of the eleventh aspect, including a scheduling module capable of scheduling an action to be performed on the one or more broadcast services at a specified time. And

The gist of a fifteenth aspect of the present invention is that the system according to the eleventh aspect includes a memory capable of recording a program corresponding to the one or more broadcast services.
The invention according to claim 16 includes a transmission module capable of transmitting the one or more broadcast services to one or more electronic devices of a plurality of electronic devices in the system according to claim 11. This is the gist.

  The invention according to claim 17 is characterized in that in the system according to claim 11, the system includes a converter capable of converting the one or more broadcast services from the first format to the second format. .

  The invention described in claim 18 is a processor, a match finder module that operates in connection with the processor, the match finder module specifies one or more broadcast services based on one or more reference identifiers, and The gist of the invention is that the one or more reference identifiers comprise reading from a metadata file transmitted by another electronic device.

The invention according to claim 19 is the electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising a decoder capable of restoring the one or more broadcast services.
The invention according to claim 20 is the electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising a buffer capable of temporarily storing the one or more broadcast services.

  The invention according to claim 21 is the electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising a synchronization module capable of synchronizing one or more data streams corresponding to the one or more broadcast services. To do.

  The invention according to claim 22 is the electronic device according to claim 18, further comprising a memory capable of recording the one or more broadcast services.

  FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment illustrating communication between a plurality of electronic devices according to the present invention. The plurality of electronic devices include electronic devices 102, 104, 106, 108 and a broadcast service provider 110. The communication network 112 allows an electronic device such as the electronic device 104 to receive a metadata file from another electronic device such as the electronic device 106. Examples of communication networks include, but are not limited to, code division multiple access (CDMA), global system for mobile communication (GSM), the Internet, local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN) and the Small Earth Station (VSAT). The metadata file includes a reference identifier for the broadcast service. These reference identifiers include information about broadcast services and preferences of the user of the electronic device 106. User preferences include, but are not limited to, broadcast service duration, broadcast service channel, language, generic type associated with the broadcast service, and actions performed by the electronic device 104. Contains the action field to specify. Generic types include, but are not limited to, soccer games, movies, music programs, and comics. The action field may include instructions for recording the broadcast service. The user's preference is, for example, a movie relayed in French from 9 am to 9 pm. Based on the reference identifier included in the metadata file, the electronic device 104 identifies one or more broadcast services that match a description from one or more broadcast services relayed by the broadcast service provider 110. To do.

  FIG. 2 shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating a method for utilizing a broadcast service in the communication network 112 according to the present invention. After the start of the process in Step 202, in Step 204, the metadata file transmitted by the first electronic device is received by the second electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices. At step 206, one or more reference identifiers for the broadcast service are read from the metadata file. At step 208, one or more broadcast services are identified based on the one or more reference identifiers. Further, at step 210, based on the user preferences of the first electronic device, the second electronic device performs an action. Examples of actions include, but are not limited to, sending a message to a first electronic device in response to identifying one or more broadcast services, accessing one or more broadcast services Scheduling times for accessing one or more broadcast services and recording programs corresponding to one or more broadcast services in one or more files. The one or more files are stored in a first format. In one embodiment of the invention, the one or more files are converted from a first format to a second format. For example, the video file is converted from the MPEG4 format which is the first format to the H264 format which is the second format. Thereafter, the process ends at step 212.

  FIG. 3 shows an exemplary flowchart illustrating another method for utilizing a broadcast service in the communication network 112 according to the present invention. After the start of the process in Step 302, in Step 304, the metadata file transmitted by the first electronic device is received by the second electronic device. The metadata file is transmitted by a first electronic device among the plurality of electronic devices. At step 306, one or more reference identifiers are read from the metadata file. At step 308, one or more broadcast services are identified based on the one or more reference identifiers. In one embodiment of the present invention, if a broadcast service provider does not relay one or more broadcast services associated with the one or more reference identifiers, the broadcast service provider indicates a RAR (Resolving Authority) that points to another broadcast service provider. Record). RAR is required to identify broadcast service providers. Accordingly, another broadcast service provider is identified. When a broadcast service is relayed, the broadcast service includes Announce information of IMG (Internet Media Guide). IMG Announce information is a platform that supports various formats of metadata associated with a service and its identifier. The IMG Announce information indicates the location of TVA (TV Anytime) metadata associated with one or more broadcast services. The TVA metadata includes information related to the content, quality, status and location of the corresponding broadcast service. One or more broadcast services are identified based on TVA metadata.

  The specified broadcast service matches the user preferences of the first electronic device specified by the one or more reference identifiers. In one embodiment of the invention, one or more broadcast services are identified based on a search algorithm. The specified broadcast service is compatible with at least one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device.

  At step 310, a broadcast service is selected from one or more broadcast services identified by the second electronic device. In one embodiment of the present invention, a list of one or more broadcast services that match the user's preferences is displayed to the user of the first electronic device. Accordingly, the user selects a broadcast service from the list. At step 312, an action is performed at the second electronic device for the selected broadcast service. Further, in step 314, the metadata file is transferred to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices through the communication network 112 using Bluetooth (registered trademark), infrared rays, or the like. The metadata file can be transferred as an attachment file of MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service). In one embodiment of the present invention, a program corresponding to one or more broadcast services is transferred to one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices. Thereafter, the process ends at step 316.

  FIG. 4 shows a representative block diagram illustrating a system for using a broadcast service in the communication network 112 according to the present invention. This system includes a reading module 402 and a service management module 404. In one embodiment of the invention, the system is included in the second electronic device. The metadata file is transmitted by the first electronic device to the second electronic device. The reading module 402 reads one or more reference identifiers for the broadcast service from the metadata file. The one or more reference identifiers include user preferences of the first electronic device. The service management module 404 identifies one or more broadcast services based on the one or more reference identifiers including user preferences of the first electronic device.

  The system also includes a messaging module 406. The messaging module 406 sends a message to one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices. The message is transmitted as SMS (Short Message Service), MMS, or the like. This message includes a list and description of one or more broadcast services identified by the service management module 404. For example, the message includes one or more broadcast service titles, a channel on which the one or more broadcast services are relayed, a relay time, and an associated artist name. This list is displayed to the user of the first electronic device. Accordingly, the user selects a broadcast service from this list.

  The system also includes a service consumption module 408. The service consumption module 408 accesses the one or more broadcast services. The one or more broadcast services are accessed based on the user preferences of the first electronic device included in the reference identifier read from the metadata file. In the preferences, the one or more broadcast services are accessed when the action field includes an instruction to access the one or more broadcast services.

  The system further includes a memory 410 that records programs corresponding to the one or more broadcast services. A program is recorded when the action field includes an instruction to record the one or more broadcast services. In one embodiment of the present invention, the program is recorded in one or more files, which are stored in a first format. For example, the set-top box identifies a soccer game that is available in the MPEG (Moving Picture Experts Group) 4 format. The memory 410 of the set top box can record a soccer game in the MPEG4 format.

  The system further includes a converter 412. The recorded program is converted from the first format to the second format using the converter 412. For example, the converter 412 converts the program from MPEG4 format to H264 format.

  The system also includes a scheduling module 414. The scheduling module 414 schedules actions to be performed for the one or more broadcast services at a specified time. In one embodiment of the present invention, scheduling module 414 schedules time for access to one or more broadcast services by service consumption module 408. For example, the scheduling module 414 schedules the service consumption module 408 to access a 10 am music program selected by the user from a list transmitted to the user. In another embodiment of the invention, scheduling module 414 schedules memory 410 to record the one or more broadcast services. For example, the scheduling module 414 schedules the memory 410 to record a 11:00 pm speech selected by the user from a list transmitted to the user. In the preferences, an action is scheduled when the action field contains an instruction that schedules a command action at a specified time.

  Further, the system includes a transmission module 416. The transmission module 416 transmits one or more broadcast services recorded in the memory 410 to one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices. For example, in the mobile phone, the transmission module 416 transmits the stored video clip of the moving image to another mobile phone using Bluetooth (registered trademark) or infrared rays.

  FIG. 5 shows a block diagram of an electronic device 104 according to the present invention. The electronic device 104 includes a processor 502 and a match finder module 504. The processor 502 is a microprocessor chip that manages and controls the functions of all components and modules of the electronic device 104. The match finder module 504 is connected to the processor 502 and operates. The match finder module 504 identifies one or more broadcast services based on one or more reference identifiers read from a metadata file transmitted by another electronic device.

  In addition, the electronic device 104 includes a decoder 506. The decoder 506 restores one or more broadcast services identified by the match finder module 504 and allows the electronic device 104 to access the one or more broadcast services.

  Furthermore, the electronic device 104 includes a buffer 508. The buffer 508 temporarily stores the one or more broadcast services. Temporary storage equalizes the speed at which the one or more broadcast services are restored by the decoder 506 and the speed at which the electronic device 104 is viewed.

  Further, the electronic device 104 includes a synchronization module 510. The synchronization module 510 synchronizes one or more data streams corresponding to one or more broadcast services. For example, a dance program corresponds to an audio stream and a video stream. In order to properly view a dance program on an electronic device, both streams need to be synchronized.

Furthermore, the electronic device 104 includes a memory 512 for recording the one or more broadcast services.
The present invention provides a method and system for using a broadcast service in a communication network. The method and system of the present invention allows a first electronic device to identify a broadcast service based on preferences specified by a metadata file that the second electronic device of the communication network sends to the first electronic device. It becomes possible.

FIG. 4 is a representative environment diagram illustrating communication between a plurality of electronic devices and a broadcast service provider in accordance with the present invention. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for using a broadcast service in a communication network according to the present invention. 6 is a flowchart illustrating another method for using a broadcast service in a communication network according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of a system for using a broadcast service in a communication network according to the present invention. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

102, 104, 106, 108 ... electronic device, 110 ... broadcast service provider, 112 ... communication network, 402 ... reading module, 404 ... service management module, 406 ... messaging module, 408 ... service consumption module, 410 ... memory, 412 ... Converter 414 ... Scheduling module 416 ... Transmission module 502 ... Processor 504 ... Match finder module 506 ... Decoder 508 ... Buffer 510 510 Synchronization module 512 ... Memory

Claims (22)

A method for using a broadcast service in a communication network including a plurality of electronic devices, comprising:
A metadata file receiving step of receiving a metadata file transmitted by the first electronic device to the second electronic device;
A reference identifier reading step for reading one or more reference identifiers for the broadcast service from the metadata file, wherein the one or more reference identifiers include information about the broadcast service and preferences of the user of the first electronic device;
A broadcast service specifying step for specifying one or more broadcast services based on the one or more reference identifiers, and the specified broadcast service matches a description of the broadcast service associated with the one or more reference identifiers To do
An action execution step in which the second electronic device executes an action specified by the metadata file based on a user preference of the first electronic device.   The broadcast service identifying step includes identifying a format of the one or more broadcast services that is compatible with at least one of the first electronic device and the second electronic device by a search algorithm. the method of.   The method of claim 1, comprising selecting a broadcast service from a user interface of the first electronic device from the one or more broadcast services identified by a second electronic device.   The method of claim 1, wherein the action performing step includes the step of transmitting a message to the first electronic device in response to the broadcast service identifying step.   The method of claim 1, wherein an action performing step includes accessing the one or more broadcast services.   The method of claim 1, wherein performing an action includes scheduling a time to access the one or more broadcast services.   The method of claim 1, wherein the action performing step includes the step of recording the program corresponding to the one or more broadcast services in one or more files.   8. The method of claim 7, comprising converting one or more files from a first format to a second format.   8. The method of claim 7, comprising transmitting the program to one or more electronic devices of the plurality of electronic devices.   The method of claim 1, comprising sending the metadata file to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices. A system for using a broadcast service in a communication network including a plurality of electronic devices,
A read module capable of reading one or more reference identifiers for a broadcast service from a metadata file, and the one or more reference identifiers include information about the broadcast service and user preferences of the first electronic device. When,
A service management module capable of specifying one or more broadcast services based on one or more reference identifiers read by the reading module, wherein the specified broadcast services include the one or more reference identifiers A system that matches the description of the associated broadcast service.   The system of claim 11, comprising a messaging module capable of sending a message to one or more of the plurality of electronic devices.   The system of claim 11, comprising a service consumption module capable of accessing the one or more broadcast services.   The system of claim 11, comprising a scheduling module capable of scheduling an action to be performed for the one or more broadcast services at a specified time.   The system of claim 11, comprising a memory capable of recording a program corresponding to the one or more broadcast services.   The system of claim 11, comprising a transmission module capable of transmitting the one or more broadcast services to one or more electronic devices of a plurality of electronic devices.   The system of claim 11, comprising a converter capable of converting the one or more broadcast services from a first format to a second format. A processor;
A matchfinder module that operates in conjunction with a processor;
The match finder module identifies one or more broadcast services based on the one or more reference identifiers, and the identified broadcast services match a description of the broadcast service associated with the one or more reference identifiers. And
The one or more reference identifiers are read from a metadata file transmitted by another electronic device;
The one or more reference identifiers include information about a broadcast service and user preferences of the first electronic device.   The electronic device of claim 18, comprising a decoder capable of restoring the one or more broadcast services.   The electronic device of claim 18, comprising a buffer capable of temporarily storing the one or more broadcast services.   The electronic device of claim 18, comprising a synchronization module capable of synchronizing one or more data streams corresponding to the one or more broadcast services.   The electronic device of claim 18, comprising a memory capable of recording the one or more broadcast services.

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