WO2006117708A2

WO2006117708A2 - Method and apparatus for receiving multi-channel tv programs

Info

Publication number: WO2006117708A2
Application number: PCT/IB2006/051241
Authority: WO
Inventors: Yongqin Zeng; Xin Chen; Feng Li
Original assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date: 2005-04-29
Filing date: 2006-04-21
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Also published as: WO2006117708A3; KR20080009305A; EP1878220A2; CN101167348A; JP2008539636A

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for receiving TV programs, the method comprising steps of: obtaining an user configuration information, the user configuration information relating to a position information; and selectively receiving TV programs corresponding to said user configuration information. According to the method and apparatus for receiving TV programs as provided in the present invention, each receiving apparatus can generate a default configuration information based on its different location, which enables the user to receive a group of optimized and rational TV program contents, thus saving time for the user and bringing a choice of more individualized TV program contents.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECEIVING MULTI-CHANNEL TV PROGRAMS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to method and apparatus for receiving TV programs, and more particularly, to method and apparatus for receiving multi-channel TV programs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the course of a large-scale sports event, multi-angular shooting and broadcasting of a same sporting scene is widely employed. Fl car-race broadcasting, for example, involves multi-angular programs: multi-angular shooting is done through ten or more cameras installed at multiple different positions, and those in front of the car and opposite the drivers. The content to be shot may include TV program information at different positions, or may be the tracking and shooting of a particular event, such as the facial expression of a well-known driver. The TV broadcast station may broadcast these multi-angular signals from multiple different viewpoints simultaneously, or select some TV programs shot from better angles to broadcast.

In present sports fields and stadiums, spectators may use mobile hand-held device to receive multi-angular TV program information sent from the broadcast base stations set up therein, so that they can view programs shot from different angles. Moreover, they can watch the sporting event from different angles by selecting TV program channels manually, and thus this can bring more funs for the spectators to enjoy the game.

Generally speaking, however, different users may have their own individualized interests in different TV programs shot from different angles. Accordingly, each user has to select TV program channel based on his/her own favorite, and at the same time the user has to choose his/her best angled picture from over ten, or even tens of, TV program channels when a particular event fitting the user's interest occurs.

A problem, however, is that the user has to switch TV programs manually to locate the best-angled one. As a result, it's very likely that the user may miss those fleeting TV program pictures that cater to his/her particular interest.

It is, therefore, necessary to provide a TV program receiving method and apparatus to meet the individualized requirements of different users in receiving multi-channel TV programs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is desirable to provide a method and apparatus for receiving TV programs, which enables the users to receive more individualized TV programs.

It is also desirable to provide a method and apparatus for generating user configuration information, which enables the user to receive more individualized TV programs based on the user configuration information.

A method for receiving multi-channel TV programs as provided according to the present invention comprises the following steps: obtaining an user configuration information related to a position information, and selectively receiving TV programs corresponding to said user configuration information.

A multi-channel receiving apparatus for receiving TV programs as provided according to the present invention comprises: a configuration information obtaining means for obtaining an user configuration information related to a piece of position information, and a selective receiving means for receiving TV programs corresponding to said user configuration information.

A method for generating user configuration information as provided according to the present invention comprises: obtaining a position information, and generating a TV program configuration information corresponding to said position information.

An apparatus for generating user configuration information as provided according to the present invention comprises: a position information obtaining means for obtaining position information, and a configuration information generating means for generating a TV program configuration information corresponding to said position information.

According to the method and apparatus for broadcasting and receiving multi-channel TV programs as provided in the present invention, each receiving apparatus can receive a group of optimized and rational TV programs, thus saving time for the user and providing more individualized TV program service. Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following descriptions and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 illustrates a system in a sports stadium according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 illustrates different angles in a sports stadium where TV programs are shot according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 depicts a block diagram showing the functional modules of the receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 4 depicts a flow chart showing the receiving apparatus for receiving video information according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 5 depicts a block diagram showing the functional modules of the receiving apparatus and the control center according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 6 depicts a flow chart showing the receiving apparatus for receiving video information according to another embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 7 depicts an user interface of the receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a format of the event information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Throughout all the above drawings, like reference numerals will be understood to refer to like, similar or corresponding features or functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Detailed description will be made below to specific embodiments of the present invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 illustrates a system in a sports stadium according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system comprises a broadcast base station 10, a control center 20, multiple mobile receiving apparatuses 30 and multiple RFID tags 40 set on the seats in the stadium. Video cameras (not shown) are set at various different positions of the stadium to shoot sports video from different angles and transmit the resulting TV program information in real time to broadcast base station 10 which broadcasts the multi-channel TV program information received to various positions within the stadium, so as to be received by all of the multiple receiving apparatuses 30 in the stadium. Control center 20 is used to broadcast live sports event information to various receiving apparatuses 30 in the course of the game.

Event information may be predefined by the system administrator according to different kinds of games. For example, in football game, scoring a goal may be defined as an event. Meanwhile, the system administrator may also define a sudden or unexpected case in the course of the game as an event to broadcast it to the stadium. For example, the system administrator may define such an unpredictable case as a foul play, a clash in the course of the game as an event.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, mobile receiving apparatus 30 may be integrated with the user's mobile phone or PDA. Control center 20 sends SMS (Short Message Service) containing event information through GSM network to the mobile phones of all users. Alternatively, it's to be understood by those skilled in the art that control center 20 may send event information through other networks besides GSM, such as 3G

RFID tags 40 are set on the seats in the stadium, with position information of the corresponding seat included therein. Mobile receiving apparatus 30 of the user on a seat can obtain the position information included in RFID tag 40. The position information contains the positioning information of the seat, such as the seat number or the like, for example, 4OA or seat 9 of row 8 of section A.

Fig. 2 illustrates different angles in a sports stadium where TV programs are shot according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a sports stadium, multiple video cameras are set at different positions A, B, C, D, E, F, G and H, according to the design of the scene and the characteristic of the game. Thus, in the course of the game, eight TV programs short from eight different angles are broadcast simultaneously from the base station, and the user may receive TV programs from the eight channels simultaneously. But spectators seated in section A are usually not interested in the TV program shot from angle A since they are watching the game directly from this angle. Most of the spectators in section A may be more interested in TV programs shot from other angles such as B, C, D, F and H, so as to make up for the missing of views from different angles.

Fig. 3 is the block diagram showing the functional modules of the receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The receiving apparatus 30 comprises a RFID reading means 301, a default configuration information generating means 302, a configuration information storing means 303, an event filtering means 305, a program selecting means 307 and a DVB-T/H receiving means 308.

In addition, the mobile terminal further comprises an input means 304, a communication interface 306, an A/V decoder 309 and a display means 310. RFID reading means 301 is used to obtain the position information contained in

RFID tag 40. After RFID tag 40 enters into its magnetic field, RFID reading means 301 will send out a signal. The RFID tag 40 sends out the position information stored in the chip therein depending on the energy that it obtains through faradic current, or the RFID tag 40 may initiatively send out a signal at a certain frequency, and the RFID reading means 301 reads the position information therein. According to another embodiment of the present invention, RFID tag 40 may be replaced by NFC (Near Field Communication) tag. And correspondingly, NFC reading means may obtain the position information contained in the NFC tag.

According to the position information received, default configuration information generating means 302 may recommend to the user a default configuration for TV programs shot from different angles. Detailed description to the configuration information will be made later. If a user is not satisfied with the default configuration recommended by the system, he/she may modify the default configuration via input means 304, and save the modified configuration information into configuration information storing means 303. According to another embodiment of the present invention, users may obtain game tickets through online ticket booking. An online ticket booking system can generate in advance a piece of user configuration information corresponding to each piece of seat information of a stadium. While a user obtains the position information of a given seat, he can download via online the default configuration information corresponding to the position of the seat, and store it into receiving means 30, wherein the default configuration information involved may be provided by the TV program provider or by the online ticket booking system provider. When a user arrives at the stadium, he/she does not have to receive position information, instead, he selectively receives TV programs by directly using the obtained default configuration information. Communication interface 306 is used to receive event information sent from control center 20. For example, in a football game, scoring a goal may be regarded as an event. Event filtering means 305 is used to compare and filter the event information received by communication interface 306 with the default configuration information. After filtering, the valid event information will be sent to program selecting means 307, so that program selecting means 307 can selectively receive TV programs based on the valid event information. For example, after communication interface 306 receives the event information of "goal scoring", if "goal scoring" is a piece of valid event information after being filtered by the filtering means 305, program selecting means 307 will control

DVB-T/H receiving means 308 to receive the TV program code stream broadcast by the base station corresponding to the event of "goal scoring". A/V decoder 309 is used to decode the received TV program stream and present it on display means 310.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, mobile receiving apparatus 30 may obtain the position information through other means. For example, the user may input the position information and save it into the configuration information storing means 303. The user may also send it to receiving apparatus 30 via SMS on the mobile phone.

It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the mobile receiving apparatus 30 of the present invention may be a standalone receiving apparatus or be integrated with mobile devices such as current mobile phones or PDAs. Further, it is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the mobile receiving apparatus 30 of the present invention may also be set fixedly on the seats in the stadium, and accordingly, reception of TV programs and event information may be implemented via cable transmission.

Fig. 4 is a flow chart showing the mobile receiving apparatus for receiving TV programs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

At step S510, the receiving apparatus receives a piece of position information in the form of RFID, this piece of position information including information about the position of the mobile receiving apparatus, for example, the seat number in the stadium. According to another embodiment of the present invention, apart from the RFID form, the position information may also be in the form of NFC, or the user may directly input the position information via the input means of the mobile receiving apparatus.

At step S520, based on the position information it receives, the mobile receiving apparatus generates or downloads from the network a piece of default configuration information, which contains the selection information of one or more TV programs. For example, in a football game, the mobile receiving apparatus used by the user seated behind the goal generates a piece of default configuration information based on the received position information, the generated default configuration information including angle A when viewing under normal conditions and angle C to be switched when the event of goal scoring occurs. The default angles are configured optimally according to the position where the user stays. At step S530, judgment is made as to whether the default configuration has been modified. If yes, the modified configuration information input by the user will be accepted and saved into the mobile receiving apparatus 30 at step S540. If no, the process goes to step S550.

At step S550, judgment is made as to whether the event information has been received. If yes, filtering of event information will be done according to the customized configuration information at step S560. If no, the process goes to step S550.

At step S570, judgment is made as to whether the event information is valid or not. If yes, switching of TV program channels will be done according to the valid event information at step S580. If no, the process goes to step S550. At step S590, judgment is made as to whether the TV program is over. If yes, the program comes to an end. If no, the process returns back to step S550 and judgment will be further made as to whether any piece of event information has been received.

Fig. 5 is the block diagram showing the functional modules of the receiving apparatus and the control center according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The receiving apparatus 30 comprises a RFID reading means 301, a configuration information storing means 303, an event filtering means 305, a program selecting means

307, a DVB-T/H receiving means 308. In addition, the mobile terminal further comprises an input means 304, a communication interface 306, an A/V decoder 309 and a display means 310. Control center 20 comprises a position information receiving means 201 and a default configuration information generating means 302.

After receiving the position information, receiving apparatus 30 may send it to a position information receiving means 201 of control center 20. Default configuration information generating means 302 set in control center 20 generates a piece of default configuration information corresponding to the received position information, and then sends it to the receiving apparatus 30, and saves it in configuration information storing means 303. In this embodiment, functions of other modules are same as those shown in Fig. 3 and thus the description is omitted herein. Fig. 6 is the flow chart showing the receiving apparatus for receiving video information according to another embodiment of the present invention.

At step S510, the receiving apparatus receives a piece of position information in the form of RFID, which contains information about the position where the mobile receiving apparatus is located.

At step S512, the mobile receiving apparatus sends the position information to control center 20, which generates a piece of default configuration information corresponding to the position information. At step S516, the receiving apparatus receives the default configuration information sent by the control center and saves it into configuration information storing means 303.

The following steps are same as those shown in Fig. 4 and thus the description is omitted herein.

Fig. 7 is the user interface of the receiving apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the position where it is located, the mobile receiving apparatus receives the position information sent by the RFID tag at the position, for example, seat 9 of row 8 of section A, a seat in the section behind the goal. The default configuration information generating means of the mobile receiving apparatus may generate a piece of default configuration information according to the position information.

For example, in a football game, the configuration information recommended by the default configuration information generating means to the users seated behind the goal may include: viewing the TV program shot from angle B under normal conditions of the game and viewing the TV program shot from Angle E when goal scoring occurs from side A, by referring to Fig. 2. If the user is not satisfied with the default configuration information, he can modify the configuration. For example, when goal scoring occurs from side A, if the user wants to watch the TV program shot from angle E and the TV program shot from angle G as well, he can modify the corresponding options on the user interface. The modified result is shown in Fig. 7. Meanwhile, the user may select his/her favorite event among all predefined events and save it into configuration information storing means 303.

For example, in the course of the game, the user will receive many pieces of event information such as "scoring a goal from side A", "a corner kick from side G" and etc. But if the user is only interested in the TV programs corresponding to goal scoring, he may modify the configuration information, only making those events relating to goal scoring as valid event information and filtering other events out.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates the format of the event information according to an embodiment of the present invention. Referring to Fig. 2, in the course of a football game, when goal scoring occurs from side A, the control center will send to the receiving apparatus event information of goal scoring from angles A, B, E and G. According to the configuration information shown in Fig. 4, when goal scoring occurs from side A and the user watches the TV programs shot from angles E and G, only the two pieces event information from angles E and G among the four pieces of event information are valid event information. The receiving apparatus will receive video programs shot from angles E and G and, after decoding, present them to the user in the form of multi-picture. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that the content of the event information may also be in the form of characters, for example, "a corner kick from the northeast side". Similarly, the same effect as in the above embodiment can also be attained.

The method and apparatus for receiving TV programs as disclosed in the present invention applies not only to reception of digital interactive TV programs, but also to reception of analog TV programs. It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that various improvement and modifications can be made to the method and apparatus for receiving TV programs as disclosed in the present invention without departing from the basis of the present invention, the scope of which is to be defined by the attached claims herein.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method for receiving multi-channel TV programs, comprising steps of: obtaining an user configuration information, the user configuration information relating to a position information; and selectively receiving TV programs corresponding to the user configuration information.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: receiving said position information.

3. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of: receiving at least one event information.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said event information includes selection information of at least one TV program.

5. The method of claim 3, further comprising the step of: determining whether said event information is valid event information according to said user configuration information.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said user configuration information is obtained via user input.

7. An apparatus for receiving multi-channel TV programs, comprising: a configuration information obtaining means, for obtaining an user configuration information, the user configuration information relating to a position information; and a selective receiving means, for receiving TV programs corresponding to said user configuration information.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a configuration information storing means for storing said user configuration information.

9. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a communication interface for receiving a event information.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, comprising an event filtering means for selecting the received event information according to said user configuration information.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, comprising an input means for receiving an user- input information to modify said user configuration information.

12. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a position information receiving means.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said position information receiving means is a RFID reading means.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said position information receiving apparatus is a NFC reading means.

15. A method for generating user configuration information, comprising steps of: obtaining a position information; and generating a TV program configuration information relating to said position information.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of: sending said TV program configuration information to an user.

17. An apparatus for generating user configuration information, comprising: a position information obtaining means, for obtaining a position information; and a configuration information generating means, for generating a TV program configuration information relating to said position information.