WO2004030349A2 - Tuning system for tv signal reception and amplification and method of interacting an electronic remote device with a tuning system - Google Patents

Tuning system for tv signal reception and amplification and method of interacting an electronic remote device with a tuning system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004030349A2
WO2004030349A2 PCT/BR2003/000140 BR0300140W WO2004030349A2 WO 2004030349 A2 WO2004030349 A2 WO 2004030349A2 BR 0300140 W BR0300140 W BR 0300140W WO 2004030349 A2 WO2004030349 A2 WO 2004030349A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
signals
remote device
audio
tuning system
electronic remote
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/BR2003/000140
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2004030349A3 (en
Inventor
Sérgio BERGSON STOLNICKI
Original Assignee
Bergson Stolnicki Sergio
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bergson Stolnicki Sergio filed Critical Bergson Stolnicki Sergio
Priority to AU2003265750A priority Critical patent/AU2003265750A1/en
Publication of WO2004030349A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004030349A2/en
Publication of WO2004030349A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004030349A3/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/4302—Content synchronisation processes, e.g. decoder synchronisation
    • H04N21/4307—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen
    • H04N21/43074—Synchronising the rendering of multiple content streams or additional data on devices, e.g. synchronisation of audio on a mobile phone with the video output on the TV screen of additional data with content streams on the same device, e.g. of EPG data or interactive icon with a TV program
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H60/00—Arrangements for broadcast applications with a direct linking to broadcast information or broadcast space-time; Broadcast-related systems
    • H04H60/09—Arrangements for device control with a direct linkage to broadcast information or to broadcast space-time; Arrangements for control of broadcast-related services
    • H04H60/13—Arrangements for device control affected by the broadcast information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04H—BROADCAST COMMUNICATION
    • H04H20/00—Arrangements for broadcast or for distribution combined with broadcast
    • H04H20/28—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information
    • H04H20/30—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information by a single channel
    • H04H20/31—Arrangements for simultaneous broadcast of plural pieces of information by a single channel using in-band signals, e.g. subsonic or cue signal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
    • H04N21/242—Synchronization processes, e.g. processing of PCR [Program Clock References]
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
    • H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
    • H04N21/4131—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices home appliance, e.g. lighting, air conditioning system, metering devices
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
    • H04N21/43615—Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
    • H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
    • H04N21/8106—Monomedia components thereof involving special audio data, e.g. different tracks for different languages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
    • H04N5/60—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for the sound signals
    • H04N5/607—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for the sound signals for more than one sound signal, e.g. stereo, multilanguages
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/06—Systems for the simultaneous transmission of one television signal, i.e. both picture and sound, by more than one carrier
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
    • H04N5/38—Transmitter circuitry for the transmission of television signals according to analogue transmission standards

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a tuning system for open TV signals, reception and amplification of such signals, apart from, complementary to and independently of the TV set, and to a method of interacting such a system with a user.
  • the invention refers to a tuning system that provides reception and amplification of TV signals, comprised by an electronic remote device dedicated to capture audio SAP type signals (Second Audio Program) for applications that provide a sensation of "multi-dimensionality" to the TV transmission.
  • the signals transmitted by the TV broadcasting company may contain audio and control signals in MTS carrier, or similar formats, and can also be transmitted through chroma, luminance, and synchronism signals.
  • the control signals may be used for audio, motion device and illumination control.
  • the electronic remote device is capable of playing the audio transmitted by the TV broadcasting company as well the control signals attached to the basic TV content, only when enabled for this purpose, by way of controls signals capable of enabling and disabling the audio amplification of the SAP audio signal, in synch with the current TV content.
  • the device is also capable of receiving and decoding other signals of the same nature, namely control signals for different purposes, aimed at controlling different device features such as motion and illumination.
  • Another objective of the electronic device of the invention is to receive audio signals from open TV broadcasters with dedicated content to its applications. This feature creates opportunities for the creation of a plurality of products, such as soft toy animals, and other devices that can be characterized as televiewers, which "talk", flash lights and even move, depen- ding on the TV broadcast signal.
  • This invention can also provide a means of producing a further audio signal to complement a standard TV broadcast, for the purposes of providing a low cost "home theatre".
  • An important aspect of the invention is that the device is engineered to complement the use of standard TV sets, not to compete with them.
  • Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of the content generation performed by the TV content production company, or by the TV broadcaster, where the control signals to manage the device of the invention are inserted.
  • Figure 2 shows a block diagram that describes the part related to the televiewer or user of the electronic remote device.
  • Figure 3 shows an example of control words used to manage the electronic remote device.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the system including the electronic remote device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the Second Audio Program is transmitted as an independent audio channel in a specific subcarrier in synch with the standard audio and video content.
  • this feature is activated using a button on a remote control or the TV set, with the purpose of providing a second option with respect to audio content, e.g., the transmission of the original content soundtrack, in countries where audio dubbing is a standard for foreign TV programs.
  • the content broadcasted by TV operators may or may not include the SAP soundtrack.
  • some technologies were de- veloped around the world to transmit standard stereo audio carrying an additional audio track as SAP.
  • Some examples of such technologies are MTS (Multichannel Television Sound), NICAM (Near Instantaneously Compoun- ded Audio Multiplex), FM-FM (Frequency Modulation - Frequency Multiplexing), Matrix and others.
  • Table 1 provided by UNIS - Electronic and Physical Science Department of University of Surrey - Guildford - UK, shows some audio transmission technolo ies in selected cou tries:
  • Video Description is the insertion of verbal descriptions about the setting and/or action in a program when information about these visual elements is not contained in the audio portion of the program. These descriptions supplement the regular audio track of the program.
  • the main audio will be transmitted in open audio channel for all TV sets, in all countries according to the respective audio standard, whereas the SAP or similar second audio con- tent will be transmitted on its own carrier.
  • SAP is used for original content transmission in foreign languages or for audio content that will assist blind or visually handicapped televiewers, according to the "Video Description" definition.
  • Figure 1 shows a diagram that details content generation perfor- med by a TV production company or by a TV broadcaster, where control signals are inserted.
  • the TV broadcaster can generate the open TV oriented content either using or not using the control signals of the invention.
  • the audio band used by the invention is exclusive and will only be liste- ned to by users who have the electronic remote device, or by users who, of their own volition, will press the SAP key to listen to the SAP content.
  • Other control signals are meaningless without the use of the electronic remote device.
  • the signal can also be scrambled (frequencies shuffled to avoid interception of the signal) to prevent a televiewer from listening to it without ha- ving the device of the invention.
  • Some TV broadcasters or content generators might choose this option where it would not be acceptable to listen to the transmission of audible content for the invention by clicking the SAP key.
  • Be- sides, the invention benefits from the fact that a standard TV set cannot reproduce the main broadcast audio signal simultaneously with the SAP audio signal. Thus, the user is protected from accidentally hearing, watching or feeling the content of the electronic remote device, where it would not make sense.
  • step 100 of Figure 1 you have the generation of common video and audio content, together with the audio and/or other signals destined for use in the present invention., whilst in step 110 the control words are added.
  • Scene 1 loop 1
  • Elapsed time t 00:00:03:1 OOhs less lead time to control word transmission/detection (delay) -
  • the content generator must provide an audio track specifically for the electronic remote device, wherein a third fictional character contributes to the scene.
  • the control signal is inserted by the content generator in this specific audio track in milliseconds synch with the main audio to be broadcast, according to step 110 of Figure 1.
  • the event sequence will, for most applications, be an "enable - transmit - disable" type of control words flow. This is necessary to pre- vent the electronic remote device from transmitting content whose destination was the original audio SAP TV set stream.
  • control signals are transmitted by SAP carrier
  • the invention requires a delay in signal transmission in order to avoid the reproduction of the final "disable" control signal by the electronic remote device.
  • Step 120 in Figure 1 describes the final phase of the master tape generation of a TV program, with all audio tracks corresponding to the common content in synch with the content generated for the invention.
  • Step 130 describes the content transmission, which has no impact on TV Broadcas- ters, as they are already equipped with transmitters supporting SAP band broadcasting.
  • Chroma Luminance
  • Synch Synch-enable - transmit - disable sequences for the electronic remote device to prevent it from reproducing un- desired SAP audio content.
  • These control signals transmitted through Chroma, Luminance or Synch carriers can also control other features such as motion, e.g., lifting an arm of a soft toy animal, and flashing lights, e.g., light yel- low LED for 3 seconds.
  • step 210 in Figure 2 the tuning of the device of the invention can be pre-programmed by the manufacturer, can be manually selected by the user or can be automatically selected by the electronic remote device scanning the channels to find its control words transmitted for selection purposes.
  • the TV Set is tuned to channel 4
  • the device of the invention will be tuned to the same channel, ma- nually or automatically, so that the televiewer can enjoy the program using the TV set and interact with the electronic remote device, according to step 230.
  • step 220 shows the fine adjustments of the electronic remote device such as volume, bass, treble, light intensity, motion on/off, etc. Depending on the manufacturer and model, these fine adjustments might be pre-set at the time of manufacture or manually adjusted if user controls are provided.
  • control signals for the invention are comprised of a sequence of clear frequencies that, once received by the receiver of the electronic remote device, are decoded to a digital pattern, based on a list of understandable set digital words, including the Enable and Disable commands.
  • Figure 3 exemplifies the application of such control words.
  • the analogue signals are interpreted and converted into binary digits to support the construction of digital control words. These signals can be transmitted over the SAP carrier or through other carriers with available bandwidth as formerly described, such as Chroma, Luminance and
  • FIG. 4 shows the block diagrams of the electronic remote device 5 and its implementation.
  • the antenna 10 of the electronic remote device 5 receives the same TV signals broadcast to the TV set.
  • the tuner 20 the radio signals are received and tuned to the correct channel, for which the desired content is being transmitted.
  • the signal is directed to the signal identification unit 30, which separates the transmitted signals intended for the device of the invention.
  • These signals can contain audio, video or control signals within them.
  • the signals that have been sent specifically for the electronic remote device 5, and separated at the signal identification unit 30, are now sent to the analogue/digital decoder 40. This unit has the role of receiving the analogue control signals and deco- ding them into digital signals.
  • the data is directed to the serial / parallel converter 50, which recovers the transmitted bits to re-build the original digital control word, understood by the signal controller of the electronic remote device.
  • the re-built digital word is now sent to the next unit, the controller 60.
  • the controller 60 is pre-programmed with firmware including the understandable digital control words.
  • firmware including the understandable digital control words.
  • Figure 4 for the sake of understanding, only two control words are illustrated “Audio Enable” and “Audio Disable”. This is not a limiting factor, only an illustrating example, it being possi- ble to use plurality of control words.
  • the electronic remote device can come with a plurality of understandable control words such as "lift arm motion", "turn on green light for 1 second" and many others.
  • the controller 60 processes the binary control words received from the serial/parallel converter 50 and can proceed according to the received command, enabling/disabling audio through a switch or commuter 70.
  • This switch allows/blocks the audio signal from being sent through the amplifier, letting the end user listen to the content created for this application, and cutting the audio flow whenever commanded to do so.
  • the controller can also allow messages pre-recorded by the manufacturer to be played and amplified to enhance the capabilities of the device of the invention.
  • the controller can command mechanical external parts of the device of the invention, which were not included in the figure.
  • the electronic remote device also has a delay 80, which synchronizes the original audio broadcasted signal when the control words are transmitted through the SAP audio carrier. This delay prevents the control word from being audible before the controller 60 disables the transmission. Thus, the transmission lead time necessary for receiving, identification of and decoding the control words (some milliseconds) will not truncate the original audio transmitted by the TV broadcaster.
  • original audio being generated in multiple audio tracks, e.g. "Dolby® Digital"
  • its content can be transmitted selectively to the standard main audio, having some special feature audio tracks transmitted to the electronic remote device. This would be a typical application for the low cost "Home Theatre".
  • the delayed signal is amplified in an audio amplifier 90 to provide gain to the transmitted audio so it becomes audible by the end user.
  • the loudspeaker 95 reproduces the amplified audio.

Abstract

The present invention refers to a method of interacting and a tu­ning system for TV signals, reception and amplification for open TV broad­casting transmissions, independent of the standard TV sets. The invention comprises an electronic remote device (5) built to receive the SAP (Second Audio Program) audio signal or other carrier similar to the MTS standard, for applications that provide a 'multi-dimensional' sensation on enjoying stan­dard TV programs wherein the electronic remote device (5) is capable of re­producing the auxiliary audio transmitted by the open TV broadcaster as well interpreting the control signals in synch and complementary to the standard TV program. The device can also provide features as identifying control sig­nals to support the commands on non-audio applications supporting features as motion controls and lighting controls through electromechanical and ligh­ting units under its command.

Description

Title: TUNING SYSTEM FOR TV SIGNAL RECEPTION AND AMPLIFICATION, AND METHOD OF INTERACTING AN ELECTRONIC REMOTE DEVICE WITH A TUNING SYSTEM FOR TV SIGNAL RECEPTION AND AMPLIFICATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a tuning system for open TV signals, reception and amplification of such signals, apart from, complementary to and independently of the TV set, and to a method of interacting such a system with a user. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Basically, the invention refers to a tuning system that provides reception and amplification of TV signals, comprised by an electronic remote device dedicated to capture audio SAP type signals (Second Audio Program) for applications that provide a sensation of "multi-dimensionality" to the TV transmission. The signals transmitted by the TV broadcasting company may contain audio and control signals in MTS carrier, or similar formats, and can also be transmitted through chroma, luminance, and synchronism signals. The control signals may be used for audio, motion device and illumination control. The electronic remote device is capable of playing the audio transmitted by the TV broadcasting company as well the control signals attached to the basic TV content, only when enabled for this purpose, by way of controls signals capable of enabling and disabling the audio amplification of the SAP audio signal, in synch with the current TV content. The device is also capable of receiving and decoding other signals of the same nature, namely control signals for different purposes, aimed at controlling different device features such as motion and illumination.
Another objective of the electronic device of the invention is to receive audio signals from open TV broadcasters with dedicated content to its applications. This feature creates opportunities for the creation of a plurality of products, such as soft toy animals, and other devices that can be characterized as televiewers, which "talk", flash lights and even move, depen- ding on the TV broadcast signal.
This invention can also provide a means of producing a further audio signal to complement a standard TV broadcast, for the purposes of providing a low cost "home theatre". An important aspect of the invention is that the device is engineered to complement the use of standard TV sets, not to compete with them. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 shows a flow diagram of the content generation performed by the TV content production company, or by the TV broadcaster, where the control signals to manage the device of the invention are inserted.
Figure 2 shows a block diagram that describes the part related to the televiewer or user of the electronic remote device.
Figure 3 shows an example of control words used to manage the electronic remote device. Figure 4 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the system including the electronic remote device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Many TV broadcasters throughout the world have broadcasting equipment that supports stereo audio transmission technology, such as MTS, and therefore supports the SAP (Second Audio Program) carrier or equivalent technology, depending on the country's TV standard. In other words, the Second Audio Program is transmitted as an independent audio channel in a specific subcarrier in synch with the standard audio and video content. Usually, this feature is activated using a button on a remote control or the TV set, with the purpose of providing a second option with respect to audio content, e.g., the transmission of the original content soundtrack, in countries where audio dubbing is a standard for foreign TV programs.
The content broadcasted by TV operators may or may not include the SAP soundtrack. To support this feature, some technologies were de- veloped around the world to transmit standard stereo audio carrying an additional audio track as SAP. Some examples of such technologies are MTS (Multichannel Television Sound), NICAM (Near Instantaneously Compoun- ded Audio Multiplex), FM-FM (Frequency Modulation - Frequency Multiplexing), Matrix and others.
Table 1 provided by UNIS - Electronic and Physical Science Department of University of Surrey - Guildford - UK, shows some audio transmission technolo ies in selected cou tries:
Figure imgf000005_0001
Table 1 - Transmission standards on open TV Broadcasting around the world
Despite the fact that different technologies can be found in many countries, the invention here claimed applies to all technologies supporting "Video Description" or second audio.
The concept known as "Video Description", created in the USA is described by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) as follows: "Video description is the insertion of verbal descriptions about the setting and/or action in a program when information about these visual elements is not contained in the audio portion of the program. These descriptions supplement the regular audio track of the program. "
According to the aforementioned concept, the main audio will be transmitted in open audio channel for all TV sets, in all countries according to the respective audio standard, whereas the SAP or similar second audio con- tent will be transmitted on its own carrier.
Usually SAP is used for original content transmission in foreign languages or for audio content that will assist blind or visually handicapped televiewers, according to the "Video Description" definition.
Figure 1 shows a diagram that details content generation perfor- med by a TV production company or by a TV broadcaster, where control signals are inserted.
According to Figure 1 , the TV broadcaster can generate the open TV oriented content either using or not using the control signals of the invention. The audio band used by the invention is exclusive and will only be liste- ned to by users who have the electronic remote device, or by users who, of their own volition, will press the SAP key to listen to the SAP content. Other control signals are meaningless without the use of the electronic remote device. The signal can also be scrambled (frequencies shuffled to avoid interception of the signal) to prevent a televiewer from listening to it without ha- ving the device of the invention. Some TV broadcasters or content generators might choose this option where it would not be acceptable to listen to the transmission of audible content for the invention by clicking the SAP key. Be- sides, the invention benefits from the fact that a standard TV set cannot reproduce the main broadcast audio signal simultaneously with the SAP audio signal. Thus, the user is protected from accidentally hearing, watching or feeling the content of the electronic remote device, where it would not make sense.
In order to properly command the electronic remote device and avoid the reproduction of SAP broadcast content not aimed at its devices, the broadcaster will send a control word with different meanings to the device, such as "enable" and "disable" respectively to enable and disable the elec- tronic remote device. Hence, in step 100 of Figure 1 , you have the generation of common video and audio content, together with the audio and/or other signals destined for use in the present invention., whilst in step 110 the control words are added. The following scene shows an illustrative embodiment of the concept: Scene 1: loop 1
Elapsed time t = 00:00:00:000hs Character 1 speaks;
Elapsed time t = 00:00:03:000hs Character 2 throws a pie in character 1's face; Elapsed time t = 00:00:03:01 Ohs The electronic remote device receives and decodes the control word "Enable";
Elapsed time t = 00:00:03:1 OOhs less lead time to control word transmission/detection (delay) - The electronic remote device now has enabled audio and is capable of reproducing a loud laugh; Elapsed time t = 00:00:05:490hs The device receives and decodes the control Word "Disable"; Elapsed time t = 00:00:05:500hs Character 1 laughs; Elapsed time t = 00:00:07:000hs Character 2 laughs; End of scene 1 loop According to the above scene, it is should be noted that the content generator must provide an audio track specifically for the electronic remote device, wherein a third fictional character contributes to the scene. The control signal is inserted by the content generator in this specific audio track in milliseconds synch with the main audio to be broadcast, according to step 110 of Figure 1. The event sequence will, for most applications, be an "enable - transmit - disable" type of control words flow. This is necessary to pre- vent the electronic remote device from transmitting content whose destination was the original audio SAP TV set stream.
It is relevant to point out that where the control signals are transmitted by SAP carrier, the invention requires a delay in signal transmission in order to avoid the reproduction of the final "disable" control signal by the electronic remote device.
Step 120 in Figure 1 describes the final phase of the master tape generation of a TV program, with all audio tracks corresponding to the common content in synch with the content generated for the invention. Step 130 describes the content transmission, which has no impact on TV Broadcas- ters, as they are already equipped with transmitters supporting SAP band broadcasting.
Another solution for transmitting control signals to the electronic remote device is through the passing band available in other standard TV signal carriers such as Chroma, Luminance, and Synch. All of these would serve the same purpose, i.e., to control the "enable - transmit - disable" sequences for the electronic remote device to prevent it from reproducing un- desired SAP audio content. These control signals transmitted through Chroma, Luminance or Synch carriers can also control other features such as motion, e.g., lifting an arm of a soft toy animal, and flashing lights, e.g., light yel- low LED for 3 seconds.
When using the device of the invention, the user will turn on the TV set and tune the desired channel. According to step 210 in Figure 2, the tuning of the device of the invention can be pre-programmed by the manufacturer, can be manually selected by the user or can be automatically selected by the electronic remote device scanning the channels to find its control words transmitted for selection purposes. Thus, where the TV Set is tuned to channel 4, the device of the invention will be tuned to the same channel, ma- nually or automatically, so that the televiewer can enjoy the program using the TV set and interact with the electronic remote device, according to step 230. In addition to step 210 in Figure 2, step 220 shows the fine adjustments of the electronic remote device such as volume, bass, treble, light intensity, motion on/off, etc. Depending on the manufacturer and model, these fine adjustments might be pre-set at the time of manufacture or manually adjusted if user controls are provided.
The control signals for the invention are comprised of a sequence of clear frequencies that, once received by the receiver of the electronic remote device, are decoded to a digital pattern, based on a list of understandable set digital words, including the Enable and Disable commands. Figure 3 exemplifies the application of such control words.
In Figure 3, the analogue signals are interpreted and converted into binary digits to support the construction of digital control words. These signals can be transmitted over the SAP carrier or through other carriers with available bandwidth as formerly described, such as Chroma, Luminance and
Synch.
Supposing that the control words are of 4 bits, as shown in Figu-
4 re 3, then they can vary from 0000 to 1111 , so listing 2 or 16 different control commands for the device of the invention. For n bits, we find 2 control words available leading to an unlimited range of applications to be built.
Figure 4 shows the block diagrams of the electronic remote device 5 and its implementation. The antenna 10 of the electronic remote device 5 receives the same TV signals broadcast to the TV set. In the tuner 20, the radio signals are received and tuned to the correct channel, for which the desired content is being transmitted. Once tuned to the correct channel, the signal is directed to the signal identification unit 30, which separates the transmitted signals intended for the device of the invention. These signals can contain audio, video or control signals within them. The signals that have been sent specifically for the electronic remote device 5, and separated at the signal identification unit 30, are now sent to the analogue/digital decoder 40. This unit has the role of receiving the analogue control signals and deco- ding them into digital signals. Once the analogue signals are decoded, the data is directed to the serial / parallel converter 50, which recovers the transmitted bits to re-build the original digital control word, understood by the signal controller of the electronic remote device. The re-built digital word is now sent to the next unit, the controller 60.
The controller 60 is pre-programmed with firmware including the understandable digital control words. In Figure 4, for the sake of understanding, only two control words are illustrated "Audio Enable" and "Audio Disable". This is not a limiting factor, only an illustrating example, it being possi- ble to use plurality of control words. The electronic remote device can come with a plurality of understandable control words such as "lift arm motion", "turn on green light for 1 second" and many others.
At this point, the controller 60 processes the binary control words received from the serial/parallel converter 50 and can proceed according to the received command, enabling/disabling audio through a switch or commuter 70. This switch allows/blocks the audio signal from being sent through the amplifier, letting the end user listen to the content created for this application, and cutting the audio flow whenever commanded to do so. The controller can also allow messages pre-recorded by the manufacturer to be played and amplified to enhance the capabilities of the device of the invention. In addition to this feature, the controller can command mechanical external parts of the device of the invention, which were not included in the figure.
The electronic remote device also has a delay 80, which synchronizes the original audio broadcasted signal when the control words are transmitted through the SAP audio carrier. This delay prevents the control word from being audible before the controller 60 disables the transmission. Thus, the transmission lead time necessary for receiving, identification of and decoding the control words (some milliseconds) will not truncate the original audio transmitted by the TV broadcaster. In the case of original audio being generated in multiple audio tracks, e.g. "Dolby® Digital", its content can be transmitted selectively to the standard main audio, having some special feature audio tracks transmitted to the electronic remote device. This would be a typical application for the low cost "Home Theatre".
Finally, the delayed signal is amplified in an audio amplifier 90 to provide gain to the transmitted audio so it becomes audible by the end user. The loudspeaker 95 reproduces the amplified audio.
The applications herein described are embodiments of the possibilities provided by the invention. Many different application modes can be designed, providing end users with new gadgets for entertainment and enjoyment. The true scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification comprising: a TV content generator and transmitter unit, the TV content com- prising information broadcast in an auxiliary audio signal carrier, characterized in that said broadcast information includes control signals capable of controlling an electronic remote device (5); the system further comprising: at least one electronic remote device (5) which has reception ca- pabilities independent from a standard TV set; the electronic remote device (5) comprising: a tuner (20) to tune signals transmitted by carriers of auxiliary audio signals; an auxiliary audio signal receiver (30); a control signal processor for processing control signals transmitted over auxiliary carrier frequencies; and at least one controller (60) based on the processed control signals transmitted over auxiliary carrier frequencies.
2. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification ac- cording to claim 1 , characterized in that the control signal processor for tuned standard TV signals comprises an analogue / digital decoder (40) and a serial / parallel converter (50).
3. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that the electronic remote device (5) fur- ther includes a commuter switch (70) and a signal delay unit (80).
4. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that the electronic remote device (5) further comprises an amplifier.
5. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification ac- cording to claim 1 , characterized in that the carriers for the auxiliary audio are preferably of the SAP type.
6. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification ac- cording to claim 1 , characterized in that the carriers for the auxiliary broadcasting include using SAP type auxiliary audio and available band-pass in other carriers or associated to other broadcasting TV standard signals such as Chroma, Luminance and Vertical and Horizontal Synchronization signals, and such that the SAP signals may be separated into control and audio signals.
7. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that the control signals are audio enabling signals, luminous sign enabling signals, motion control signals and pre- recorded playing control signals.
8. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 7, characterized in that the signals that control the playing of pre-recorded audio, are signals that enable and disable the reproduction of previously recorded audio content stored on a recording medium in the elec- tronic remote device (5).
9. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that a manual channel selector can process the tuning of control signals.
10. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification ac- cording to claim 1 , characterized in that the tuning of control signals is fixed in a specific transmitting channel.
11. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that tuning to the transmitting channel occurs automatically by scanning the open TV transmitting frequencies carr- ying specific control signals and identifying and interpreting such signals.
12. Tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 1 , characterized in that at least one controller controls the reproduction of received or pre-recorded audio content, the emission of luminous signs, and motion of the electronic remote device (5).
13. Method of interacting an electronic remote device (5) with a tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification characterized by comprising the steps of: receiving, by way of an electronic remote device (5) with reception capabilities independent from a standard TV set, a signal from a TV content generator and transmitter unit (3) comprising information broadcast in an auxiliary audio broadcasting carrier, said information including control ena- bling signals to enable an electronic remote device (5); processing control signals broadcast in said auxiliary broadcasting carrier; and controlling the processed control signals broadcast in said auxiliary broadcasting carrier.
14. Method of interacting an electronic remote device with a tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 13, characterized in that the step of processing control signals comprises decoding an analogue signal into a digital signal and converting such a serial digital signal into a digital control word.
15. Method of interacting an electronic remote device with a tuning system for TV signal reception and amplification according to claim 13, characterized by further comprising the step of: commuting and delaying said control signals broadcast in said auxiliary broadcasting carrier.
PCT/BR2003/000140 2002-09-25 2003-09-25 Tuning system for tv signal reception and amplification and method of interacting an electronic remote device with a tuning system WO2004030349A2 (en)

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BRPI0210259-5 2002-09-25
BR0210259-5A BR0210259A (en) 2002-09-25 2002-09-25 Television network signal tuning, reception and amplification system and method for interacting a remote electronic device with a television network signal tuning, reception and amplification system

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WO2004030349A3 WO2004030349A3 (en) 2004-05-27

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GB2056813A (en) * 1979-05-03 1981-03-18 Standard Telephones Cables Ltd Data transmission and display
US4652919A (en) * 1985-05-16 1987-03-24 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Video color transmission system with dual audio channels
US4840602A (en) * 1987-02-06 1989-06-20 Coleco Industries, Inc. Talking doll responsive to external signal
US5191615A (en) * 1990-01-17 1993-03-02 The Drummer Group Interrelational audio kinetic entertainment system
WO2002045286A2 (en) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-06 Scientific Generics Limited Acoustic communication system
US6452644B1 (en) * 1997-06-11 2002-09-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of controlling reception in data broadcast receiver

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB2056813A (en) * 1979-05-03 1981-03-18 Standard Telephones Cables Ltd Data transmission and display
US4652919A (en) * 1985-05-16 1987-03-24 Grumman Aerospace Corporation Video color transmission system with dual audio channels
US4840602A (en) * 1987-02-06 1989-06-20 Coleco Industries, Inc. Talking doll responsive to external signal
US5191615A (en) * 1990-01-17 1993-03-02 The Drummer Group Interrelational audio kinetic entertainment system
US6452644B1 (en) * 1997-06-11 2002-09-17 Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. Method of controlling reception in data broadcast receiver
WO2002045286A2 (en) * 2000-11-30 2002-06-06 Scientific Generics Limited Acoustic communication system

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BR0210259A (en) 2004-08-10
WO2004030349A3 (en) 2004-05-27
AU2003265750A1 (en) 2004-04-19
AU2003265750A8 (en) 2004-04-19

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