WO2010043269A1 - Method and apparatus for use in a packet switched television network - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for use in a packet switched television network Download PDFInfo
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- WO2010043269A1 WO2010043269A1 PCT/EP2008/064024 EP2008064024W WO2010043269A1 WO 2010043269 A1 WO2010043269 A1 WO 2010043269A1 EP 2008064024 W EP2008064024 W EP 2008064024W WO 2010043269 A1 WO2010043269 A1 WO 2010043269A1
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- packet switched
- user
- message
- transmission
- television transmission
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- 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]
- H04N21/60—Network structure or processes for video distribution between server and client or between remote clients; Control signalling between clients, server and network components; Transmission of management data between server and client, e.g. sending from server to client commands for recording incoming content stream; Communication details between server and client
- H04N21/61—Network physical structure; Signal processing
- H04N21/6156—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network
- H04N21/6181—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the upstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a mobile phone network
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- 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
- H04N21/4333—Processing operations in response to a pause request
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
- H04N21/4363—Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network
- H04N21/43637—Adapting the video or multiplex stream to a specific local network, e.g. a IEEE 1394 or Bluetooth® network involving a wireless protocol, e.g. Bluetooth, RF or wireless LAN [IEEE 802.11]
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- 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
- H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
- H04N21/4402—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
- H04N21/440218—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display by transcoding between formats or standards, e.g. from MPEG-2 to MPEG-4
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- 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
- H04N21/4621—Controlling the complexity of the content stream or additional data, e.g. lowering the resolution or bit-rate of the video stream for a mobile client with a small screen
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- 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
- H04N21/478—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application
- H04N21/4786—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application e-mailing
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/8146—Monomedia components thereof involving graphical data, e.g. 3D object, 2D graphics
- H04N21/8153—Monomedia components thereof involving graphical data, e.g. 3D object, 2D graphics comprising still images, e.g. texture, background image
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/83—Generation or processing of protective or descriptive data associated with content; Content structuring
- H04N21/845—Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments
- H04N21/8455—Structuring of content, e.g. decomposing content into time segments involving pointers to the content, e.g. pointers to the I-frames of the video stream
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/85—Assembly of content; Generation of multimedia applications
- H04N21/854—Content authoring
- H04N21/8549—Creating video summaries, e.g. movie trailer
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N7/00—Television systems
- H04N7/16—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems
- H04N7/173—Analogue secrecy systems; Analogue subscription systems with two-way working, e.g. subscriber sending a programme selection signal
- H04N7/17309—Transmission or handling of upstream communications
- H04N7/17318—Direct or substantially direct transmission and handling of requests
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
- Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
- Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
- Computer Graphics (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus for sharing information relating to an packet switched television transmission. A user device receives a packet switched television transmission, and captures a still image data from transmission. The user device then generates a message, which includes the captured still image data, and metadata identifying both the source of the packet switched television transmission, and the point in the packet switched television transmission at which the still image data was captured. The message is then sent to a target device. This allows the user of the target device to obtain the same transmission from exactly the point at which the still image was captured.
Description
Method and Apparatus for use in a Packet Switched Television network
TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to the field of Packet Switched television networks, and in particular to the field of sharing IPTV information.
BACKGROUND
TV services broadcast over an IP network are referred to as IPTV. IPTV is typically broadcast using a broadband access network, in which channels are transmitted over a broadband network from a super head-end down to an end-user's set top box (STB).
In a typical IPTV scenario, the end-user receiving device is a STB connected to (or build into) a television. The STB receives and renders TV channels by various transmissions (such as IP protocol or DVB-T). STBs typically have additional functionality, such as offering the end-user menu navigable menus to set options and preferences, and additional services such as Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs).
Mobile TV uses IPTV to allow a mobile device to receive and display IPTV channels. In addition, for both Mobile TV and IPTV, a PC TV client device can be used as end- user device instead of a mobile device or a STB.
IPTV channels can be delivered to the end user in either a direct or a delayed mode. In the direct mode, the IPTV media is broadcast directly from the original source, such as an IPTV Head-end. Where transmission is delayed, the IPTV media is recorded (either in the device or in a central network server), and the end user can select and view the IPTV media after the original broadcast. In certain IPTV systems, the user can view an IPTV programme that has already been broadcast by selecting the programme from an EPG that lists programmes already broadcast.
Many broadcast IPTV channels can support a Trick-Mode feature in which the end- user can play, pause, rewind, and even forward the programme. An example of such a service is Sky+®. In order to provide this type of service, the broadcast programme must be recorded, either in the end-user receiving device or in a central network server. Some services allow the user to perform Trick-Mode operations on a live broadcast. This is known as TimeShift. Once a user access a TimeShift service, the
broadcast must be recorded in order to allow the user to perform Trick-Mode operations on the broadcast.
If an end-user has viewed an IPTV programme, they may wish to share information with a friend regarding the programme they are watching. Typically, they might telephone their friend or send them an SMS message to say, for example, "watch the programme that was broadcast on Channel 4 at 21 :00". The end-user may also wish to provide more detail to their friend, for example "the segment about 15 minutes into the programme will be of particular interest to you". However, there is currently no way that the end-user can accurately direct their friend to a specific point in a broadcast.
SUMMARY
The inventor has identified the problem described above, and realised that Multimedia Messaging Service can be used to send information about a packet-switched television transmission from a first user to a second user. This information can be used to accurately identify a point in the programme to allow the first user to share specific points in the transmission with the second user.
According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of sharing information relating to a packet-switched television transmission. A user device receives a packet-switched television media transmission, and captures a still image data from transmission. The user device then generates a message, which includes the captured still image data, and metadata identifying both the source of the packet- switched television transmission, and the point in the packet-switched television transmission at which the still image data was captured. The message is then sent to a target device. This allows the user of the target device to obtain the same transmission from exactly the point at which the still image was captured.
The message is optionally a Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) message.
In an optional embodiment, it is convenient for the user of the user device to pause the packet-switched television transmission prior to capturing the still image data. This allows the user to ensure that the still image is at the right point in the transmission prior to sending the message.
In optional embodiment, the user device and the target device may each be any of a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer. These devices can be any devices capable of receiving IPTV or Mobile TV transmissions.
Additional user-defined information is optionally added to the message prior to sending it. This may be, for example, a short text message entered by the user of the user device describing the transmission and the still image.
The method optionally comprises, at the target device, receiving the message, identifying the metadata included in the message, and using the information identifying the source of the packet-switched television transmission to establish an packet- switched television transmission with the target device from the point at which the still image data was captured. As an option, prior to establishing the packet-switched television transmission with the target device, the user of the target device is provided with options for viewing the packet-switched television transmission. This may include, for example, subscription information, costs associated with the transmission, information on setting up the user device to view the transmission, or options for purchasing access to the packet-switched television transmission. The packet switched television transmission is optionally an IPTV transmission or a Mobile TV transmission.
According to a second aspect, there is provided a packet-switched television enabled device for use in a packet-switched television network. The device is provided with a receiver for receiving a packet-switched television transmission, an image processor for capturing still image data from the packet-switched television transmission, a message generating processor for generating a message, the message including the captured still image data, and metadata identifying the source of the packet-switched television transmission and the point in the packet-switched television transmission at which the still image was captured, and a transmitter for sending the message to a target device.
As an option, the device further comprises a user input device, which is arranged to receive information from the user relating to the packet-switched television transmission and the message.
The device is optionally selected from any of a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a packet-switched television enabled receiving device for use in an IPTV network. The receiving device is provided with a receiver for receiving a message, the message including still image data captured from a packet-switched television transmission, and metadata identifying the source of the packet-switched television transmission and the point in the packet- switched television transmission at which the still image data was captured. The receiving device is further provided with a processor for identifying the metadata included in the message, a transmitter for requesting the packet-switched television transmission from the point at which the still image data was captured, and a second receiver for receiving the packet-switched television transmission from the point at which the still image data was captured. The device is optionally provided with an input device arranged to receive information from the user relating to the packet-switched television transmission and the message, and is optionally selected from any of a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a flow diagram showing the steps according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 2 illustrates schematically in a block diagram examples of network architecture according to different embodiments of the invention;
Figure 3 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when a user watched a live transmission;
Figure 4 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the user watched a recorded transmission;
Figure 5 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the user activates Trick-Mode during the transmission;
Figure 6 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the user creates a message according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 7 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the user sends the message to the target user according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 8 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the target user receives and views the message according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 9 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required when the target user wishes to view a transmission from a point specified in the received message according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 10 is a signalling diagram illustrating the signalling required to allow the target user to view a transmission from a point specified in the received message according to an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 11 illustrates schematically in a block diagram an originating user device according to an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 12 illustrates schematically in a block diagram a target user device according to an embodiment of the invention; and
Figure 13 illustrates schematically in a block diagram an IPTV server according to an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Most mobile devices are capable of sending and receiving Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) messages. These are messages that, in addition to text, can include other media such as images, audio, video and/or rich text. Furthermore, some PC TV client devices and STBs can send and receive MMS messages. The invention combines the ability to receive IPTV with the ability to send MMS messages that include media data, and include IPTV metadata in an MMS message to accurately identify a point in an IPTV transmission.
A flow diagram showing the steps according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 1 , with the following numbering corresponding to the numbering in the figure.
S1. User A views an IPTV transmission (which may be "live" or recorded).
S2. User A activates Trick-Mode, and may, for example, pause the IPTV media being broadcast.
S3. User A creates a standard MMS message using a rendered still image from the IPTV transmission. This may be a full image of the broadcast or an edited image. The message also includes metadata relating to the IPTV transmission, such as the source of the transmission, information identifying the transmission, information identifying the point in the transmission at which the still image was captured. User A may be given the option of adding their own text to the MMS message.
54. User A sends the MMS message to User B.
55. User B receives the MMS message. If User B's device is not capable of showing IPTV, then the process ends. However, User B will be able to view the still image and any associated message as a standard MMS message.
56. If User B's device is capable of showing IPTV, then User B's device detects the additional metadata contained in the MMS message.
57. Once User B's device has detected the metadata, it gives User B the option of viewing the IPTV transmission from the point at which the still image was captured. Note that if User B does not have access to that particular transmission (for example, it may be a pay-per-view channel), User B can be given the opportunity to obtain access to the transmission. User B selects the option to view the transmission from the point at which the still image was captured.
58. User B's device uses the metadata in the MMS message to access and render the IPTV transmission, allowing User B to view the transmission from the point at which the still image was captured. User B may also be able to utilize TimeShift features to, for example, rewind the transmission to an earlier point.
Turning now to network architecture, there are several different architectures to be considered. They can all be described with reference to Figure 2.
In a first embodiment, the User A device 1 is a STB. It receives IPTV transmissions sent from an IPTV Head-End 2 via an IPTV distribution network 3. The IPTV distribution network 3 includes an IPTV server 4, and may include a network recorder 5. The User A device 1 can send MMS messages via an MMS network 6 that includes an MMSC 7. The MMS message is sent via the MMS network 6 to the User B device 8, which in this example is a mobile device that is not capable of receiving Mobile TV. In a second embodiment, the User B device 8 is a personal computer capable of receiving the MMS message. The second embodiment is otherwise compatible with the first embodiment.
In a third embodiment, the User B device 8 is also a STB. In this case, the User B device 8, in addition to being capable of receiving MMS messages from the MMS network 6, can also communicate with the IPTV distribution network 3 in order to receive IPTV. Note that this is by way of example, and it is possible that the User B device 8 would communicate with a different IPTV network (not shown). Note that this embodiment also includes the case where the User B device 8 is a PC that is able to connect to the IPTV distribution network 3.
In a fourth embodiment, the User B device 8 is a mobile device that is capable of receiving Mobile TV transmissions. In this case, in addition to connecting to the MMS network 6, the User B device 8 is capable of connecting to a Mobile TV distribution network 9. The mobile distribution network receives Mobile TV transmission from a Mobile TV head-end 10, and includes a TV Server 11. The Mobile TV distribution network 9 may also include a network recorder 12. Note that this embodiment also includes the case where the User B device 8 is a PC that is able to connect to the Mobile TV network 9.
In a fifth embodiment, the User A device 1 is a mobile device at which User A can receive Mobile TV transmissions. In this instance, User A device 1 connects to the Mobile TV distribution network 9, which receives Mobile TV transmission from a Mobile TV head-end 10, and includes a TV Server 1 1. The fifth specific embodiment is otherwise compatible with any of the first to fourth specific embodiments. Note that this
embodiment also includes the case where the User A device 1 is a PC that is able to connect to the Mobile TV network 9.
In a sixth specific embodiment, the User A device is a personal computer capable of receiving IPTV transmissions. The fifth specific embodiment is otherwise compatible with any of the first to fifth specific embodiments.
It will be appreciated that whilst the above specific embodiments have been described, the User A and User B devices may be any combination of fixed or mobile access devices, including mobile devices, STBs, or PCs.
Figures 3 to 10 provide an exemplary illustration of the signalling in the third embodiment of the invention, where the User B device 8 is a STB or PC that can connect to a fixed IPTV network. However, it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that similar signalling can be used where the User B device is a Mobile TV enabled mobile device such as a mobile telephone or PC that can connect to a Mobile TV network. Similarly, the skilled person will appreciate that whilst the following description assumes that the User A device connects to a fixed IPTV network, similar signalling may be used if the User A device connects to a Mobile TV network.
Referring to Figure 3, the IPTV server 4 orders the network recorder 5 to record a transmission from the IPTV head-end 2. The transmitted channel is then received and recorded by the network recorder 5. User A 13 wishes to browse an EPG, and so the User A device 1 retrieves EPG information from the IPTV server 4. The User A device 1 presents the EPG information to User A 13, allowing User A to select a channel. The User A device joins and receives the channel stream directly from the IPTV head-end 2 in the case that User A 13 wishes to watch a "live" transmission, and this transmission is shown on the User A device 1. Figure 4 is a similar signalling diagram, but instead showing the signalling when User A 13 wishes to view a recorded transmission. In this case, User A 13 selects an old, previously transmitted programme, and the User A device 1 receives the recorded transmission from the network recorder 5 rather than the IPTV head-end 2. The User A device 1 therefore must negotiate a unicast transmission from the network recorder 5 rather than the previous multicast (or other transmission technology) session with the IPTV head-end 2.
Referring to Figure 5, User A 13 sends a Trick-Mode command to the User A device 1. Examples of Trick-Mode commands include rewind, forward, pause and so on. The User device forwards the command to the network recorder. If the user had previously been watching a live transmission, the user must now switch to watching the transmission from the recorder in a unicast rather than watching the broadcast from the IPTV head-end 2. The network recorder 5 sends the updated channel stream to the User A device 1. Note that in this example, the User A device uses a remote network recorder 5, but the person skilled in the art will appreciate that similar signalling could be used if the User A device had its own recorder.
In this example, as illustrated in Figure 6, User A 13 sends a "pause" command to the User A device 1. The device 1 then displays a paused still image. User A 13 instructs the device 1 to create an MMS message including the still image, and metadata identifying the origin of the still image (time of capture, channel etc.). User A 13 can then edit the MMS message if required to, for example, add a message. Note that the transmission need not be paused for the invention to work, it will be appreciated that User A 13 could capture a still image "on the fly" during transmission.
Referring to Figure 7, User A 13 selects User B 14 as the recipient of the MMS message, and the User A device 1 sends the MMS message. This can be sent directly to the MMS network 6 if the User A device 1 has MMS capabilities, or alternatively may be sent via the IPTV server 4.
Referring to Figure 8, the User B device 8 receives the MMS message, either directly from the MMS network 6 or via the IPTV Server 4. The User B device 8 notifies User B 14 that an MMS message has been received. If User B 14 wishes to view the MMS message, then the User B device 8 displays the MMS message. If the User B MMS device is not capable of receiving Mobile TV or IPTV transmissions, then the message is treated as a normal MMS message.
Figure 9 illustrates further signalling in the case that the User B device 8 is capable of receiving Mobile TV or IPTV signalling. The User B device 8 detects the metadata in the MMS message and extracts information identifying the transmission and the exact point in the transmission at which the still image was captured. The User B device 8 then communicates with the IPTV server 4 (or the TV server 11 in the Mobile TV distribution network 9 if the User B device is a mobile device rather than an STB) to
check the availability of the transmission. Assuming that the transmission is available, the User B device 8 displays a message informing the User B 14 that they can view the transmission from the point of the still image in the MMS message. This may also include displaying information about how User B can access the transmission, in the case that the transmission has restricted access or must be purchased.
Referring to Figure 10, User B 14 decides to watch the IPTV transmission and signals the User B device 8. The User B device 8 requests and receives the IPTV transmission from the network recorder 5 from the point at which the still image was captured, and displays it for User B 14 to watch. Once User B 14 is viewing the transmission, User B has the optional choices of initiating Trick-Mode commands. Note that instead of the User B device 8 accessing the network recorder 5 remotely, the User B device 8 may be provided with its own internal recorder.
The invention can be used with IPTV transmitted in a variety of different ways. Examples of transmission technologies for which the invention is suitable include multicast (which is typically an MPEG 2 transport stream containing MPEG2 or MPEG 4 encoded media, sent over UDP or RTP/UDP), terrestrial multicast (for example DVB- T, DVB-H), unicast, Multicast distribution for Mobile network (MBMS) or cable. Some systems allow a user to view a previously transmitted channel. As this must come from a recorder, it is not suitable for multicast.
Note that IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) IPTV can also be used with the invention. The transmission control signalling is performed using the Session Initiation Protocol (SIP). A SIP INVITE/UPDATE session is used to set up one or many multicast channels. A delayed SIP INFO method can be used to describe which channel is active. Unicast media is set up using SIP and SDP, using the SDP Offer/Answer model, and RTSP. The transfer from unicast to multicast for time shifting purposes may use the same SIP INVITE/UPDATE session. The transfer then becomes a SDP offer/answer media renegotiation within the same session. For further information, see RFC 3261 , SIP: Session Initiation Protocol; RFC 4566, SDP: Session Description Protocol; RFC 3264, An Offer/Answer Model with the Session Description Protocol (SDP); RFC 2976, The SIP INFO Method; RFC 331 1 , The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) UPDATE Method; and RFC 2326 - Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP).
Turning now to Figure 1 1 , a User device 1 is provided with a receiver 15 for receiving the IPTV transmission. A processor 16 is used to capture the still image data, and a further processor 17 is used to generate the MMS message. A transmitter 18 is used to send the message to the receiving device 8. The User device 1 may also be provided with an input device 19 such as a keyboard, remote control, touch screen etc to receive commands from the user.
Figure 12 shows a receiving device such as the User B device 8. The User B device 8 is provided with a receiver 20 for receiving the MMS message and a processor 21 for identifying the IPTV metadata in the MMS message. A transmitter 22 is provided for requesting the IPTV transmission from the point at which the still image data was captured, and a second receiver 23 is provided for receiving the IPTV transmission.
In some instances, the User A device 1 may not have MMS capabilities. In this case, the IPTV server 4 in the IPTV distribution network 3 can be used to send an MMS message on behalf of the User A device. Referring to Figure 13, the IPTV Server is provided with a receiver 25 for receiving, in any suitable format, still image data and associated metadata from the User A device 1. A processor 26 is used to generate an appropriate MMS message including the still image data and the metadata identifying the IPTV transmission and the pointing the transmission at which the still image data was captured. A receiver 27 is used to send the MMS message to the User B device
8.
Similarly, the User B device 8 may not have MMS capabilities. In this case, the server serving the User B device (either the IPTV server 8, or the TV server 1 1 ) can provide MMS support to receive an MMS message on behalf of the User B device 8 and send it on to the User B device 8 in a format that the User B device can understand.
The invention allows IPTV users to send and share time shifted TV locations in IPTV transmissions by using MMS messages. However, the MMS messages are still usable even if the recipient of the message does not have a device that supports IPTV. The integration of an MMS service with the IPTV capabilities provides a new end-user service.
It will be appreciated by the person of skill in the art that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.
Claims
1. A method of sharing information relating to an packet switched television transmission, the method comprising: at a user device, receiving an packet switched television transmission; capturing still image data from the packet switched television transmission; generating a message, the message including the captured still image data, and metadata identifying the source of the packet switched television transmission and the point in the packet switched television transmission at which the still image data was captured; and sending the message to a target device.
2. The method according claim 1 , wherein the message is a Multimedia Messaging Service message.
3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising pausing the packet switched television transmission prior to capturing the still image data.
4. The method according to claim 1 , 2, or 3, wherein either or the user device and the target device are each selected from a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer.
5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising, prior to sending the message to the target device, adding additional user-defined information to the message.
6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: at the target device, receiving the message; identifying the metadata included in the message; using the information identifying the source of the packet switched television transmission to establish a packet switched television transmission with the target device from the point at which the still image data was captured.
7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising prior to establishing the packet switched television transmission with the target device, providing the user of the target device with options for viewing the packet switched television transmission.
8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the options include options for purchasing access to the packet switched television transmission.
9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the packet switched television transmission is selected from one of an IP Television transmission and a Mobile Television transmission.
10. A packet switched television enabled device for use in a packet switched television network, the device comprising: a receiver for receiving a packet switched television transmission; an image processor for capturing still image data from the packet switched television transmission; a message generating processor for generating a message, the message including the captured still image data, and metadata identifying the source of the packet switched television transmission and the point in the packet switched television transmission at which the still image was captured; and a transmitter for sending the message to a target device.
1 1. The device according to claim 10, further comprising a user input device, the user input device arranged to receive information from the user relating to the packet switched television transmission and the message.
12. The device according to claim 10 or 1 1 , wherein the device is selected from any of a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer.
13. A packet switched television enabled receiving device for use in a packet switched television network, the receiving device comprising: a receiver for receiving a message, the message including still image data captured from a packet switched television transmission, and metadata identifying the source of the packet switched television media transmission and the point in the packet switched television media transmission at which the still image data was captured; a processor for identifying the metadata included in the message; a transmitter for requesting the packet switched television transmission from the point at which the still image data was captured; a second receiver for receiving the packet switched television transmission from the point at which the still image data was captured.
14. The receiving device according to claim 13, further comprising an input device arranged to receive information from the user relating to the packet switched television transmission and the message.
15. The receiving device according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the receiving device is selected from any of a Set Top Box, a mobile device, and a personal computer.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2008/064024 WO2010043269A1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2008-10-17 | Method and apparatus for use in a packet switched television network |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2008/064024 WO2010043269A1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2008-10-17 | Method and apparatus for use in a packet switched television network |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2010043269A1 true WO2010043269A1 (en) | 2010-04-22 |
Family
ID=40380341
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2008/064024 WO2010043269A1 (en) | 2008-10-17 | 2008-10-17 | Method and apparatus for use in a packet switched television network |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| WO (1) | WO2010043269A1 (en) |
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| EP2897373A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-22 | Tellyo Oy | A system and a method for sharing television content |
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