WO2004080068A1 - Multimedia television apparatus - Google Patents

Multimedia television apparatus Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004080068A1
WO2004080068A1 PCT/IT2003/000121 IT0300121W WO2004080068A1 WO 2004080068 A1 WO2004080068 A1 WO 2004080068A1 IT 0300121 W IT0300121 W IT 0300121W WO 2004080068 A1 WO2004080068 A1 WO 2004080068A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
multimedia
television
television apparatus
function
functions
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IT2003/000121
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Pierpaolo Reno'
Giuseppe Ciotta
Dante Plicato
Original Assignee
Regia S.R.L
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 Regia S.R.L filed Critical Regia S.R.L
Priority to PCT/IT2003/000121 priority Critical patent/WO2004080068A1/en
Priority to AU2003217459A priority patent/AU2003217459A1/en
Publication of WO2004080068A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004080068A1/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
    • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
    • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
    • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
    • 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
    • H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
    • H04N21/4183—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access providing its own processing capabilities, e.g. external module for video decoding
    • 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
    • H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
    • H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
    • H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
    • H04N21/42212—Specific keyboard arrangements
    • 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
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42646—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for reading from or writing on a non-volatile solid state storage medium, e.g. DVD, CD-ROM
    • 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
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42653—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for processing graphics
    • 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
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42661—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for reading from or writing on a magnetic storage medium, e.g. hard disk drive
    • 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
    • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
    • H04N21/42676—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for modulating an analogue carrier signal to encode digital information or demodulating it to decode digital information, e.g. ADSL or cable modem
    • 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
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • 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
    • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
    • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
    • H04N21/4316—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations for displaying supplemental content in a region of the screen, e.g. an advertisement in a separate window
    • 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47214—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for content reservation or setting reminders; for requesting event notification, e.g. of sport results or stock market
    • 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/472—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content
    • H04N21/47217—End-user interface for requesting content, additional data or services; End-user interface for interacting with content, e.g. for content reservation or setting reminders, for requesting event notification, for manipulating displayed content for controlling playback functions for recorded or on-demand content, e.g. using progress bars, mode or play-point indicators or bookmarks
    • 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • 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
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/485—End-user interface for client configuration
    • 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
    • H04N21/432—Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
    • 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
    • H04N21/433—Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4334—Recording operations

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a multimedia television apparatus according to the preamble to Claim 1.
  • the present invention relates to a multimedia television apparatus for the control and use of multimedia functions.
  • on-line EPG electronic programme guide
  • the user has to go to the personal computer, start it up, connect it to the network, access the interactive information service, and request the desired information.
  • a system which is more effective and advantageous for the receipt of information should combine the real-time information-distribution characteristics of an interactive information service with the low cost and easy use of an already-existing radio-broadcasting infrastructure.
  • Multimedia television apparatuses which can provide the user with a variety of multimedia functions in addition to the conventional television function are known.
  • An example of these multimedia functions may be the playing of a DVD and/or of a music CD, the recording of television programmes on video cassette and/or optical substrates, listening to stereophonic programmes with high-quality audio reproduction systems, etc.
  • connection sockets which enable the television set to be put into communication with various devices which may be, for example, a DVD optical reader, a CD optical reader, a video recorder, a DVD and/or CD writer, a video games console, or even a personal computer.
  • the user also generally has a remote control for operating and controlling most of the functions provided by the device .
  • the remote control not only enables the device to be switched on/off, but also enables its operation to be controlled.
  • the user has a series " of options such as, for example, language change, audio setting, fast forward, etc .
  • Modern devices make available to the user a text or pictogram menu which can be displayed on the television screen and by means. of which the above-mentioned options can be controlled.
  • each device can be activated and controlled by its own remote control or other similar means, the user will have a number of remote controls generally equal to the number of devices connected, with obvious consequences with regard to the control of the devices . Furthermore, since each device is generally interfaced with the television set by means of its own menu, there will be different menus, each for the control of the device associated therewith.
  • television sets of the type including one or more of the devices listed above have been proposed .
  • two devices, the DVD reader and/or the video cassette player are incorporated in the television set, reducing the number of connections and remote controls.
  • control of the potential multimedia functions of the multimedia apparatus by the user cannot therefore be defined as truly "multimedia” control, but rather as the individual control of a plurality of devices.
  • the technical problem underlying the present invention is that of providing a multimedia television apparatus having structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the above-mentioned need, at the same time overcoming the disadvantages of the television sets described above with reference to the prior art .
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1
  • FIG 3 shows a representation of the graphics interface of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit of a multimedia function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 5 shows another schematic circuit of a multimedia function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 6 shows a representation of the graphics interface of a function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1
  • Figure 7 shows an operative diagram of a particular data- transmission topology of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1.
  • a multimedia television apparatus according to the invention is generally indicated 1.
  • television apparatus used with reference to the present invention relates to apparatus having as its main function that of enabling a user to view television programmes .
  • multimedia television apparatus used with reference to the present invention relates to a television apparatus which has a plurality of additional functions in addition to the above-mentioned main function.
  • additional functions may be, for example, the reading/writing of an optical substrate and/or a magnetic substrate, access to an external analog/digital network, the reading/writing of a mass substrate such as, for example, a hard disc, etc.
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 comprises a plurality "n" of electronic devices D x ...D n .
  • the term "electronic devices” used with reference to the present invention relates to devices which can perform a multimedia function.
  • they may be electronic devices which can perform the multimedia functions of a CD- reader, of a reader of files in MP3 or OGG format, of a DVD reader, of an interface complying with the PCMCIA standard, that is, an interface which permits connection to communications cards of the RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 types, transmitted-wave communication cards, or so-called “wireless" network cards complying, for example, with the "Bluetooth" standard, a modem so as to permit analog, digital, GSM, or GPRS connection, a hard disc, or a combination of hard discs in accordance with the various "raid” formats, a magnetic/optical-disc reader, a DVD/CD-ROM writer, a set of analog/digital audio loudspeakers, a video with a specific amplifier which can drive several audio channels simultaneously, a non-volatile electronic memory unit, a card for the acquisition of
  • the television apparatus 1 is suitable for the control and use of a plurality "m" of multimedia functions F ⁇ ...F m .
  • multimedia functions used with reference to the present invention relates to the functions which are made available to the user by the combination of one or more of the electronic devices of the type mentioned above.
  • the present invention also relates to other electronic devices which can make available to the user one, or a series or combination of multimedia functions that are not otherwise provided by a conventional television set.
  • the multimedia apparatus 1 comprises ( Figure 1) , as does a conventional television set, a television chassis 2, a television screen 3 , and control means 4.
  • the apparatus 1 is supplied with energy by a supply unit 5 connected to a conventional electrical mains supply, and is provided with a video input 6 for the insertion of a standard coaxial cable for receiving a video signal, for
  • the television chassis 2 is of known type and is not described in further detail .
  • the television screen 3 may be a cathode-ray tube, a high- resolution screen, a flat screen or, preferably, an active- matrix liquid-crystal screen.
  • the control means 4 may be an infra-red (IR) or radio- frequency (RF) remote control, a screen sensitive to the pressure exerted by a user's finger or hand, of the type commonly known as a "touch-screen", or similar means suitable for controlling an electronic device, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, optical pens, or a combination of one or more of the above-mentioned control means 4.
  • the control means may be of the non-remote type, for example, a touch-screen, for example, in the peripheral region of the television chassis 2, or' in another embodiment, directly on the television screen 3.
  • the supply unit 5 supplies energy to the television apparatus 1 and is connected to a normal electrical-supply mains, that is, 110/220 volts, 50-60 Hz.
  • the supply unit 5 can advantageously also supply energy to the electronic devices D j .
  • This embodiment of the invention will be described in further detail with reference to a preferred embodiment of the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention.
  • the video input 6 may be connected to a television aerial, to a dish aerial, or to a cable network so as to enable the multimedia television apparatus 1 to perform its primary television function.
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention further comprises a graphics interface 7 and a hardware interface 8.
  • the graphics interface 7 can be displayed on the television screen 3 or also simultaneously on a screen outside the chassis 2.
  • the graphics interface 7 is advantageously displayed on the television screen 3 so as to facilitate control of the multimedia functions Fi.
  • Each multimedia function Fi is displayed by the association of a visual element Ei such as an icon or window with the function Fi so that the user can easily recognize the function Fi associated therewith.
  • the television screen 3 is configured with an interactive EPG 7a for displaying the data of a television-programme listing including the programmes of all of the available frequency channels for a predetermined period of time, for example, a day or a week.
  • These programme listings typically include, for each programme, the title, a programme description, the day of the week, the starting time on the day, the programme length, and the channel on which the programme is transmitted, etc., so that the programme is available to be received.
  • the period of time may be, for example, one or two days, or a week or more.
  • the news information stored in a news database of the EPG memory includes, in non-limiting manner, news categories, news headlines, the articles relating to the news headlines, graphical images connected with the articles, and connections with television programmes, with Internet web sites, and with all local information of the guide, connected with each article .
  • the television screen 3 interacts with the television apparatus 1 and with the EPG 7a by means of one of the above-mentioned control devices 4, for example, by means of an IR remote control .
  • the element Ei is represented by an icon or by a graphical representation selected so as to facilitate its association with the multimedia function Fi.
  • the icon will represent an optical disc.
  • an informative label I briefly describing the multimedia function Fi may be provided for display beside the icon.
  • the labels "DVD” or "CD” may be associated with two icons so as to identify the type of multimedia function precisely.
  • the graphics interface 7 may also have a cursor 9 of a type known in information technology applications so as to facilitate recognition of the function Fi to be selected by the user at any particular time.
  • the cursor 9 may be an arrow or another graphics symbol suitable for this purpose .
  • the graphics interface 7 may also give additional information such as, for example, the date, the time and other information which will be described in further detail below.
  • communication used with reference to the present invention relates not only to communication of any type in which there is a mono-directional or bi-directional signal flow, but also to an electrical communication the purpose of which is to supply current/voltage to an electronic device.
  • the mono-directional or bi-directional signal may be electrical, analog or digital electronic, electromagnetic, optical, etc.
  • the hardware interface 8 may use one method for communication with one electronic device and another method for communication with another electronic device .
  • the hardware interface 8 may be, for example, in both electrical and signal communication with a predetermined device Dj .
  • the hardware interface 8 supplies energy to the device Dj by electrical communication, whereas the hardware interface 8 transmits and/or receives signals from the electronic device Dj by signal communication.
  • an electronic device D j is advantageously supplied with energy directly by the hardware interface 8 and does not therefore need a dedicated energy- supply section.
  • an electronic device Dj has to be supplied with energy separately
  • the communication between the hardware interface 8 and the electronic device Dj will preferably be purely signal communication.
  • a DVD reader situated inside the television chassis 2 may be supplied with energy directly by the hardware interface 8.
  • signal communication may take place in conventional manner by means of an electrical cable or, preferably, by wireless communication, for example, by means of infra-red rays or radio waves .
  • the hardware interface 8 is disposed inside the chassis 2 of the multimedia television apparatus 1, as are most of the electronic devices D j .
  • the electronic devices Dj that are inside the television chassis 2 are in both electrical and signal communication with the hardware interface 8, and the hardware interface 8 is arranged to supply the electrical energy for the devices Dj .
  • the electronic devices D j that are located outside the television chassis 2 and, in particular, in positions such that they cannot easily be connected electrically to the hardware interface 8, are in purely signal communication with the hardware interface 8.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates at least one multimedia function Fi with at least one electronic device D j .
  • at least one multimedia function of the multimedia functions Fi is displayed by the graphics interface 7, preferably on the television screen 3.
  • Each multimedia function Fi can be selected by the ' user by means of the control means 4.
  • the multimedia function Fi After the multimedia function Fi has been selected by the user by means of the control means 4, it is associated with at least one electronic device Dj by the hardware interface 8.
  • control means 4 are of the remote type and take the form of an infra-red ray remote control 4a and of a wireless keyboard 4b.
  • the remote control 4a may be a radio-wave control.
  • the infra-red remote control 4a is advantageously provided with cursor controls 4c which facilitate the control of the graphics interface 7.
  • control means 4 may be of the non-remote type, for example, a touch screen located in the television chassis 2.
  • control means 4 are preferably in signal communication with the hardware interface 8.
  • the hardware interface 8 may be provided with a unit 18 which detects the signal 19 coming from the control means 4 and processes it in order to identify the position of the cursor 9 on the television screen 3. This enables the function Fi selected by the user and displayed on the television screen 3 by the graphics interface 7 to be identified.
  • the facility is therefore provided for the secondary function F ik called up to be displayed by the graphics interface 7 as a sub-function of the main function Fi.
  • multimedia functions Fi exclude the normal functions of the switching on/off of the device/s associated therewith by means of the hardware interface 8, that is, switching on/off is a function belonging to each device Dj .
  • the description given below relates the assumption that all of the devices D j that are in electrical communication with the hardware interface 8 and are switched off when the multimedia television apparatus 1 is switched on, are switched on at that moment. With regard to switching-off, a "standby state" may be provided for those devices Dj that require such a state.
  • the electronic devices D j are :
  • TFT-LCD active-matrix liquid-crystal screen
  • D 2 DVD/CD reader/writer
  • the primary multimedia functions Fi are:
  • the secondary multimedia functions Fi k are:
  • the devices Di...D 8 are considered to be in electrical and signal communication with the hardware interface 8.
  • the supply unit 5 of the television apparatus 1 supplies electrical energy to the hardware interface 8 which then distributes the energy to the devices Di...D 8 that are in electrical communication therewith.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the switching on/off function F 6 with the nonvolatile electronic memory unit device D 8 .
  • the non-volatile memory unit D 8 is a data-storage unit and can be used for various purposes .
  • the non-volatile memory unit D 8 is a memory of the type commonly known as a compact flash memory card or, briefly, a flash memory, in which the operating system of the multimedia television apparatus 1 is advantageously stored.
  • the operating system is encrypted to permit confidentiality and to prevent copying of the system.
  • the operating system held in the flash memory D 8 arranges for the initialization or start-up of the devices Dj that are in communication with the hardware interface 8 and arranges for the display of the graphics interface 7.
  • Switching-on may take place by the pressing of a suitable button disposed on the chassis 2 or by means of the remote control 4a.
  • a flash memory for switching on the multimedia television apparatus 1 is extremely advantageous since it enables it to be switched on quickly. In fact, in comparison with hard-disc access times, the reading of a flash memory is considerably faster so that the waiting times that are typical of the loading of the operating system, for example in a personal computer, are eliminated.
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 is ready to accept commands from the user via the control means
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention also has a smart card reader, not shown in the drawings, for access to particular satellite and/or terrestrial channels and/or to payment channels.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the TV viewing function Fa. with the active-matrix liquid-crystal (TFT-LCD) screen device D x and with the audio/video acquisition card device D 7 .
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 can thus be used for viewing television programmes.
  • the TFT-LCD screen Di may be the television screen 3 but may also be a screen located outside the chassis 2.
  • communication between the hardware interface 8 and the external television screen will be purely signal communication, for example, electromagnetic-signal communication (commonly referred to as "wireless" communication) and the television screen will have an independent energy supply.
  • one solution does not exclude the other.
  • the user may also have the facility to control the devices D x ...D 8 , that is, to control the multimedia functions Fa . ..F 6 , from a room other from that in which the multimedia television apparatus 1 is located, subject to the provision of further control means suitable for this purpose.
  • This further embodiment is implemented by supplying a replica of the graphics interface 7 to the external television screen, thus enabling all of the multimedia functions Fi of the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention to be utilized.
  • the video signal 11 from a terrestrial aerial ( Figure 4) , from a dish aerial, or from a cable network, is selected by a tuner which sends it to a VSB (vestigial sideband) demodulator, that it, it is input to the audio/video acquisition card D 7 from which an input signal 12 for the hardware interface 8 emerges.
  • the signal 12 is then processed by the image-processing unit 13 which produces a signal 14 for input to the TFT-LCD screen D x for displaying.
  • the signal 12 coming from the audio/video acquisition card D 7 is manipulated by a software program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15, and sent back to the audio-video acquisition card D 7 which produces the signal 14 for input to the screen D x .
  • the mass memory 15 may be, for example, a RAM memory in which the program is stored temporarily.
  • the program may be stored on the hard disc D 5 .
  • the hardware interface 8 also associates the TV viewing function F a. with the audio processing card device D 5 which provides, in known manner, for the reproduction of a very high-quality sound on the basis of the signal 12 coming from the audio-video acquisition card D 7 .
  • the audio processing card D s may be located inside the chassis 2 or may be an external device with a separate energy supply.
  • the device D 5 may be a "home theatre" listening system which is in signal, preferably electromagnetic-signal communication with the hardware interface 8 and comprises an audio amplifier and a plurality of acoustic loudspeakers.
  • the device D 5 may be an audio card which is in electrical and signal, preferably electrical-signal communication with the hardware interface 8.
  • the audio card having the signal 12 as an input, would produce an output audio signal towards, for example, a pair of acoustic loudspeakers 17 mounted in the chassis 2.
  • the TV viewing function F x displayed by the graphics interface 7, for example, on the screen Di, can be selected by the user by means of the control means 4, in particular, by means of the remote control 4a, more particularly by means of the cursor controls 4c.
  • the cursor controls 4c consist of four arrow buttons which indicate the four directions of movement (up/down right/left) .
  • the cursor controls 4c enable the cursor 9, which is represented by an arrow, to be moved in vertical/horizontal directions between the icons Ei associated with the functions Fi displayed on the screen Da. by the graphics interface 7.
  • the icon E x represents a television and is provided at its side with the informative label "TV" I x .
  • the function F x is selected when the cursor 9 is disposed beside the icon E x and the user presses a predetermined push-button on the remote control 4a.
  • the use of each individual function F by a user is advantageously facilitated by the graphics interface 7 which enables the user to "navigate" between a series of menus by means of the remote control 4a.
  • the “navigation” follows the conventional up/down right/left system and is thus simple and user-friendly.
  • the hardware interface 8 detects, by means of the detection and processing unit 18, the signal 19 coming from the control means 4, in particular from the remote control 4a and from the cursor controls 4c.
  • the signal 19 is processed in order to identify the function Fi selected by the user and displayed on the screen D x by the graphics interface 7.
  • the secondary stop and play and recording functions Fu and F1 2 can be called up from the TV viewing function F x .
  • the user can thus retrieve from the archive of the multimedia apparatus 1, that is, from the hard disc D 6 , a television programme which he has missed.
  • This function is useful if the user interrupts the viewing of a programme, a film, or any other event, for example, by changing channel or for external reasons .
  • the user selects the function F u which is associated with the hard-disc device D 6 by the hardware interface 8, and the programme, the film, or any other event which the user was watching when the function Fu was selected, is recorded on the hard-disc device D 6 .
  • the user can thus subsequently access the digital archive of the multimedia television apparatus 1, that is, the hard- disc device D 6 , with a facility for deferred viewing of the programme previously interrupted.
  • stop and play function F X1 An example of the use of the stop and play function F X1 is described below with reference to a user who is watching a programme on channel A and wishes to change channels in order to watch a programme on channel B.
  • the function F X1 enables the user not to miss the event transmitted on channel A.
  • the programme transmitted on channel A is recorded on the hard disc D ⁇ , starting from the moment at which the "stop and play” button is pressed, and the user can thus change channels and watch a programme on channel B. Naturally, the user can change channels again, to watch channel C, channel D, or even channel A.
  • the user can set a series of options such as, for example, the maximum recording period, and the number of programmes which can be recorded simultaneously.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the recording function F 12 with the hard-disc device D 6 or with the DVD/CD reader/writer device D 2 .
  • the user can thus re-record the programme which he is currently watching and subsequently retrieve it from the archive of the multimedia apparatus, that is, from the hard disc D 6 or from the written DVD/CD.
  • the recording advantageously permits storage on the hard disc D 6 in the formats conventionally used, such as, for example DivX and the like.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the function F 2 for access to television- programme listings with the modem device D 3 or with the LAN card device D 4 . It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 to display a television-programme listing on the screen D a so that the programme to watch can be selected can easily and directly by the user. If the function F 2 is selected on the graphics interface 7, the connection to the Internet is activated by means of the modem D 3 or the LAN card D 4 . Alternatively, the user may be asked for a signal to approve connection to the Internet.
  • a program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15 or in the flash memory card D 8 enables a connection to be established with an external server in which an archive of data is present.
  • the archive of data contains information relating to the latest available version of the television-programme listing. This information is made available to the user and displayed by the graphics interface 7, that is, on the screen D x .
  • the TV viewing function F x is then called up in order to view the selected programme .
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the function F 2 for access to television-programme listings with the audio/video acquisition card D .
  • the information relating to the latest available version of the television-programme listing is supplied by the television network itself and is contained in the signal 11 input to the audio/video acquisition card D 7 .
  • this information will be present in a frequency band other than that of the audio/video signal and a decoder will be required to extract this information.
  • the information to which the user can have access by means of the television-programme listing function F 2 is data such as the television channel, the programme title, the programme-start time, the programme-finish time, and the type of programme (sports, entertainment, film) .
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the preview function F i of a selected channel with the TFT-LCD screen device Dj..
  • a preview of the selected channel is thus displayed on the screen Da. in a portion 20 of the screen Di ( Figure 6) to help the user to select the programme to watch.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the function F 22 for the programming of recording by "time interval” and the function F 23 for the programming of recording by "programme selection from a guide" with the hard-disc device D 6 and with the audio/video acquisition card device D 9 .
  • the user can thus programme the recording of a programme, for example, by means of a convenient button located on the remote control 4.
  • the function F 22 enables the start time and the finish time of the recording of a television programme to be set .
  • the audio/video acquisition card D 9 picks up the signal 11 coming from the aerial and passes the signal 12 to a program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15 or in the flash memory card D 8 , which controls the signal and saves it on the hard-disc device D 6 - Everything which a preselected television channel transmits from the preselected start time to the preselected finish time is thus recorded.
  • the expected start/finish time of a programme does not coincide with the time at which the programme actually starts/finishes. The programme may therefore be recorded only partially, naturally to the user's dissatisfaction.
  • the function F 2 3 enables the programme to be selected directly from the television- programme listing.
  • the television channel which transmits the programme, or the data archive to which the television apparatus 1 has access by means of the mode D 3 supplies continuously updated information on the actual start/finish timetable of the programme to be recorded.
  • the recording can thus commence at the precise moment at which the preselected programme starts and end at the precise moment at which the programme ends.
  • the user can thus set a series of search parameters which identify a number of programmes so as to set the recording of these programmes . If the user wishes to record all of the films in which an actor A takes part, this search criterion will be saved, for example, in the mass memory 15.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the CD/DVD reading/writing function F 3 with the CD/DVD reader/writer device D 2 . It is thus possible to. use the multimedia television apparatus 1 in order to view, on the screen D x , a film or the like stored on a DVD or CD optical substrate and/or to record a programme on a DVD/CD. Naturally, the multimedia television apparatus 1 can also control the normal functions of a DVD or CD reader. For example, the selection of a scene or a passage, fast forward, etc.
  • the function F 3 may be associated with two different icon- type visual elements E 3 displayed on the screen D x by the graphics inter ace 7 so as to differentiate . the reading/writing of a CD from that of a DVD.
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 provides the facility automatically to re-record the contents of the DVD, that is, the entire film of parts thereof, or of the CD, or some passages, in DiVX, Avi, Mpeg, digital format, etc. in an internal or even external digital archive (recording function F 32 ) .
  • the facility to convert a CD/DVD to an alternative format to the source format, for example, . from VOB to DiVX, or from MP3 format to WAV format is also provided.
  • the hardware interface 8 may associate the function F 3 directly with the device D 6 .
  • the hardware interface 8 also associates the function F 3X for importing audio/video data from the Internet with the modem device D 3 . It is thus possible to retrieve from the Internet the information relating to the artist, the title of the CD, the titles of the passages from the CD and, for a DVD, the director of the film, the plot of the film, actors, and additional information so that the user can easily select the desired information on the graphics interface 7 by means of the remote control 4.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the Internet connection function F 4 with the modem device D 3 . It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention for connection to the Internet .
  • the modem device D 3 may be replaced by another equivalent device which can perform the Internet connection function F .
  • the Internet connection may take place by a wireless method, or by means of a GPRS, UMTS or satellite system.
  • a telephone card or a satellite aerial will be required, according to the system used.
  • the Internet connection can advantageously be displayed on the screen D x by means of a dedicated browser which, for example, may implement a limited, number of functions in comparison with commercial browsers .
  • the Internet connection may be displayed on the screen D x by means of one of the browsers that are commonly available commercially, for example, Explorer, Netscape, or Opera.
  • the browsers will preferably be stored on the hard disc D 6 and controlled, with regard to their functional capabilities, by the operating system stored in the flash memory card.
  • the hardware interface 8 may also associate the Internet connection function F 4 with the LAN network card. It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention for connection to an Ethernet network.
  • the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention may be used as an element of an Intranet network so as to be in communication with a server or with a personal computer.
  • the use of the Internet connection function F 4 is advantageously facilitated by the use of the keyboard 4b.
  • the hardware interface 8 associates the archive access function F 5 with the hard-disc device D 6 . It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention as a data archive. For example, it is possible to import data from a video camera or from a digital camera, connectible to the multimedia television apparatus 1 by means of the card D 9 , and to store the data on the hard disc D e and/or or display it later on the TFT-LCD screen D x .
  • the hardware interface 8 also associates the function F 5 with the audio/video acquisition card D 7 and/or D 9 .
  • Word processing programs, spreadsheet programs etc. can advantageously be stored on the device D 6 and their functional capabilities controlled by the operating system stored on the flash memory card D 8 by means of the keyboard 4b.
  • the Internet connection function F 4 may be activated at the same time.
  • the Internal connection function F 4 or the word processing display may be activated at the same time .
  • the TV viewing function F x or the DVD/CD reading/writing function F 3 may be activated at the same time .
  • the facility is provided to activate the TV viewing function F x and the DVD/CD reading/writing function F 3 when the Internet connection function F 4 is already active.
  • the function F 3 may be associated with an external television screen that is in signal communication with the multimedia television apparatus 1, whilst the function F x may be associated with the screen D x and vice versa.
  • some functions Fi may be displayed by the graphics interface 7 in different areas of the TFT-LCD screen D x , in accordance with a picture in picture (PIP) operating layout.
  • PIP picture in picture
  • the Internet connection function F 4 , and the TV viewing function F x may be displayed on the television screen D x simultaneously by the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention.
  • multimedia functions described with particular reference to the multimedia television apparatus 1 may advantageously be used in a multimedia digital video recorder.
  • This video recorder enables, for example, the television- programme listings function F 2 , and consequently the secondary functions associated therewith, to be controlled and used by means of a touch-screen.
  • Ease of use does not preclude the presence of advanced functions such as stop and play or audio/video import from external sources .
  • the digital video recorder provides for the following advanced functional capabilities: • programming of recordings by means of the television- programme listings function
  • the programming of the recordings takes place by a wholly visual mechanism by the touch-screen selection of the displayed name of the programme to be recorded in the mass archive.
  • the programme listing is received via the Internet; the apparatus is connected, automatically or upon request, to a server containing data from which it is possible to retrieve, in addition to the weekly programme listings of the major broadcasters, also thematic listings, such as, for example, sports listings, by means of which it is possible to view all of the sports events of the week.
  • Digital video recording enables a large number of films to be archived in the mass memory of the apparatus with better quality than a conventional VHS .
  • Digital video recording also eliminates the problems that are typical of magnetic tapes, such as degradation and rewinding times .
  • the apparatus interfaces with the most widespread satellite transmission standards, enabling the digital signal to be displayed and recorded directly without loss of quality.
  • the apparatus incorporates a DVD reader which enables the quality of the audio/video componentry to be used to best advantage, with optical digital outputs for connection to the user's Hi-fi system.
  • the apparatus incorporates the functional capacities of an audio CD-reader and offers the facility to play compressed audio formats such as MP3 or OGG.
  • the multimedia television apparatus satisfies the above-mentioned need and at the same time overcomes the disadvantages referred to with reference to the prior art in the introductory part of the present description.

Abstract

The present invention relates to a multimedia television apparatus (1) for the control and use of a plurality of multimedia functions (FI), the apparatus comprising a plurality of electronic devices (Dj) and control means (4) suitable for controlling at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices (Dj), and the apparatus having the characteristic that it further comprises a graphics interface (7), for the display of at least one multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions (FI), and a hardware interface (8) that is in communication with the plurality of electronic devices (Dj), the hardware interface (8) associating the at least one multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions (FI) that are displayed by the graphics interface (7) with al least one device of the plurality of electronic devices (Dj), each multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions (FI) being selectable by the user by means of the control means (4).

Description

DESCRIPTION
Title: "Multimedia television apparatus"
The present invention relates to a multimedia television apparatus according to the preamble to Claim 1.
More particularly, the present invention relates to a multimedia television apparatus for the control and use of multimedia functions.
Users have an ever increasing desire to obtain up-to-date information concerning a variety of events and activities.
For example, users like to be informed of current events such as national and local news, news of the financial market, sports results, and entertainment guides, that is, the ' so-called television-programme listings, in real time, without the need to watch television newscasts and/or listen to radio news bulletins, etc.
Users also wish to receive the information which interests them, according to each individual user's different wishes, without having to consult other material or information substrates .
Recently, on-line EPG (electronic programme guide) services have made this information available to users in a controlled and selective manner. However, on-line services require the use of specialized and expensive apparatus such as personal computers, modems, and software and require a particular level of sophistication and experience which "average" users do not always have. Moreover, the use of this apparatus may be inconvenient and not very user-friendly and, above all, takes time.
In fact the user has to go to the personal computer, start it up, connect it to the network, access the interactive information service, and request the desired information.
A system which is more effective and advantageous for the receipt of information should combine the real-time information-distribution characteristics of an interactive information service with the low cost and easy use of an already-existing radio-broadcasting infrastructure.
Multimedia television apparatuses which can provide the user with a variety of multimedia functions in addition to the conventional television function are known.
An example of these multimedia functions may be the playing of a DVD and/or of a music CD, the recording of television programmes on video cassette and/or optical substrates, listening to stereophonic programmes with high-quality audio reproduction systems, etc.
In order to provide the user with access to multimedia functions, modern television sets have numerous connection sockets which enable the television set to be put into communication with various devices which may be, for example, a DVD optical reader, a CD optical reader, a video recorder, a DVD and/or CD writer, a video games console, or even a personal computer.
Every time the user wishes to install one of the devices listed above, he is obliged to perform a series of operations . First of all it is necessary to make the connections between the preselected device and the television set, to provide an energy supply, and to identify a suitable place to put the device.
The user also generally has a remote control for operating and controlling most of the functions provided by the device .
In fact, the remote control not only enables the device to be switched on/off, but also enables its operation to be controlled.
For a DVD-reader, the user has a series "of options such as, for example, language change, audio setting, fast forward, etc .
Modern devices make available to the user a text or pictogram menu which can be displayed on the television screen and by means. of which the above-mentioned options can be controlled.
If a considerable number of devices are connected, the user will have to provide for a series of connections between the television set and the preselected devices, with a consequent increase in the connecting cables and in the complexity of the connections which, even though they are easy to install and control, may be impractical for the "average" user.
Moreover, since each device can be activated and controlled by its own remote control or other similar means, the user will have a number of remote controls generally equal to the number of devices connected, with obvious consequences with regard to the control of the devices . Furthermore, since each device is generally interfaced with the television set by means of its own menu, there will be different menus, each for the control of the device associated therewith.
Moreover, when a device is switched on and the corresponding menu is displayed on the screen, the user loses control of the basic functions of the television set.
To overcome these problems, television sets of the type including one or more of the devices listed above have been proposed .
In the current state of the art, television sets known as "combo" sets are available; a set of this type has the characteristic that it includes an internal video cassette player or a DVD and/or music CD reader.
In particular, two devices, the DVD reader and/or the video cassette player are incorporated in the television set, reducing the number of connections and remote controls.
However, although these television sets partially overcome some of the problems discussed above, they still have many disadvantages .
In parallel with this, and even if the incorporation of further devices is envisaged, there is still the problem of the control of the various resources, that is, of the individual devices, which still takes place by means of different menus.
It is clear from the foregoing that television sets of the prior art do not permit easy access to the functions of the devices, particularly with regard to the simultaneous and hence multimedia control of more than one device.
When access to the Internet is required, it is necessary to connect the television set to a personal computer or to provide an external or internal network card and/or an external or internal modem which performs this task.
The control of the potential multimedia functions of the multimedia apparatus by the user cannot therefore be defined as truly "multimedia" control, but rather as the individual control of a plurality of devices.
There is consequently a considerable need to be able to gain access to the numerous multimedia functions which current devices provide by means of a truly "multimedia" control which permits access to the individual devices, possibly even simultaneously, by means of a single interface.
The technical problem underlying the present invention is that of providing a multimedia television apparatus having structural and functional characteristics such as to satisfy the above-mentioned need, at the same time overcoming the disadvantages of the television sets described above with reference to the prior art .
This problem is solved by a television apparatus according to Claim 1.
Further characteristics and the advantages of the television apparatus according to the present invention will become clear from the following description of a preferred embodiment thereof which is given by way of non-limiting example with reference to the appended drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a multimedia television apparatus according to the present invention,
Figure 2 is a block diagram of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1,
Figure 3 shows a representation of the graphics interface of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1,
Figure 4 shows a schematic circuit of a multimedia function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1,
Figure 5 shows another schematic circuit of a multimedia function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1,
Figure 6 shows a representation of the graphics interface of a function of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1, and
Figure 7 shows an operative diagram of a particular data- transmission topology of the multimedia television apparatus of Figure 1.
With reference to the above-mentioned drawings,, a multimedia television apparatus according to the invention is generally indicated 1.
The term "television apparatus" used with reference to the present invention relates to apparatus having as its main function that of enabling a user to view television programmes .
The term "multimedia television apparatus" used with reference to the present invention relates to a television apparatus which has a plurality of additional functions in addition to the above-mentioned main function. These additional functions may be, for example, the reading/writing of an optical substrate and/or a magnetic substrate, access to an external analog/digital network, the reading/writing of a mass substrate such as, for example, a hard disc, etc.
The multimedia television apparatus 1 comprises a plurality "n" of electronic devices Dx...Dn.
The term "electronic devices" used with reference to the present invention relates to devices which can perform a multimedia function. For example, they may be electronic devices which can perform the multimedia functions of a CD- reader, of a reader of files in MP3 or OGG format, of a DVD reader, of an interface complying with the PCMCIA standard, that is, an interface which permits connection to communications cards of the RS-232, RS-485, or RS-422 types, transmitted-wave communication cards, or so-called "wireless" network cards complying, for example, with the "Bluetooth" standard, a modem so as to permit analog, digital, GSM, or GPRS connection, a hard disc, or a combination of hard discs in accordance with the various "raid" formats, a magnetic/optical-disc reader, a DVD/CD-ROM writer, a set of analog/digital audio loudspeakers, a video with a specific amplifier which can drive several audio channels simultaneously, a non-volatile electronic memory unit, a card for the acquisition of video/audio signals from both analog and digital video cameras or photographic cameras, a smart card reader, and the like.
The television apparatus 1 is suitable for the control and use of a plurality "m" of multimedia functions Fι...Fm. The term "multimedia functions" used with reference to the present invention relates to the functions which are made available to the user by the combination of one or more of the electronic devices of the type mentioned above.
The present invention also relates to other electronic devices which can make available to the user one, or a series or combination of multimedia functions that are not otherwise provided by a conventional television set.
The multimedia apparatus 1 comprises (Figure 1) , as does a conventional television set, a television chassis 2, a television screen 3 , and control means 4.
The apparatus 1 is supplied with energy by a supply unit 5 connected to a conventional electrical mains supply, and is provided with a video input 6 for the insertion of a standard coaxial cable for receiving a video signal, for
•example, from a VHF aerial, from a satellite aerial, or from a cable network.
The television chassis 2 is of known type and is not described in further detail .
The television screen 3 may be a cathode-ray tube, a high- resolution screen, a flat screen or, preferably, an active- matrix liquid-crystal screen.
The control means 4 may be an infra-red (IR) or radio- frequency (RF) remote control, a screen sensitive to the pressure exerted by a user's finger or hand, of the type commonly known as a "touch-screen", or similar means suitable for controlling an electronic device, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, optical pens, or a combination of one or more of the above-mentioned control means 4. Alternatively, the control means may be of the non-remote type, for example, a touch-screen, for example, in the peripheral region of the television chassis 2, or' in another embodiment, directly on the television screen 3.
The supply unit 5 supplies energy to the television apparatus 1 and is connected to a normal electrical-supply mains, that is, 110/220 volts, 50-60 Hz.
The supply unit 5 can advantageously also supply energy to the electronic devices Dj . This embodiment of the invention will be described in further detail with reference to a preferred embodiment of the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention.
The video input 6 may be connected to a television aerial, to a dish aerial, or to a cable network so as to enable the multimedia television apparatus 1 to perform its primary television function.
The multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention further comprises a graphics interface 7 and a hardware interface 8.
The graphics interface 7 enables at least one multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions Fi where i = l..m to be displayed. The graphics interface 7 can be displayed on the television screen 3 or also simultaneously on a screen outside the chassis 2.
The graphics interface 7 is advantageously displayed on the television screen 3 so as to facilitate control of the multimedia functions Fi. Each multimedia function Fi is displayed by the association of a visual element Ei such as an icon or window with the function Fi so that the user can easily recognize the function Fi associated therewith.
An embodiment of the graphics interface 7 is shown in Figure 3.
The television screen 3 is configured with an interactive EPG 7a for displaying the data of a television-programme listing including the programmes of all of the available frequency channels for a predetermined period of time, for example, a day or a week. These programme listings typically include, for each programme, the title, a programme description, the day of the week, the starting time on the day, the programme length, and the channel on which the programme is transmitted, etc., so that the programme is available to be received.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the period of time may be, for example, one or two days, or a week or more.
The news information stored in a news database of the EPG memory includes, in non-limiting manner, news categories, news headlines, the articles relating to the news headlines, graphical images connected with the articles, and connections with television programmes, with Internet web sites, and with all local information of the guide, connected with each article .
This information can be obtained by connection to the Internet network. The television screen 3 interacts with the television apparatus 1 and with the EPG 7a by means of one of the above-mentioned control devices 4, for example, by means of an IR remote control .
In particular, the element Ei is represented by an icon or by a graphical representation selected so as to facilitate its association with the multimedia function Fi.
For example, to represent the function of the reading of a DVD optical substrate, the icon will represent an optical disc. In order to differentiate the DVD-reader function from the CD-reader function or functions for reading optical substrates of other types, an informative label I briefly describing the multimedia function Fi may be provided for display beside the icon.
For example, the labels "DVD" or "CD" may be associated with two icons so as to identify the type of multimedia function precisely.
The graphics interface 7 may also have a cursor 9 of a type known in information technology applications so as to facilitate recognition of the function Fi to be selected by the user at any particular time.
The cursor 9 may be an arrow or another graphics symbol suitable for this purpose .
The graphics interface 7 may also give additional information such as, for example, the date, the time and other information which will be described in further detail below. The hardware interface 8 is in communication with the plurality "n" of electronic devices Dj where j=l..n.
The term "communication" used with reference to the present invention relates not only to communication of any type in which there is a mono-directional or bi-directional signal flow, but also to an electrical communication the purpose of which is to supply current/voltage to an electronic device.
The mono-directional or bi-directional signal may be electrical, analog or digital electronic, electromagnetic, optical, etc.
It should also be noted that the hardware interface 8 may use one method for communication with one electronic device and another method for communication with another electronic device .
The hardware interface 8 may be, for example, in both electrical and signal communication with a predetermined device Dj . The hardware interface 8 supplies energy to the device Dj by electrical communication, whereas the hardware interface 8 transmits and/or receives signals from the electronic device Dj by signal communication.
With this embodiment, an electronic device Dj is advantageously supplied with energy directly by the hardware interface 8 and does not therefore need a dedicated energy- supply section.
If, on the other hand, an electronic device Dj has to be supplied with energy separately, the communication between the hardware interface 8 and the electronic device Dj will preferably be purely signal communication. For example, a DVD reader situated inside the television chassis 2 may be supplied with energy directly by the hardware interface 8.
For a set of digital audio units with high sound definition, however, it is necessary to arrange for them to be situated outside the television chassis 2 and therefore to provide an independent energy supply. In this case, signal communication may take place in conventional manner by means of an electrical cable or, preferably, by wireless communication, for example, by means of infra-red rays or radio waves .
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 is disposed inside the chassis 2 of the multimedia television apparatus 1, as are most of the electronic devices Dj .
In this case, the electronic devices Dj that are inside the television chassis 2 are in both electrical and signal communication with the hardware interface 8, and the hardware interface 8 is arranged to supply the electrical energy for the devices Dj .
The electronic devices Dj that are located outside the television chassis 2 and, in particular, in positions such that they cannot easily be connected electrically to the hardware interface 8, are in purely signal communication with the hardware interface 8.
According to the invention, the hardware interface 8 associates at least one multimedia function Fi with at least one electronic device Dj . As described above, at least one multimedia function of the multimedia functions Fi, where i=l...m, is displayed by the graphics interface 7, preferably on the television screen 3.
Each multimedia function Fi can be selected by the ' user by means of the control means 4.
After the multimedia function Fi has been selected by the user by means of the control means 4, it is associated with at least one electronic device Dj by the hardware interface 8.
According to a preferred embodiment, the control means 4 are of the remote type and take the form of an infra-red ray remote control 4a and of a wireless keyboard 4b. Alternatively, the remote control 4a may be a radio-wave control. The infra-red remote control 4a is advantageously provided with cursor controls 4c which facilitate the control of the graphics interface 7.
Alternatively, the control means 4 may be of the non-remote type, for example, a touch screen located in the television chassis 2.
In both cases, the control means 4 are preferably in signal communication with the hardware interface 8. For this purpose, the hardware interface 8 may be provided with a unit 18 which detects the signal 19 coming from the control means 4 and processes it in order to identify the position of the cursor 9 on the television screen 3. This enables the function Fi selected by the user and displayed on the television screen 3 by the graphics interface 7 to be identified.
Before continuing with the description, it should be pointed out that, once a user has selected a function F from the graphics interface 7 by means of the control means 4 and the hardware interface 8 has therefore associated the device/s with the function Fj. selected, the user has available a plurality of secondary functions or sub-functions F_ik associated with the function F,.
In other words, the facility is therefore provided for the secondary function Fik called up to be displayed by the graphics interface 7 as a sub-function of the main function Fi.
Naturally, it is envisaged that some of the secondary functions Fik may not be displayed by the graphics interface 7 even though they are associated with at least one electronic device Dj by the hardware interface 8 and are therefore selected by the control means 4.
It should also be noted that the multimedia functions Fi exclude the normal functions of the switching on/off of the device/s associated therewith by means of the hardware interface 8, that is, switching on/off is a function belonging to each device Dj .
The description given below relates the assumption that all of the devices Dj that are in electrical communication with the hardware interface 8 and are switched off when the multimedia television apparatus 1 is switched on, are switched on at that moment. With regard to switching-off, a "standby state" may be provided for those devices Dj that require such a state.
According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic devices Dj are :
- an active-matrix liquid-crystal screen (TFT-LCD) (Di) - a DVD/CD reader/writer (D2)
- a modem (D3)
- a LAN network card (D4)
- an audio processing card (D5) - a hard disc (D6)
- an audio/video acquisition card (D7)
- a non-volatile electronic memory unit (D8)
- an audio-video acquisition card (D9) .
Accordingly, the primary multimedia functions Fi are:
- TV viewing (Fx)
- access to a television-programme listing (F2)
- DVD/CD reading/writing (F3) - Internet connection (F4)
- access to a mass archive (F5)
- switching on/off (F6) .
Moreover, the secondary multimedia functions Fik are:
- stop and play (Fu)
- recording (Fi2)
- preview of a selected channel (F2i)
- programming of recording by "time interval" (F22) - programming of recording by "programme selection from a guide" (F23)
- import of audio/video data from the Internet (F31)
- recording (F32) .
In the following description, the devices Di...D8 are considered to be in electrical and signal communication with the hardware interface 8. In other words, the supply unit 5 of the television apparatus 1 supplies electrical energy to the hardware interface 8 which then distributes the energy to the devices Di...D8 that are in electrical communication therewith.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the switching on/off function F6 with the nonvolatile electronic memory unit device D8.
The non-volatile memory unit D8 is a data-storage unit and can be used for various purposes .
Basically, the non-volatile memory unit D8 is a memory of the type commonly known as a compact flash memory card or, briefly, a flash memory, in which the operating system of the multimedia television apparatus 1 is advantageously stored.
The operating system is encrypted to permit confidentiality and to prevent copying of the system.
When the multimedia television apparatus 1 is switched on, the operating system held in the flash memory D8 arranges for the initialization or start-up of the devices Dj that are in communication with the hardware interface 8 and arranges for the display of the graphics interface 7.
Switching-on may take place by the pressing of a suitable button disposed on the chassis 2 or by means of the remote control 4a.
The use of a flash memory for switching on the multimedia television apparatus 1 is extremely advantageous since it enables it to be switched on quickly. In fact, in comparison with hard-disc access times, the reading of a flash memory is considerably faster so that the waiting times that are typical of the loading of the operating system, for example in a personal computer, are eliminated.
At this point, the multimedia television apparatus 1 is ready to accept commands from the user via the control means
4.
The multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention also has a smart card reader, not shown in the drawings, for access to particular satellite and/or terrestrial channels and/or to payment channels.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the TV viewing function Fa. with the active-matrix liquid-crystal (TFT-LCD) screen device Dx and with the audio/video acquisition card device D7. The multimedia television apparatus 1 can thus be used for viewing television programmes.
The TFT-LCD screen Di may be the television screen 3 but may also be a screen located outside the chassis 2. In this case, communication between the hardware interface 8 and the external television screen will be purely signal communication, for example, electromagnetic-signal communication (commonly referred to as "wireless" communication) and the television screen will have an independent energy supply.
Naturally, one solution does not exclude the other. In particular, it is possible to provide a television screen in addition to that of the chassis 2 so that a user can also watch the programmes in another room. Furthermore, the user may also have the facility to control the devices Dx...D8, that is, to control the multimedia functions Fa...F6, from a room other from that in which the multimedia television apparatus 1 is located, subject to the provision of further control means suitable for this purpose.
This further embodiment is implemented by supplying a replica of the graphics interface 7 to the external television screen, thus enabling all of the multimedia functions Fi of the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention to be utilized.
The video signal 11 from a terrestrial aerial (Figure 4) , from a dish aerial, or from a cable network, is selected by a tuner which sends it to a VSB (vestigial sideband) demodulator, that it, it is input to the audio/video acquisition card D7 from which an input signal 12 for the hardware interface 8 emerges. The signal 12 is then processed by the image-processing unit 13 which produces a signal 14 for input to the TFT-LCD screen Dx for displaying.
Alternatively (Figure 5) , the signal 12 coming from the audio/video acquisition card D7 is manipulated by a software program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15, and sent back to the audio-video acquisition card D7 which produces the signal 14 for input to the screen Dx.
The mass memory 15 may be, for example, a RAM memory in which the program is stored temporarily.
Alternatively, the program may be stored on the hard disc D5.
The hardware interface 8 also associates the TV viewing function Fa. with the audio processing card device D5 which provides, in known manner, for the reproduction of a very high-quality sound on the basis of the signal 12 coming from the audio-video acquisition card D7. The audio processing card Ds may be located inside the chassis 2 or may be an external device with a separate energy supply.
For example, the device D5 may be a "home theatre" listening system which is in signal, preferably electromagnetic-signal communication with the hardware interface 8 and comprises an audio amplifier and a plurality of acoustic loudspeakers.
Alternatively, the device D5 may be an audio card which is in electrical and signal, preferably electrical-signal communication with the hardware interface 8. In this case, the audio card having the signal 12 as an input, would produce an output audio signal towards, for example, a pair of acoustic loudspeakers 17 mounted in the chassis 2.
The TV viewing function Fx displayed by the graphics interface 7, for example, on the screen Di, can be selected by the user by means of the control means 4, in particular, by means of the remote control 4a, more particularly by means of the cursor controls 4c.
According to a preferred embodiment, the cursor controls 4c consist of four arrow buttons which indicate the four directions of movement (up/down right/left) .
The cursor controls 4c enable the cursor 9, which is represented by an arrow, to be moved in vertical/horizontal directions between the icons Ei associated with the functions Fi displayed on the screen Da. by the graphics interface 7. The icon Ex represents a television and is provided at its side with the informative label "TV" Ix.
The function Fx is selected when the cursor 9 is disposed beside the icon Ex and the user presses a predetermined push-button on the remote control 4a. The use of each individual function F by a user is advantageously facilitated by the graphics interface 7 which enables the user to "navigate" between a series of menus by means of the remote control 4a.
The "navigation" follows the conventional up/down right/left system and is thus simple and user-friendly.
The hardware interface 8 detects, by means of the detection and processing unit 18, the signal 19 coming from the control means 4, in particular from the remote control 4a and from the cursor controls 4c. The signal 19 is processed in order to identify the function Fi selected by the user and displayed on the screen Dx by the graphics interface 7.
The above-mentioned devices Da., D5, and D7 used for the TV viewing and audio listening function Fa are not described in further detail in the following description, neither are they mentioned with reference to the functions Fj ≠ Fx in which it is necessary to display an image on the TFT-LCD screen Dx or to listen to a sound signal.
Similarly, the method of selecting the functions Fi by means of the control means 4 will not be mentioned again or described in detail with reference to the functions Fi which are described below since they are equivalent to those described above for the function Fa.
The secondary stop and play and recording functions Fu and F12 can be called up from the TV viewing function Fx.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface
8 associates the stop and play function Flx with the hard- disc device D6. The user can thus retrieve from the archive of the multimedia apparatus 1, that is, from the hard disc D6, a television programme which he has missed.
This function is useful if the user interrupts the viewing of a programme, a film, or any other event, for example, by changing channel or for external reasons .
For example, by pressing a "stop and play" button on the remote control 4a, the user selects the function Fu which is associated with the hard-disc device D6 by the hardware interface 8, and the programme, the film, or any other event which the user was watching when the function Fu was selected, is recorded on the hard-disc device D6.
The user can thus subsequently access the digital archive of the multimedia television apparatus 1, that is, the hard- disc device D6, with a facility for deferred viewing of the programme previously interrupted.
An example of the use of the stop and play function FX1 is described below with reference to a user who is watching a programme on channel A and wishes to change channels in order to watch a programme on channel B.
In this case, the function FX1 enables the user not to miss the event transmitted on channel A.
Before changing the channels, the user presses the "stop and play" button on the remote control 4a, thus selecting the function Fu.
The programme transmitted on channel A is recorded on the hard disc Dε, starting from the moment at which the "stop and play" button is pressed, and the user can thus change channels and watch a programme on channel B. Naturally, the user can change channels again, to watch channel C, channel D, or even channel A.
If the "stop and play" button is pressed again, irrespective of which channel the user is currently watching, the programme which has been recorded on the hard disc D6 up to the moment when the "stop and play" button is pressed again, that is, everything which has been transmitted on channel A up to that moment, is made accessible to the user and shown on the screen Dx.
The user can set a series of options such as, for example, the maximum recording period, and the number of programmes which can be recorded simultaneously.
Moreover, it is possible to arrange for automatic activation of the function Fu each time the user is watching a programme of a particular type, for example, a sports event. The type of programme can be recognized with the use of a particular function which is available with the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention and which will be described below with reference to the function F2 for access to television-programme listings.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the recording function F12 with the hard-disc device D6 or with the DVD/CD reader/writer device D2. The user can thus re-record the programme which he is currently watching and subsequently retrieve it from the archive of the multimedia apparatus, that is, from the hard disc D6 or from the written DVD/CD.
The recording advantageously permits storage on the hard disc D6 in the formats conventionally used, such as, for example DivX and the like. According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the function F2 for access to television- programme listings with the modem device D3 or with the LAN card device D4. It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 to display a television-programme listing on the screen Da so that the programme to watch can be selected can easily and directly by the user. If the function F2 is selected on the graphics interface 7, the connection to the Internet is activated by means of the modem D3 or the LAN card D4. Alternatively, the user may be asked for a signal to approve connection to the Internet. A program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15 or in the flash memory card D8 enables a connection to be established with an external server in which an archive of data is present. The archive of data contains information relating to the latest available version of the television-programme listing. This information is made available to the user and displayed by the graphics interface 7, that is, on the screen Dx. The TV viewing function Fx is then called up in order to view the selected programme .
According to an alternative embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the function F2 for access to television-programme listings with the audio/video acquisition card D . In this case, the information relating to the latest available version of the television-programme listing is supplied by the television network itself and is contained in the signal 11 input to the audio/video acquisition card D7. Naturally, this information will be present in a frequency band other than that of the audio/video signal and a decoder will be required to extract this information. The information to which the user can have access by means of the television-programme listing function F2 is data such as the television channel, the programme title, the programme-start time, the programme-finish time, and the type of programme (sports, entertainment, film) .
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the preview function Fi of a selected channel with the TFT-LCD screen device Dj.. A preview of the selected channel is thus displayed on the screen Da. in a portion 20 of the screen Di (Figure 6) to help the user to select the programme to watch.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the function F22 for the programming of recording by "time interval" and the function F23 for the programming of recording by "programme selection from a guide" with the hard-disc device D6 and with the audio/video acquisition card device D9. The user can thus programme the recording of a programme, for example, by means of a convenient button located on the remote control 4.
The function F22 enables the start time and the finish time of the recording of a television programme to be set .
At the time arranged for recording, the audio/video acquisition card D9 picks up the signal 11 coming from the aerial and passes the signal 12 to a program stored, for example, in the mass memory 15 or in the flash memory card D8, which controls the signal and saves it on the hard-disc device D6 - Everything which a preselected television channel transmits from the preselected start time to the preselected finish time is thus recorded. Frequently, the expected start/finish time of a programme does not coincide with the time at which the programme actually starts/finishes. The programme may therefore be recorded only partially, naturally to the user's dissatisfaction.
To overcome this problem, the function F23 enables the programme to be selected directly from the television- programme listing.
In this case, the television channel which transmits the programme, or the data archive to which the television apparatus 1 has access by means of the mode D3, supplies continuously updated information on the actual start/finish timetable of the programme to be recorded.
The recording can thus commence at the precise moment at which the preselected programme starts and end at the precise moment at which the programme ends.
It is also possible to have access to a set of information relating to the programmes given in the television-programme listings. For example, for a sports event, the type of event (football, tennis, basketball, Fl, etc.) and the participants in the event (football team, tennis player, basketball team, etc.) are given. For a film, the actor, the director, the type of film (thriller, comedy, drama, etc.) are given. -
The user can thus set a series of search parameters which identify a number of programmes so as to set the recording of these programmes . If the user wishes to record all of the films in which an actor A takes part, this search criterion will be saved, for example, in the mass memory 15.
Every time the search criterion is satisfied by a particular programme transmitted on any of the channels received by the multimedia television apparatus 1, that programme will be recorded and stored on the hard disc D6 for subsequent viewing.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the CD/DVD reading/writing function F3 with the CD/DVD reader/writer device D2. It is thus possible to. use the multimedia television apparatus 1 in order to view, on the screen Dx, a film or the like stored on a DVD or CD optical substrate and/or to record a programme on a DVD/CD. Naturally, the multimedia television apparatus 1 can also control the normal functions of a DVD or CD reader. For example, the selection of a scene or a passage, fast forward, etc.
The function F3 may be associated with two different icon- type visual elements E3 displayed on the screen Dx by the graphics inter ace 7 so as to differentiate . the reading/writing of a CD from that of a DVD.
Moreover, the multimedia television apparatus 1 provides the facility automatically to re-record the contents of the DVD, that is, the entire film of parts thereof, or of the CD, or some passages, in DiVX, Avi, Mpeg, digital format, etc. in an internal or even external digital archive (recording function F32) . The facility to convert a CD/DVD to an alternative format to the source format, for example, . from VOB to DiVX, or from MP3 format to WAV format is also provided.
The method of access to this archive will be described in greater detail below with reference to the archive access function F6.
In order to perform the re-recording in a digital archive, for example, the hard disc D6, the hardware interface 8 may associate the function F3 directly with the device D6.
The hardware interface 8 also associates the function F3X for importing audio/video data from the Internet with the modem device D3. It is thus possible to retrieve from the Internet the information relating to the artist, the title of the CD, the titles of the passages from the CD and, for a DVD, the director of the film, the plot of the film, actors, and additional information so that the user can easily select the desired information on the graphics interface 7 by means of the remote control 4.
According to a preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the Internet connection function F4 with the modem device D3. It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention for connection to the Internet .
According to an alternative embodiment, the modem device D3 may be replaced by another equivalent device which can perform the Internet connection function F . For example, the Internet connection may take place by a wireless method, or by means of a GPRS, UMTS or satellite system. A telephone card or a satellite aerial will be required, according to the system used. The Internet connection can advantageously be displayed on the screen Dx by means of a dedicated browser which, for example, may implement a limited, number of functions in comparison with commercial browsers .
Alternatively, the Internet connection may be displayed on the screen Dx by means of one of the browsers that are commonly available commercially, for example, Explorer, Netscape, or Opera.
In both cases, the browsers will preferably be stored on the hard disc D6 and controlled, with regard to their functional capabilities, by the operating system stored in the flash memory card.
Moreover, the hardware interface 8 may also associate the Internet connection function F4 with the LAN network card. It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention for connection to an Ethernet network. For example, the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention may be used as an element of an Intranet network so as to be in communication with a server or with a personal computer.
It is thus possible to have access to the storage archive D6 so as to be able to transfer and/or re-record additional data in the archive.
The use of the Internet connection function F4 is advantageously facilitated by the use of the keyboard 4b.
According to a first preferred embodiment, the hardware interface 8 associates the archive access function F5 with the hard-disc device D6. It is thus possible to use the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention as a data archive. For example, it is possible to import data from a video camera or from a digital camera, connectible to the multimedia television apparatus 1 by means of the card D9, and to store the data on the hard disc De and/or or display it later on the TFT-LCD screen Dx.
For this purpose, the hardware interface 8 also associates the function F5 with the audio/video acquisition card D7 and/or D9.
Word processing programs, spreadsheet programs etc. can advantageously be stored on the device D6 and their functional capabilities controlled by the operating system stored on the flash memory card D8 by means of the keyboard 4b.
Naturally, the above-described functions F , where i=1..6, can be activated" individually but the facility to activate one or more of the functions Fi simultaneously is envisaged.
For example, when the TV viewing function Fx is active, the Internet connection function F4 may be activated at the same time.
When the DVD/CD reading/writing function F3 is active, the Internal connection function F4 or the word processing display may be activated at the same time .
When the Internet connection function F4 is active, the TV viewing function Fx or the DVD/CD reading/writing function F3 may be activated at the same time .
In any case, the facility is provided to activate the TV viewing function Fx and the DVD/CD reading/writing function F3 when the Internet connection function F4 is already active.
For this purpose, the function F3 may be associated with an external television screen that is in signal communication with the multimedia television apparatus 1, whilst the function Fx may be associated with the screen Dx and vice versa.
Moreover, some functions Fi may be displayed by the graphics interface 7 in different areas of the TFT-LCD screen Dx, in accordance with a picture in picture (PIP) operating layout. For example, the Internet connection function F4, and the TV viewing function Fx may be displayed on the television screen Dx simultaneously by the multimedia television apparatus 1 of the present invention.
The multimedia functions described with particular reference to the multimedia television apparatus 1 may advantageously be used in a multimedia digital video recorder.
This video recorder enables, for example, the television- programme listings function F2, and consequently the secondary functions associated therewith, to be controlled and used by means of a touch-screen.
Ease of use does not preclude the presence of advanced functions such as stop and play or audio/video import from external sources .
In addition to the features of a conventional video recorder, the digital video recorder provides for the following advanced functional capabilities: • programming of recordings by means of the television- programme listings function
• digital video recording
• receipt of satellite signals • DVD reader/writer and compressed video formats
• audio system with CD audio substrate and compressed digital formats
• audio/video import/export
The programming of the recordings takes place by a wholly visual mechanism by the touch-screen selection of the displayed name of the programme to be recorded in the mass archive.
The programme listing is received via the Internet; the apparatus is connected, automatically or upon request, to a server containing data from which it is possible to retrieve, in addition to the weekly programme listings of the major broadcasters, also thematic listings, such as, for example, sports listings, by means of which it is possible to view all of the sports events of the week.
It is also possible to record two different programmes at the same time .
Digital video recording enables a large number of films to be archived in the mass memory of the apparatus with better quality than a conventional VHS .
Digital video recording also eliminates the problems that are typical of magnetic tapes, such as degradation and rewinding times . The apparatus interfaces with the most widespread satellite transmission standards, enabling the digital signal to be displayed and recorded directly without loss of quality.
The apparatus incorporates a DVD reader which enables the quality of the audio/video componentry to be used to best advantage, with optical digital outputs for connection to the user's Hi-fi system.
The function of playing compressed videos which are now widespread on the Internet, such as DivX, is provided for.
The apparatus incorporates the functional capacities of an audio CD-reader and offers the facility to play compressed audio formats such as MP3 or OGG.
Films, sound and images from various sources, such as digital cameras, digital video cameras, and analog audio/video sources, can be imported into the mass memory of the apparatus . It is also possible to create CD-ROMs or DVDs containing photographic and audio recordings .
The design and engineering of the apparatus is directed towards the construction of an all-in-one system provided with:
• an 8-inch to 15-inch touch-screen display
• an analog television-signal acquisition interface
• a satellite television-signal acquisition interface • an interface for audio/video acquisition from external analog and digital sources
• a CD/DVD-reader
• a CD/DVD-writer • a smart-card reader for access to personalized and/or payment services
• a PCMCIA interface for the connection of external cards such as GPRS modem and wireless network interfaces .
As can be appreciated from the foregoing description, the multimedia television apparatus according to the present invention satisfies the above-mentioned need and at the same time overcomes the disadvantages referred to with reference to the prior art in the introductory part of the present description.
Naturally, in order to satisfy contingent and specific requirements, a person skilled in the art will be able to apply to the above-mentioned multimedia television apparatus according to the invention many modifications and variations all of which, however, are included within the scope of protection of the invention as defined by the appended claims .

Claims

1. Multimedia television apparatus (1) for the control and use of a plurality of multimedia functions (Fi) , comprising:
- a plurality of electronic devices (Dj) , and
- control means (4) suitable for controlling at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices (Dj) ,
characterized in that the apparatus further comprises:
a graphics interface (7) for displaying at least one multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions (Fi) , and
a hardware interface (8) in communication with the plurality of electronic devices (Dj) ,
the hardware interface (8) associating the at least one multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions
(Fi) that are displayed by the graphics interface (7) with at least one device of the plurality of electronic devices
(Dj),
each multimedia function of the plurality of multimedia functions (Fi) being selectable by the user by means of the control means (4) .
2. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 in which the at least one multimedia function (Fi) displayed by the graphics interface (7) is associated with a visual element (Ei) of the icon or window type.
3. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 2 in which the at least one multimedia function (Fi) displayed by the graphics interface (7) is further associated with an informative text label (Ii) .
4. Television apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the communication between the hardware interface (8) and the plurality of electronic devices (Dj) is a signal communication.
5. Television apparatus (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 4 in which the communication between the hardware interface (8) and the plurality of electronic devices (Dj) is an electrical-supply and signal communication.
6. Television apparatus (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which the control means (4) comprise remote-control means (4a, 4b, 4c) .
7. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 6 in which the remote-control means (4a, 4c) comprise a remote-control unit .
8. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 6 in which the remote-control means (4b) comprise a keyboard.
9. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 in which the plurality of multimedia functions (Fi) comprises primary multimedia functions and secondary multimedia functions (Fik) .
10. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 9 in which the primary multimedia functions comprise :
TV viewing (Fx) , - access to television-programme listings (F2) ,
- DVD/CD reading/writing (F3)
- Internet connection (F)
- access to a mass archive (F5) , - switching on/off (F6) •
11. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 10 in which the TV viewing (Fx) , access to television-programme listings (F2) , DVD/CD reading/writing (F3) , Internet connection (F) , and mass archive access (F5) functions can be displayed on the graphics interface (7) .
12. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 9 in which the secondary multimedia functions (Fik) comprise:
- stop and play (Fxx) ,
- recording (Fx2, F32) ,
- preview of a selected channel (F2X) ,
- programming of recording by "time interval" (F22) , - programming of recording by "programme selection from a guide" (F23) .
- import of audio/video data from the Internet (F31) .
13. Television apparatus (1) according to Claim 1 in which the plurality of electronic devices (Dj) comprises:
- an active-matrix liquid-crystal screen (Dx) ,
- a DVD/CD reader/writer (D2) ,
- a modem (D3) , - a LAN network card (D4) ,
- an audio processing card (D5) ,
- a hard disc (D6) ,
- an audio/video acquisition card (D7, D9) ,
- a non-volatile electronic memory unit (D8) .
PCT/IT2003/000121 2003-03-04 2003-03-04 Multimedia television apparatus WO2004080068A1 (en)

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