WO2008132663A1

WO2008132663A1 - Adjustment of the operation mode of an electronic device

Info

Publication number: WO2008132663A1
Application number: PCT/IB2008/051557
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gerrit H. Kaashoek
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2007-05-01
Filing date: 2008-04-23
Publication date: 2008-11-06

Abstract

The invention enables the operation mode of an electronic device (2) to be adjusted. Hereto an operation mode adjustment device (1) comprises a receiver (11) for receiving a signal (100), the signal comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device, a detector (12) for detecting the presence of a code in the signal, and an adjuster (13) for adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can be adjusted automatically upon detection of a code in the signal. This ensures that optimal picture and/or sound quality settings are set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device, in particular in shop environments.

Description

Adjustment of the operation mode of an electronic device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to an operation mode adjustment device for adjusting the operation mode of an electronic device, an electronic device, a method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device, a program element, an information-carrier, and to a signal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In shop demonstrations televisions are often not correctly tuned for optimal picture/sound quality. In a shop environment it is difficult to keep the picture quality settings of a television at an optimal level. During demonstrations, or other usage, settings get changed often by manual operation and it takes considerable effort and attention to keep the settings optimal. Apart from these changes in settings there are often problems with the quality of the signal distribution used for playing demonstration material. The foregoing not only applies to televisions, but also applies to other electronic devices for displaying audiovisual information, whereby audiovisual information is audio and visual information or audio-only information or visual-only information. Examples of other electronic devices include LCD televisions, plasma televisions, projector televisions, tuner/receivers, CD players, DVD players, Blue-ray-disc players, HD-DVD players and MP3-players.

WO 2006/077532 Al discloses an operation mode adjustment device for adjusting the operation mode of an electronic device. The operation mode adjustment device has a detection unit for automatically detecting whether the environment, in which the electronic device is currently located, is a shop environment. An adjusting unit automatically adjusts the operation mode of the electronic device based on whether the detected environment is a shop environment. WO 2006/054241 A2 discloses a configuration option setting system and method making it possible for a user to quickly set the configuration options in a host device (e.g. television), thereby freeing the user from having to learn and navigate the menu system of the host device. The host device has a POD (point of deployment or point of delivery) slot interface and configuration options are set in the host device via a software simulation program (a PC pod simulation program) running on a personal computer external to the host device.

WO 02/37350 A2 discloses a method for exhibiting a product. In e.g. a store a consumer electronic device is exhibited to the public in a showroom. In the showroom, a terminal or the product provides connectivity to a remote server. The server may be that of a retailer or that of the provider of the product. At least one of the functions of the product may be demonstrated to the public. The server is notified when a demonstration is performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the invention to allow an operation mode of an electronic device to be automatically adjusted.

The object is achieved by an operation mode adjustment device for adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device, an electronic device, a method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device, a program element, an information-carrier, and a signal having the features as defined in the independent claims.

According to an aspect of the invention an operation mode adjustment device for adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device is provided. Preferably the operation mode is a picture and/or sound quality mode and the operation mode adjustment device is a device for adjusting the picture and/or sound quality of the electronic device. The operation mode adjustment device comprises a receiver for receiving a signal, which signal comprises an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device. The operation mode adjustment device further comprises a detector for detecting the presence of a code in the signal. The operation mode adjustment device further comprises an adjuster for adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can advantageously be adjusted automatically upon detection of the code in the signal. This ensures that an optimal picture and/or sound quality setting is set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 2 has the advantage that it enables the invention to be used with e.g. signals that do not support or do not have a non- audiovisual part. The code is then e.g. encoded into a picture frame such that it is invisible to the human eye.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 3 has the advantage that it enables the invention to be used when e.g. altering of the audiovisual part of the signal in order to include the code is not possible or not desirable. The code is then e.g. comprised in the signal as a digital binary code separate from the audiovisual part of the signal.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 4 is advantageous when e.g. the preset audiovisual setting cannot be changed by an end-user (i.e. it is a fixed preset audiovisual setting). The preset audiovisual setting can be used to set various settings at once, e.g. brightness, contrast, color balance, bass and/or treble.

In the embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 5 the term "shop environment" is to be understood as an environment in which an electronic device is presented to potential clients or consumers. In such an environment it is particularly important to display the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device in an optimal audiovisual setting.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 6 has the advantage that it enables e.g. the selection of a particular audiovisual setting when there are more audiovisual settings to choose from. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 7 has the advantage that end-users of the electronic device can be warned when audiovisual settings are changed. This is in particular advantageously when the audiovisual settings were changed by the end-user. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 8 has the advantage that the adjustment of the operation mode can be delayed. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 9 advantageously allows the moment of detection of the code or a delay- value comprised in the code to control the moment of adjustment. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 10 advantageously allows an end-user to control the moment of adjustment, e.g. by restarting the time interval upon using a remote control or upon directly pressing buttons on the electronic device. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 11 advantageously enables displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device such that defects in the signal are compensated for. Defects in the signal are e.g. black-level changes, gamma adjustments or noise added to the audiovisual part of the signal by a source of the signal or between the source of the signal and the receiver. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 12 advantageously enables the calibrator to use one or more identified calibration types (e.g. black-level, gamma adjustment and/or noise calibration).

The arrangement of the adjuster is not limited to either switching the electronic device to the preset audiovisual setting or activating the calibrator. The adjuster can be arranged for both operations. According to an aspect of the invention an electronic device is provided. The electronic device comprises an operation mode adjustment device having one or more the above-mentioned features. The electronic device can be a television.

According to an aspect of the invention a method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device is provided. The method comprises the steps of receiving a signal, which signal comprises an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device. The method further comprises the steps of detecting the presence of a code in the signal, and adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can advantageously be adjusted automatically upon detection of the code in the signal. This ensures that an optimal picture and/or sound quality is set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 16 is advantageous when e.g. the preset audiovisual setting cannot be changed by an end-user (i.e. it is a fixed preset audiovisual setting). The preset audiovisual setting can be used to set various settings at once, e.g. brightness, contrast, color balance, bass and/or treble.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 17 advantageously enables displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device such that defects in the signal are compensated for. Defects in the signal are e.g. black-level changes, gamma adjustments or noise added to the audiovisual part of the signal between a source of the signal and the receiver.

According to an aspect of the invention a program element is provided, which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out a method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device, which method comprises the steps of receiving a signal, the signal comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device, detecting the presence of a code in the signal, and adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can advantageously be adjusted automatically upon detection of the code in the signal. This ensures that an optimal picture and/or sound quality is set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device. According to an aspect of the invention an information-carrier is provided.

The information-carrier stores audiovisual information, which audiovisual information, when read by a player, is transmitted in a signal from the player to an electronic device for display on the electronic device, the information-carrier further storing a code, which code is transmitted in the signal from the player to the electronic device, the electronic device comprising an operation mode adjustment device, which operation mode adjustment device, when detecting the presence of the code in the signal, adjusts an operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can advantageously be adjusted automatically upon detection of the code in the signal. This ensures that an optimal picture and/or sound quality is set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 20 has the advantage that it enables the invention to be used with e.g. information-carriers that do not support storing non- visual information or signals that do not support or do not have a non-visual part. The code is then e.g. encoded into a picture frame such that it is invisible to the human eye.

Moreover, because the code is comprised in the audiovisual information, advantageously the information-carrier can be used with existing players that do not need to be modified to be able to transmit the code.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 21 has the advantage that it enables the invention to be used when e.g. altering of the audiovisual information or the audiovisual part of the signal in order to include the code is not possible or not desirable. The code is then e.g. comprised in the signal as a digital binary code separate from the audiovisual part of the signal. Preferably the non-audiovisual information comprising the code is stored on the information-carrier such that the information-carrier can be used with existing players that do not need to be modified to be able to read the non-audiovisual information.

According to an aspect of the invention a signal is provided. The signal comprises an audiovisual part for display on an electronic device. The signal further comprising a code, which code, when received by an operation mode adjustment device comprised in the electronic device, is detected and an operation mode of the electronic device is adjusted based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can advantageously be adjusted automatically upon detection of the code in the signal. This ensures that an optimal picture and/or sound quality is set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device. The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 23 has the advantage that that it enables the invention to be used with e.g. signals that do not support or do not have a non-audiovisual part.

The embodiment of the invention as defined in claim 24 has the advantage that it enables the invention to be used when e.g. altering of the audiovisual part of the signal in order to include the code is not possible or not desirable. The code is then e.g. comprised in the signal as a digital binary code separate from the audiovisual part of the signal.

Within the scope of this application the term "audiovisual" means audio and visual or audio-only or visual-only. Display of the audiovisual part of the signal on an electronic device is therefore to be understood as rendering visual information (with or without audible information) comprised in the signal on the electronic device and/or playing audible information comprised in the signal on the electronic device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention will be explained in greater detail by reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows an operation mode adjustment device and electronic device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 shows an operation mode adjustment device and electronic device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 shows an operation mode adjustment device and electronic device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 shows an information-carrier and player in conjunction with an operation mode adjustment device and electronic device of an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of a method of an exemplary embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS The illustrations in the drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals.

Fig. 1 shows an operation mode adjustment device 1 within an electronic product 2. The electronic product 2 is e.g. a LCD television, but can alternatively be any other device for displaying information, like plasma television, projector television, tuner/receiver, CD player, DVD player, Blue-ray-disc player, HD-DVD player and MP3- player. The following example uses a television as electronic product 2. The operation mode adjustment device 1 in the example of Fig. 1 has a receiver 11 linked to a detector 12 that is linked to an adjuster 13. The receiver 11 receives a signal 100. The signal 100 comprises an audiovisual part to be displayed on the television 2 as sound and video. In the signal 100 there is also code, which is detected by the detector 12. Upon detection of the code the adjuster 13 uses a timer 15 to wait for a predefined time interval, after which the adjuster 13 adjusts the operation mode of the television 2. Optionally the predefined time interval is a delay- value comprised in the code. An alert message is displayed on the television 2 by an alerter 14, indicating to an end-user that the operation mode has changed. Optionally the alert message is displayed before the operation mode is changed. The operation mode is changed by switching the television 2 to a preset audiovisual setting that is stored in a memory 21 of the television 2. The preset audiovisual setting to be used is indicated by the code. In this example the code comprises an identifier indicating a shop environment setting. The preset audiovisual setting contains e.g. values for brightness, contrast, color balance, bass and treble, which values are optimized for use in the shop environment.

Fig. 2 shows an operation mode adjustment device 1 within an electronic product 2, wherein the alerter 14 and timer 15 of Fig. 1 are replaced by a calibrator 16. In this embodiment the receiver 11 receives a signal 100, which signal 100 comprises an audiovisual part to be displayed on the television 2 as sound and video. In the signal 100 there is also code, which is detected by the detector 12. Upon detection of the code the adjuster 13 activates the calibrator 16 to calibrate the television 2 using video sequences from the audiovisual part of the signal 100. Defects in the signal are thus compensated for. Defects in the signal are e.g. black-level changes, gamma adjustments or noise added to the audiovisual part of the signal by a source of the signal 100 or between the source of the signal 100 and the receiver 11. The calibrator 16 uses different calibration types, e.g. black-level, gamma adjustment and noise calibration. The calibration type to be used is indicated by an identifier in the code.

Fig. 3 shows an operation mode adjustment device 1 within an electronic product 2, wherein the operation mode adjustment device comprises the alerter 14 and timer 15 as described for Fig. 1 and the calibrator 16 as described for Fig. 2.

Fig. 4 shows an information-carrier 3 that is read by a player 4. Information- carrier 3 is e.g. a DVD disc read by a DVD player, but can alternatively be any carrier for information that can be read by any corresponding player. The following example uses a DVD disc (or DVD in short) as information-carrier 3. The DVD 3 has audiovisual information stored on it. The audiovisual information is read by the DVD player 4 and transmitted in a signal 100 to television 2. On the DVD there is further stored a code, which code is also transmitted in the signal 100 to the television 2. The signal is transmitted using e.g. RF distribution or a direct cable connection. In the television 2 an operation mode adjustment device 1 receives the signal 100 and detects the code. The operation mode of the television is adjusted based on the detected code, as explained for Figs. 1-3. It is possible that multiple televisions 2 are used with one DVD player 4.

Fig. 5 shows the steps of a method according to an embodiment of the invention. Signal 100 is received 1001 and in the signal 100 a code is detected 1002. Based on the detected code the operation mode of a television is adjusted 1003. The adjustment can be the switching 1004 of the television to a preset audiovisual setting as explained for Fig. 1 or the calibration 1005 of the television as explained for Fig. 2, or both.

The invention can be used to playback demonstration material used to demonstrate a television 2 either with or without human intervention. Specially recorder material is used, such as a DVD 3 that has encoded in the vertical blanking interval data (VBI data) - or any other means synchronized with the video signal - a code in the form of a bit string that is uniquely detected by an operation mode adjustment device in the television 2 as to signal that it is in a shop environment. The television 2 will recognize this code and switch either directly or after a predefined delay to the shop optimized settings. These shop optimized settings are preset in a memory 21 of the television 2 and cannot be changed by the end-user. The delay can be used to allow for a change in the settings during demonstrations. The end-user can be warned when settings are changed back to the default shop settings in case they have been changed to avoid confusion during demonstrations. Alternatively the switching back to shop settings is done after the television 2 has not been controlled by either remote control (RC) or direct buttons for a certain time. The special recorded DVD 3 also contains various short video sequences to detect certain characteristics of the used player 4. Examples of these sequences are black frames to measure the black level, a picture with a known histogram to check the gamma, a grey frame to use the histogram to measure the amount and type of noise in the signal 100. The code in the signaling can be used to tell the television 2 when what type of calibration information is used. It is possible to allow for multiple optimized settings according to certain preferences such that the code in the video signal 100 can be used to select a certain optimizing setting. This will allow for regional or shop specific differences by using a specific DVD 3. The code can be part of audiovisual information. The code is then e.g. encoded into a picture frame such that it is invisible to the human eye, but detectable by the detector 11. The code can alternatively be part of non-audiovisual information. E.g. VBI data or teletext encoding is used as the non-audiovisual part. The receiver 11, detector 12 and/or adjuster 13 can be realized as a program element 30, e.g. a software module embedded in hardware and executable by a processor.

Optionally the operation mode adjustment device 1 can be implemented as a software module, possibly embedded in hardware. In summary, the invention enables the operation mode of an electronic device

(2) to be adjusted. Hereto an operation mode adjustment device (1) comprises a receiver (11) for receiving a signal (100), the signal comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device, a detector (12) for detecting the presence of a code in the signal, and an adjuster (13) for adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device based on the detected code. Thus the operation mode of the electronic device can be adjusted automatically upon detection of a code in the signal. This ensures that optimal picture and/or sound quality settings are set for displaying the audiovisual part of the signal on the electronic device, in particular in shop environments.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measured cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. Operation mode adjustment device (1) for adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device (2), wherein the operation mode adjustment device (1) comprises a receiver (11) for receiving a signal (100), the signal (100) comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device (2); a detector (12) for detecting the presence of a code in the signal (100); and an adjuster (13) for adjusting the operation mode of the electronic device (2) based on the detected code.

2. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the code is comprised in the audiovisual part of the signal (100).

3. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the signal (100) further comprises a non-audiovisual part, and wherein the code is comprised in the non-audiovisual part of the signal (100).

4. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adjuster (13) is arranged to adjust the operation mode by switching the electronic device (2) to a preset audiovisual setting stored in a memory (21) of the electronic device (2).

5. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the preset audiovisual setting is a setting optimized for shop environment.

6. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 4, wherein the code comprises an identifier for selecting the preset audiovisual setting.

7. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 4, the operation mode adjustment device further comprising an alerter (14) for displaying an alert message on the electronic device (2).

8. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 4, the operation mode adjustment device (1) further comprising a timer (15) for adjusting the operation mode after a predefined time interval.

9. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the adjuster (13) adjusts the operation mode after the predefined time interval starting from the moment of detecting the presence of the code in the signal (100).

10. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the adjuster (13) adjusts the operation mode after the predefined time interval starting from the moment of a last control of the electronic equipment (2).

11. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the adjuster (13) is arranged to adjust the operation mode by activating a calibrator (16) for calibrating the electronic device (2) using one or more video sequences from the audiovisual part of the signal (100).

12. Operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 11, wherein the code comprises an identifier for selecting a type of calibration.

13. Electronic device (2) comprising an operation mode adjustment device (1) according to claim 1.

14. Electronic device (2) according to claim 13, wherein the electronic device (2) is a television.

15. Method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device (2), the method comprising the steps of: receiving (1001) a signal (100), the signal (100) comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device (2); detecting (1002) the presence of a code in the signal (100); and adjusting (1003) the operation mode of the electronic device (2) based on the detected code.

16. Method according to claim 15, wherein adjusting (1003) the operation mode by switching (1004) the electronic device (2) to a preset audiovisual setting stored in a memory (21) of the electronic device (2).

17. Method according to claim 15, wherein adjusting (1003) the operation mode by activating (1005) a calibrator for calibrating the electronic device (2) using one or more video sequences from the audiovisual part of the signal (100).

18. Program element (30), which, when being executed by a processor, is adapted to carry out a method of adjusting an operation mode of an electronic device (2), the method comprising the steps of: receiving (1001) a signal (100), the signal (100) comprising an audiovisual part for display on the electronic device (2); detecting (1002) the presence of a code in the signal (100); and adjusting (1003) the operation mode of the electronic device (2) based on the detected code.

19. Information-carrier (3), the information-carrier (3) storing audiovisual information, which audiovisual information, when read by a player (4), is transmitted in a signal (100) from the player (4) to an electronic device (2) for display on the electronic device (2), the information-carrier (3) further storing a code, which code is transmitted in the signal (100) from the player (4) to the electronic device (2), the electronic device (2) comprising an operation mode adjustment device (1), which operation mode adjustment device (1), when detecting (1002) the presence of the code in the signal (100), adjusts (1003) an operation mode of the electronic device (2) based on the detected code.

20. Information-carrier (3) according to claim 19, wherein the code is comprised in the audiovisual information and the code is transmitted in an audio-visual part of the signal (100).

21. Information-carrier (3) according to claim 19, the information-carrier (3) further storing non-audiovisual information, which non-audiovisual information, when read by the player (4), is transmitted in a non-audiovisual part of the signal (100) from the player (4) to the electronic device (2), wherein the code is comprised in the non-audiovisual information.

22. Signal (100) comprising an audiovisual part for display on an electronic device (2), the signal (100) further comprising a code, which code, when received (1001) by an operation mode adjustment device (1) comprised in the electronic device (2), is detected (1002) and an operation mode of the electronic device (2) is adjusted (1003) based on the detected code.

23. Signal (100) according to claim 22, wherein the code is comprised in the audiovisual part of the signal (100).

24. Signal (100) according to claim 22, wherein the signal (100) further comprises a non-audiovisual part and wherein the code is comprised in the non-audiovisual part of the signal (100).