WO2008063813A2

WO2008063813A2 - Method and a system for providing audio alerts at an electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2008063813A2
Application number: PCT/US2007/082443
Authority: WO
Inventors: Aravind Soundararajan; Samir N. Mehta
Original assignee: Motorola, Inc.
Priority date: 2006-11-17
Filing date: 2007-10-24
Publication date: 2008-05-29
Also published as: WO2008063813A3; CN101548539A

Abstract

A method and a system for providing an audio alert at an electronic device (102) is provided. The method includes receiving (304) a pre-defined list of preferences in the electronic device (102). Further, the method includes comparing (306) the pre-defined list of preferences with an Electronic Program Guide. Furthermore, the method includes generating (308) the audio alert for the pre-defined list of preferences based on the comparing.

Description

METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING AUDIO ALERTS AT AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates generally to the field of electronic devices, and more specifically, to method and system for providing audio alerts at the electronic device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Electronic devices capable of receiving and transmitting audio-visual signals have been present for a long time. A Set Top Box (STB) is one such device. The STB is capable of receiving a signal from various sources like an Ethernet cable, a satellite dish, a co-axial cable, an antenna etc. The STB then converts the signal into a content that can be displayed on a screen of a display device. The STB is thus also referred to as a receiver, which receives the signal. The content received in the signal could be video, audio, and/or audiovisual. The STB can be connected to or integrated with an electronic device like a Television (TV) set, an audio system, etc. Further, the STB is capable of accepting commands from a user and transmitting these commands to a network operator through a back channel. The commands can be given to the STB directly from a handheld remote control, a keypad, a voice recognition unit or a keyboard, or indirectly from these types of input devices through a Digital Television (DTV), whether the STB is an integral part of the DTV or a separate apparatus.

[0003] The STB receives a program information through an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) which gets transmitted to the STB along with a transport stream. The EPG contains information about the program like a program name, program type, start time, end time etc. The STBs have the ability to store one's favorite programs, as well as record them onto a hard disk, when programmed to do so. Alerts can also be issued on commencement of a particular program.

[0004] One method for issuing alerts for the program comprises generating visual alerts to the user at the start of the program. But this method does not include generating customized audible ring-tone alerts for different programs. Also it does not explain the aspect of generating alerts for different events of the particular program.

[0005] In accordance with another method to generate alerts for the particular program, alerts are issued over electronic mail (e-mail), Short Message Service (SMS), Multimedia Service (MMS), Voice Call Service, and Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). However, this method does not handle customized audible ring-tones and does not deal with generating alerts for various events of the program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0006] The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views, and which, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, serve to further illustrate various embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, all in accordance with the present invention.

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device and a communication device where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced; [0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the electronic device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

[0009] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing an audio alert at the electronic device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention;

[0010] FIGs. 4 and 5 illustrate another flow diagram to provide an audio alert at the electronic device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0011] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a Digital Television (DTV), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements, to help in improving an understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[OβlJ] Before describing in detail the particular method and system for providing audio alerts at an electronic device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, it should be observed that the present invention resides primarily in combinations of method steps related to providing audio alerts at the electronic device. Accordingly, the apparatus components and method steps have been represented, where appropriate, by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent for an understanding of the present invention, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those with ordinary skill in the art, having the benefit of the description herein.

[0014] In this document, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising' or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements that are not expressly listed or inherent in such a process, method, article or apparatus. An element proceeded by 'comprises ... a' does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article or apparatus that comprises the element. The term 'another' as used in this document, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms 'includes' and/or 'having', as used herein, are defined as comprising.

[0015] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a method for providing an audio alert at an electronic device is provided. The electronic device being capable of receiving and decoding programmed digital content. The method includes receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device from a user of the electronic device for the programmed digital content. Further, the method includes comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The audio alert is then generated according to the pre-defined list of preferences based on the comparison.

[0016] In accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, an electronic device is provided. The electronic device includes a receiver capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device from a user of the electronic device for the programmed digital content. Further, the electronic device includes a comparator capable of comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with an EPG. Furthermore, the electronic device includes a processor capable of generating an audio alert based on the comparison.

[0017] For another embodiment of the present invention, a Digital Television (DTV) set is provided. The DTV set includes a receiver capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the DTV set from a user of the DTV set for a programmed digital content. Further, the DTV set includes a comparator capable of comparing the predefined list of preferences with an EPG. Furthermore, the DTV set includes a processor capable of generating an audio alert based on the comparison.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an electronic device 102 and a communication device 104 where various embodiments of the present invention can be practiced. The electronic device 102 is a device capable of receiving a signal from various sources like an Ethernet cable, a satellite dish, a co-axial cable, a telephone line, a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) connection, an ordinary Very High Frequency (VHF) or Ultra High Frequency (UHF) antenna and the like. The electronic device 102 then converts the signal into a content that can be displayed on a screen of a display device. The content received in the signal could be a video signal, an audio signal, and/or an audiovisual signal. For one embodiment, the electronic device 102 can be a Set Top Box (STB). Further, the electronic device 102 is capable of accepting commands from a user and transmitting these commands to a network operator through a back channel. These commands can be given to the electronic device through a handheld remote control, a keypad, a voice recognition unit or a keyboard or indirectly from these types of input devices through a Digital Television (DTV), whether the STB is an integral part of the DTV or a separate apparatus. The electronic device 102 can be connected to or integrated into the communication device 104 like a Television (TV) set, an audio system, a mobile phone, a laptop, a personal computer (PC), a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a fixed phone, a pager and the like. Thus any alert generated in the electronic device 102 can be transmitted to the communication device 104.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the electronic device 102, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. The electronic device 102 comprises a receiver 202, a comparator 204, a processor 206, a first transmitter 208, and a second transmitter 210. The receiver 202 is capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device 102 from a user of the electronic device 102 for a programmed digital content. The programmed digital content could contain an audio signal, a video signal, an audiovisual signal and other possibilities. The programmed digital content could be received from a plurality of media sources like a Television (TV) broadcaster, a radio broadcaster, a pre-recorded media (like CDs, DVDs, video recordings etc.), and internet based content providers. The pre-defined list of preferences contains all events of a program for which the user requires an audio alert to be generated. The pre-defined list of preferences may include the program name, the program type, the program cast, the program rating, the program start time, the program end time, an advance alert for the program, a channel number, a brief description, an incoming message, etc. For example, let us consider that the electronic device 102 is programmed to generate the audio alert for a program ABC. Further, let the audio alert be required at the start time of ABC. Then, the start time of ABC is received as the pre-defined list of preference at the receiver 202 from the user of the electronic device 102. Further, the receiver 202 is capable of receiving an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content. The EPG contains information about a specific program. The EPG also contains program information for a minimum period of two weeks and a maximum period of six weeks. However, this information varies depending on the broadcaster of the programmed digital content. The electronic device 102 constantly receives the EPG information in background even in a standby mode. The electronic device 102 can be programmed to various frequencies and to get an update of the programs from the EPG in the stand by mode.

[0020] The comparator 204 is capable of comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with the information provided in the EPG. After the comparison, when a match of the pre-defined list of preferences with the EPG information is obtained, then the processor 206 generates the audio alert at the electronic device 102. For example, as soon as the start time of ABC is hit, the electronic device 102 loads a customized ring-tone file from a memory of the electronic device 102 and plays the file through speakers of the electronic device 102. When the electronic device 102 is connected to the communication device 104, then the first transmitter 208 transmits a signal to the communication device 104. For one embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 104 can be a Digital Television (DTV) set. Let us consider, the DTV set is in a standby mode. Then based on the comparison the processor 206 generates the audio alert. Then the first transmitter 208 transmits an alert signal to the DTV set through an interface. Examples of interfaces that can be used can be the 1394 input, Ethernet input, etc. When the audio alert is received at the DTV, the DTV is powered on from a powered off mode or a lower power mode of operation. Once the DTV set switches on, the electronic device 102 could show a user interface to the user of the DTV set. The user interface can indicate an actual event based on the pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device 102. The user interface could be a visual alert, a pop-up message, etc. However, when the DTV set is already in a powered on mode, then the first transmitter may just transmit the pop-up message or the visual alert in addition to generating the audio alert.

[0021] It should be noted that the user can set a personalized ring-tone for each single event of every program. However, in case of the emergency broadcast messages, the electronic device 102 may have a default ring-tone.

[0022] For another embodiment, the communication device 104 can be a mobile phone and a Short Message Service (SMS) alert can be sent to the mobile phone. Then based on the comparison between the pre-defined list of preferences and the information provided in the EPG, the second transmitter 210 sends a protocol to an SMS gateway to generate an SMS alert. The SMS gateway would then relay the message to the Short Message Service Centre (SMSC). The SMSC protocol includes External Machine Interface (EMI), Universal Computer Protocol (UCP), Short Message Peer to Peer (SMPP), Computer Interface to Message Distribution (CIMD), Open Interface Specification (OIS), SMS 2000, etc. The SMSC then further sends a text message to a destination number of the mobile phone.

[0023] For another embodiment of the present invention, the communication device 104 can also be a Personal Computer, a Laptop, a fixed phone, a mobile phone, a DTV set etc. Audio alerts, visual alerts, audio-visual alerts, text alerts or binary format alerts may also be sent to the communication device 104. The alert may be sent over a network by using Bluetooth, XML, PBX, and Home Gateways which can be predetermined and programmed. Bi-directional exchange of information is also possible over the networks, where the user is provided a variety of options and the user replies over the wired or wireless network choosing one of those options. For example, when two programs are available from the pre-defined list of preferences, then the user may be given an option to tune to one of them. The user can indicate his/her preference by using a return message that can be transmitted to the network by using Bluetooth, WLAN, and PBX etc.

[0024] FIG. 3 depicts a flow diagram illustrating a method for providing an audio alert at an electronic device, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. Further, an alert can be transmitted to the communication device 104 connected to the electronic device 102. The method is initiated at step 302. At step 304, the receiver 202 receives a pre-defined list of preferences from a user of the electronic device 102 for a programmed digital content. The programmed digital content could be an audio signal, a video signal and/or an audio-visual signal. The pre-defined list of preferences include, but are not limited to, a program name, a program type, a cast, a program rating, start time of a program, end time of a program, a channel number, a brief description of a program, and an incoming mail message. The receiver 202 may also receive an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content. The EPG contains information of specific programs. At step 306, the comparator 204 compares the pre-defined list of preferences with the EPG. The comparison could be done at the electronic device 102, when the electronic device 102 is either in a standby mode of operation or in a powered on mode of operation. After the comparison, when a match of the predefined list of preferences with the EPG is obtained, then at step 308, the processor 206 generates and executes the audio alert within the electronic device 102. Further, when the electronic device is connected to the communication device 104, then the alert could be transmitted to the communication device 104. The communication device 104 could be at least one of a DTV set, a mobile phone, a PC, a PDA, a pager, a fixed phone etc. For one embodiment, when the communication device 104 is a DTV set in a standby mode, then the first transmitter 208 transmits an alert signal to the DTV set. The alert signal is capable of switching the DTV set to a powered on mode over Ethernet, 1394, Universal Serial Bus (USB) channels etc. Furthermore, a SMS alert and electronic mail alert may also be generated at the electronic device 102. The processor 206 is also capable of generating an emergency broadcast alert for an emergency broadcast. The electronic device 102 may have a default audio alert, for example a ring-tone, for the emergency broadcast. The method terminates at step 310.

[0025] FIGs. 4 and 5 illustrate another flow diagram to provide an audio alert at the electronic device 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The method is initiated at step 402. At step 404, the receiver 202 receives an EPG from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content. For one embodiment of the present invention, let us consider that the electronic device 102 is an STB. The EPG contains information related to specific programs. The EPG is transmitted to the STB along with a transport stream that contains different channel data. The information included in the EPG can be stored by the STB. At step 406, the receiver 202 receives a pre-defined list of preferences from a user of the STB for the programmed digital content. The pre-defined list of preferences includes events for which the user requires the audio alert to be generated by the STB. The pre-defined list of preferences may include a program name, a program type, program cast, program rating, start time, end time, channel number, brief description, and availability of a program at a later time, etc. At step 408, the comparator 204 compares the predefined list of preferences and the EPG. If a match between the pre-defined list of preferences and the EPG is obtained, then at step 410, the processor 206 generates the audio alert at the STB. At step 412, the audio alert is executed within the STB. For example, the audio alert can be executed by playing a ring-tone file within the STB. If a match between the pre-defined list of preferences and the EPG is not obtained at step 408, then the method terminates at step 424.

[0026] It should be noted that all the above mentioned steps can be executed when the STB is in a switched on mode, in a standby mode or in a lower powered mode of operation. In addition to generating the audio alert for the pre-defined list of preferences, an emergency broadcast alert may also be generated for an emergency broadcast even when the user has not programmed the STB to do so. For one embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device 102 may be programmed for generating a default audio alert for the emergency broadcast. Further, if the STB is connected to the communication device 104, the STB may also send a message to the communication device 104 requesting the user to switch on to a particular channel of the DTV set and/or the radio.

[0027] At step 414, it is checked whether the STB is connected to the communication device 104 or not. Examples of the communication device 104 may include, but are not limited to, the DTV set, a laptop, a PC, a PDA, a mobile phone, a fixed phone, a pager. If the communication device 104 is connected to the electronic device 102, then at step 416, the STB checks if the communication device 104 is switched on or not. When the communication device 104 is in a standby mode of operation, then at step 418, the STB sends a signal to the communication device 104, prompting the communication device 104 to switch on to a powered on mode of operation from a powered off or a lower power mode of operation. When the communication device 104 is in a standby mode, one of the interfaces communicating with the STB must be active. The interface could be a 1394 input, an Ethernet input or any other interface as applicable. Once the communication device 104 is powered on, then at step 420, the STB could show a User Interface to the user of the communication device 104. The user interface can display a message indicating the occurrence of an event. The event can be one or more from the pre-defined list of preferences for which the user had programmed the STB to generate the audio alert. However, if the communication device 104 is already in a powered on mode of operation at step 416, then at step 422, an alert is transmitted to the communication device 104. The transmitted alert could be one or more of an audio alert, a visual alert, a pop-up message etc. The method terminates at step 424.

[0028] For one embodiment of the present invention, if the communication device 104 is the PC or the laptop or mobile phone, then the STB generates an electronic mail (e-mail) alert. The e-mail alert is transmitted to the communication device 104. The STB may send a protocol to an Internet gateway to transmit the alert. The e-mail alert will then be transmitted to the communication device 104. Similarly, the STB could also send a protocol to a SMS gateway which then relays a message to SMSC. The SMSC then further sends a SMS to a destination number of the communication device 104. However, it should be appreciated that in order to support the e-mail and SMS capability in the STB, the STB must have an internet connection and must support Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). Also, the audio alert, that has been generated and executed in the STB, can be transmitted to the communication device 104 through an audio cable. The examples of the transmitted audio alert include ring-tone for a mobile phone (using network such as Bluetooth® wireless LAN, etc.), ring-tone for a fixed phone inside home (provided STB is connected on network and a home PBX).

[0029] FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of a DTV set 602, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The DTV set 602 is an electronic device which transmits and receives a programmed digital content and has an STB integrated with it. The DTV set 602 supports high-definition television or standard definition television, and/or additional channels that can be transmitted in the same bandwidth as a single channel analog signal. The DTV set 602 includes a receiver 604, a comparator 606, a processor 608, a transducer 610, and a transmitter 612. The receiver 604 is capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the DTV set 602 from a user of the DTV set 602 for the programmed digital content. The predefined list of programs includes a program name, program type, cast, rating, start time, end time, mail message, and availability of a program at a later stage and like events for which the user needs an audio alert. Further, the receiver 604 receives the EPG from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content. The EPG contains information related to specific programs. The comparator 606 compares the predefined list of preferences with the EPG. When a match between the pre-defined list of preferences and the EPG is obtained, then the processor 608 generates the audio alert. That is, when the match is obtained, the processor 608 loads a personalized ring-tone file for that particular event from a memory of the DTV set 602 and plays the personalized ring-tone file through the transducer 610. The transducer 610 has the capability to play the personalized ring-tone file both in powered on mode and a standby mode of operation of the DTV set 602. Further, the processor 608 is capable of activating the DTV set 602 to a power on mode from a standby mode of operation. When the DTV set 602 is connected to the Internet, then the transmitter 612 can transmit a protocol to a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway to generate an SMS alert to the communication device 104 connected to the DTV set 602 based on the predefined list of preferences.

[0030] Various embodiments of the present invention provide a method and a system for providing audio alerts at an electronic device. The invention offers the following advantages. A user does not need to program an STB to generate an audio alert at a start time of a particular program. The user may give the STB just a program name and the STB would generate the audio alert, when the particular program is available. Also, this invention is applicable in STBs that do not have the capability to store data, for example, the STBs that do not have a hard disk.

[0031] It will be appreciated that the method and system for providing audio alerts at an electronic device described herein may comprise one or more conventional processors and unique stored program instructions that control the one or more processors, to implement, in conjunction with certain non-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of the system described herein. The non-processor circuits may include, but are not limited to, signal drivers, clock circuits, power source circuits, and user input devices. As such, these functions may be interpreted as steps of a method to enable users to be provided with audio alerts for different events of a program. Alternatively, some or all the functions could be implemented by a state machine that has no stored program instructions, or in one or more application- specific integrated circuits (ASICs), in which each function, or some combinations of certain of the functions, are implemented as custom logic. Of course, a combination of the two approaches could also be used. Thus, methods and means for these functions have been described herein.

[0032] It is expected that one with ordinary skill, notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choices motivated by, for example, available time, current technology and economic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principles disclosed herein, will be readily capable of generating such software instructions, programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

[0033] In the foregoing specification, the invention and its benefits and advantages have been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, one with ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention, as set forth in the following claims. Accordingly, the specification and figures are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) that may cause any benefit, advantage or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is defined solely by the appended claims, including any amendments made during the pendency of this application, and all equivalents of those claims, as issued.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for providing an audio alert at an electronic device, the electronic device being capable of receiving programmed digital content, the method comprising: receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device from a user of the electronic device for the programmed digital content; comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG); and generating the audio alert according to the pre-defined list of preferences based on the comparison.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the pre-defined list of preferences comprises at least one of a program name, a program type, a cast, a program rating, a start time, an end time, a channel number, a brief description of a program, and an incoming message.

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the electronic device is in a standby mode of operation.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, further comprising: receiving the EPG from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content, wherein the EPG is received prior to comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with the EPG.

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein generating the audio alert for the pre-defined list of preferences comprises: executing the audio alert within the electronic device.

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein generating the audio alert for the pre-defined list of preferences comprises: transmitting the audio alert to a separate Digital Television (DTV) set.

7. The method as recited in claim 6, wherein transmitting the audio alert to the DTV set comprises: switching the DTV set to a power on mode from a standby mode of operation.

8. The method as recited as recited in claim 1, wherein generating the audio alert for the pre-defined list of preferences comprises: transmitting the audio alert to a communication device.

9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the communication device comprises at least one of a mobile phone, a personal computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a pager, a television set, and a fixed phone.

10. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising: generating a Short Message Service (SMS) alert for the communication device based on the pre-defined list of preferences.

11. The method as recited in claim 9 further comprising: generating an electronic-mail alert for the communication device based on the pre-defined list of preferences.

12. The method as recited in claim 1 further comprising generating an emergency broadcast audio alert for an emergency broadcast.

13. An electronic device comprising: a receiver capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the electronic device from a user of the electronic device for a programmed digital content; a comparator capable of comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG); and a processor capable of generating an audio alert based on the comparison.

14. The electronic device as recited in claim 13, wherein the receiver is further capable of receiving the EPG from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content.

15. The electronic device as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a first transmitter, wherein the first transmitter transmits a signal to a separate Digital Television (DTV) set, the signal capable of activating the separate DTV set to a power on mode from a standby mode of operation.

16. The electronic device as recited in claim 13, further comprising: a second transmitter, wherein the second transmitter sends a protocol to a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway to generate an SMS alert.

17. A Digital Television (DTV) set comprising: a receiver capable of receiving a pre-defined list of preferences at the DTV set from a user of the DTV set for a programmed digital content; a comparator capable of comparing the pre-defined list of preferences with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG); and a processor capable of generating an audio alert based on the comparison.

18. The DTV as recited in claim 17, wherein the receiver is further capable of receiving the EPG from a broadcaster of the programmed digital content.

19. The DTV set as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a transducer, wherein the transducer is capable of playing the audio alert in the DTV set.

20. The DTV set as recited in claim 17, wherein the processor is capable of activating the DTV set to a power on mode from a standby mode of operation.

21. The DTV as recited in claim 17, further comprising: a transmitter, wherein the transmitter transmits a protocol to a Short Message Service (SMS) gateway to generate an SMS alert for a communication device based on the pre-defined list of preferences.