WO2002065777A1 - System for constructing and operating an internet television and method used in one such system - Google Patents

System for constructing and operating an internet television and method used in one such system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002065777A1
WO2002065777A1 PCT/FR2002/000489 FR0200489W WO02065777A1 WO 2002065777 A1 WO2002065777 A1 WO 2002065777A1 FR 0200489 W FR0200489 W FR 0200489W WO 02065777 A1 WO02065777 A1 WO 02065777A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
server
client
video
reader
interactive services
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FR2002/000489
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Sébastien DARTOIS
Ronan Nedellec
Gaëtan GAUTIER
Bruno Lamouret
Tanguy Briand
Dominique Henninot
Original Assignee
Westcast Systems S.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Westcast Systems S.A. filed Critical Westcast Systems S.A.
Publication of WO2002065777A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002065777A1/en

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Classifications

    • 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
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L65/00—Network arrangements, protocols or services for supporting real-time applications in data packet communication
    • H04L65/60—Network streaming of media packets
    • H04L65/61—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio
    • H04L65/613—Network streaming of media packets for supporting one-way streaming services, e.g. Internet radio for the control of the source by the destination
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/34—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications involving the movement of software or configuration parameters 
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/25—Management operations performed by the server for facilitating the content distribution or administrating data related to end-users or client devices, e.g. end-user or client device authentication, learning user preferences for recommending movies
    • H04N21/258—Client or end-user data management, e.g. managing client capabilities, user preferences or demographics, processing of multiple end-users preferences to derive collaborative data
    • H04N21/25866—Management of end-user data
    • H04N21/25891—Management of end-user data being end-user preferences
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    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
    • H04N21/433—Content storage operation, e.g. storage operation in response to a pause request, caching operations
    • H04N21/4334—Recording operations
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • 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
    • H04N21/438—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving MPEG packets from an IP network
    • H04N21/4381—Recovering the multiplex stream from a specific network, e.g. recovering MPEG packets from ATM cells
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/442—Monitoring of processes or resources, e.g. detecting the failure of a recording device, monitoring the downstream bandwidth, the number of times a movie has been viewed, the storage space available from the internal hard disk
    • H04N21/44204—Monitoring of content usage, e.g. the number of times a movie has been viewed, copied or the amount which has been watched
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    • H04N21/4788—Supplemental services, e.g. displaying phone caller identification, shopping application communicating with other users, e.g. chatting
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H04N21/4821—End-user interface for program selection using a grid, e.g. sorted out by channel and broadcast time
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    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
    • H04N21/4826—End-user interface for program selection using recommendation lists, e.g. of programs or channels sorted out according to their score
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
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    • H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
    • H04N21/47—End-user applications
    • H04N21/485—End-user interface for client configuration
    • H04N21/4856—End-user interface for client configuration for language selection, e.g. for the menu or subtitles
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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    • 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
    • H04N21/488—Data services, e.g. news ticker
    • H04N21/4882—Data services, e.g. news ticker for displaying messages, e.g. warnings, reminders
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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    • 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
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6125—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via Internet
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
    • H04N21/60—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
    • H04N21/6106—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network
    • H04N21/6131—Network physical structure; Signal processing specially adapted to the downstream path of the transmission network involving transmission via a mobile phone network
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/63—Control signaling related to video distribution between client, server and network components; Network processes for video distribution between server and clients or between remote clients, e.g. transmitting basic layer and enhancement layers over different transmission paths, setting up a peer-to-peer communication via Internet between remote STB's; Communication protocols; Addressing
    • H04N21/643—Communication protocols
    • H04N21/64322—IP
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • 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
    • H04N21/8166—Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software
    • H04N21/8193—Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software dedicated tools, e.g. video decoder software or IPMP tool
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
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    • 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
    • H04N21/835—Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates
    • H04N21/8355—Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed
    • H04N21/83555—Generation of protective data, e.g. certificates involving usage data, e.g. number of copies or viewings allowed using a structured language for describing usage rules of the content, e.g. REL
    • H—ELECTRICITY
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    • H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
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    • H04N21/84—Generation or processing of descriptive data, e.g. content descriptors
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    • H04L69/30—Definitions, standards or architectural aspects of layered protocol stacks
    • H04L69/32—Architecture of open systems interconnection [OSI] 7-layer type protocol stacks, e.g. the interfaces between the data link level and the physical level
    • H04L69/322—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions
    • H04L69/329—Intralayer communication protocols among peer entities or protocol data unit [PDU] definitions in the application layer [OSI layer 7]
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    • H04N5/76—Television signal recording
    • H04N5/78—Television signal recording using magnetic recording
    • H04N5/782—Television signal recording using magnetic recording on tape

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system for building and operating a television transmitted via an Internet type network. It also relates to a method implemented in such a system.
  • the Internet communication network an international network made up of hundreds of thousands of interconnected computers, has enabled the advent of the third age of telecommunications after telephony and radio-TV transmission.
  • the present invention aims to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing an autonomous system allowing any broadcaster to offer a set of video programs associated with interactive services. Another object of the invention is to provide a tool allowing any broadcaster to create and operate Internet television simply and effectively.
  • the invention also relates to a video player dedicated to each diffuser.
  • a system for building and operating a television transmitted over a communication network in particular of the Internet type, comprising a server for transmitting video sequences and data relating to a set of associated interactive services, and a reader placed in a client terminal to communicate with the server and interpret the data transmitted by this server.
  • the player comprises a generic resident engine associated with a video playback means and provided with functional means configurable by the data transmitted so as to personalize this player.
  • the latter includes means allowing the client to download the resident generic engine.
  • a broadcaster has a server which supplies video content and services to a player that can be personalized according to characteristics predetermined by the broadcaster.
  • the generic engine can advantageously be a "plug-in" grafted onto a conventional video player. It keeps from the conventional video player only the broadcast screen and changes the ergonomics, that is to say the graphic elements and the layout of the active areas. This feature allows each broadcaster to adapt the reader to its own interactive services. This adaptation or this configuration is obtained by data transmitted by the server of the broadcaster.
  • the functional means are able to be configured by means of configuration files making it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect of the reader.
  • the configuration files use modules independent functional associated with data from the server.
  • These independent functional modules are for example ActiveX® controls, this provides the reader with significant scalability by adding new functions, extended graphic possibilities (by modifying "Skins", graphic envelopes) and important ergonomic possibilities compared to a window. classic web browser.
  • the player according to the invention is a video browser whose functional elements (associated services) and ergonomics can be modified at any time by the server.
  • This player includes a generic resident engine makes it possible to have an application independent of a standard Web browser not dedicated to the broadcasting of video sequences. This resident program makes it possible to offer new services both "online” and "off-line", on request from the server or simply on a time basis.
  • the reader comprises means for interpreting and displaying the associated interactive services.
  • These associated interactive services may include a program schedule; a video sequence recorder capable of downloading video sequences at a predetermined time; community interactivity allowing the client to interact with other clients connected to said server; intra-content interactivity allowing the client to act on elements displayed by the reader; a recommendation engine interacting with the server so as to determine video sequences likely to interest said client; and alarms to warn, on-line or off-line, the client of the broadcasting of a particular video sequence.
  • two applications are implemented: a user application present within the reader and managing the link with the client, and a server application present within the server to supply the user application with content and collect the information transmitted by the client.
  • this player is "dressed" by an interactive TV environment which makes it an interactive TV browser.
  • the functional means can also be configured by data entered by the client.
  • the server comprises a database in which information relating to television packages, channels and programs as well as the associated video sequences is stored.
  • the server comprises a tool for preparing and managing the transmitted data.
  • This management tool makes it possible to manage the programming and the associated services.
  • it includes means for editing and viewing a program guide; means for managing this program guide according to a plurality of languages; means for determining statistics and audience measurements on viewed video sequences; means to manage the client's profile; and means for managing alarms intended for the client.
  • the management tool makes it possible to very quickly create an interactive television by selecting several predetermined interactive services.
  • the server further comprises a tool for editing the TV player or browser making it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect, or interactive TV environment, of the TV browser in the form of configuration downloadable for customization of this browser.
  • This tool gives the broadcaster the possibility of modifying the ergonomics and the interactive services offered to the customer as desired during the operation of Internet television.
  • the system according to the invention consists of an application platform making it possible to create and operate an interactive Internet television.
  • the term application platform designates a software solution which is usable without any heavy IT development as opposed to a development platform.
  • the broadcaster makes its offer attractive to the Internet user by the simplicity and the wealth of interactive services associated with its Internet TV offer; in fact, when a broadcaster has a platform according to the invention, it provides its client with a real video web browser allowing it to consume its content
  • TV in a user-friendly and feature-rich way (electronic program guide, alarm system, personalization, interactive games ...); and - the broadcaster can very easily build and manage its Internet television offer and have available powerful tools which will enable it to make its offer profitable and scalable; indeed, after having installed the back-office components of the system according to the invention within the server, the broadcaster can use user-friendly and easy-to-use tools (server management tool and TV browser editing tool). use that will allow it to manage all of its television offer
  • a method for personalizing a video player present in the client's terminal allows a plurality of video sequence servers connected to an Internet type communication network to broadcast the video sequences to the client terminal also connected to the Internet communication network.
  • configuration files are transmitted allowing functional and ergonomic personalization of a generic resident engine associated with the video player and previously installed in the client terminal. .
  • Figure 1 is a block diagram of the elements making up the system according to the invention
  • Figure 2 is a view of a window of a server management tool according to the invention
  • Figure 3 is a view of a window of a TV browser editing tool according to the invention
  • Figure 4 is a block diagram of the constitution of the TV navigator according to the invention.
  • the system according to the invention connects an Internet television broadcaster 2 and a client 1 through the Internet communication network.
  • the diffuser has a platform according to the invention providing a set of tools for building the interaction interfaces.
  • This platform implements a database or "TVNavig Server” server 8 containing video sequences 9 and configuration data 10.
  • This server also includes a management tool which is a software application called “TVNavig Manager” 11 as well as an editing tool called “TVNavig Studio "12.
  • the server 8 communicates with a TV browser "TVNavig Player” 3 comprising a generic engine 4 and a video player 5.
  • Information and configuration data pass bidirectionally 6 between the TV browser 3 and the server 8.
  • the video sequences 9 pass through 7 from server 8 to TV browser 3.
  • the TVNavig Manager 11 is an application allowing the broadcaster, user of the TVNavig Server, to manage the services and data contained in the server 8.
  • FIG. 2 is shown a window of the "TVNavig Manager".
  • This window is a workspace in which one can edit and view the data stored in the server 8.
  • the electronic program guide contains information on the packages, channels and programs saved in the TVNavig Server 8 database.
  • the broadcaster initializes the TVNavig Server 8 database by adding the information relating to the packages, channels and programs using the TVNavig Manager 11.
  • the minimum information to be provided for each package, chain and program component is: general information: this is the title of the component, its description, its language; specific information: each of the components can have specific information which is entered during creation (for example for a program, it can be the management of the actors, namely the first name and role of each of the actors or the management "Time code"); - references: the URL of the video, the web page of the broadcast, the presentation image, audio presentation and video presentation;
  • the parameters relating to time the date and time of the program, the duration, the period and the age of the public likely to be interested in this program; selection of themes and sub-themes: this involves classifying the component in a particular category (cinema, sport, etc.) and / or in a sub-category (
  • the different measured statistics can be: - general statistics grouping together the total number of sessions, of requests for clips, the average duration of a session, the average number of videos seen per session and possibly daily; - the statistics on the video resources making it possible to know the number of clips seen, the average time seen in "breakdown" (that is to say a video viewed partially); and
  • the management of the profile involves an analysis of the behavior of the Internet user which will then make it possible to define this Internet user, this customer as belonging to a very specific tribe, or community.
  • the alarm management makes it possible to alert a surfer of the coming of an event likely to interest him.
  • Each event is intended for a specific type of Internet user. This type is entered when the event is created.
  • TVNavig Server of FIG. 1, is an application allowing the broadcaster to create the ergonomics and the functionalities of the browser TV 3, called “TVNavig Player” arranged at the customer.
  • the generic resident engine can be installed by downloading a "plug-in" from the server 8.
  • FIG 3 is illustrated a window of the TVNavig Studio 12 tool allowing the development of an interactive TV environment comprising elements graphics and services associated with the TV browser 3.
  • the interactive TV environment is a set of interactive TV services, an interactive service designating a functionality associated with audiovisual content such as, for example, the program schedule.
  • the interest of an interactive TV environment is to be able to very quickly create an interactive TV by selecting or not selecting one or more interactive TV services.
  • the system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to create, broadcast and operate an interactive TV environment.
  • An interactive service is technically implemented by two components:
  • a user application which is the component present within the TV browser and which will manage the link with the end user, the client 1;
  • a server application present within the server 8 and supplying the user application with content.
  • An interactive service is implemented by activating the server and user applications respectively within the server 8 and the TV browser 3.
  • the user application is a resident control integrating graphical functionalities and user commands such as mouse clicks, or the management of a cursor on living room "netbox” equipment ...
  • user application on "PC” are for example of the ActiveX® control type.
  • the server application can be a component of type Java EJB (Enterprise Java Beans). Each user application corresponds to at least one server application.
  • Java EJB Enterprise Java Beans
  • the communication protocol between a server application and a user application is based on XML (Extensible Markup Language).
  • the TV browser 3 is installed in a terminal such as, for example, without limitation, a microcomputer, a mobile telephone or even an electronic agenda.
  • the TV browser 3 incorporates a conventional video player 5, but this video player can be any application allowing the playback of video sequences both online (“streaming") and offline.
  • the core of the TV browser 3 is made up of a generic engine 4 which is capable of receiving configuration files from the server 8. These files make it possible to obtain a TV browser 3 whose ergonomics and functionalities are identical to the specifications transmitted by the server 8.
  • the TV browser 3 is in the form of a generic engine 4 to which a certain number of configuration files apply.
  • the generic engine 4 uses these configuration files as input to obtain a personalized TV browser that is adapted in particular to the type of broadcast and the colors of the broadcaster.
  • These configuration files 20 transmitted by the server in the form of XML files for example, precisely describe the functional and graphic aspect of the TV browser, and refer, to arrive at the expected result, to a certain number of independent modules 22 which are user applications.
  • the generic engine 4 also takes as input the data necessary for these functional modules 22 and data 21 relating in particular to the program guide.
  • the data necessary for these modules are for example “skins”, “bitmaps” images, etc.
  • Each module fulfills a specific function inside the TV browser.
  • the generic engine can dynamically go from one completely different configuration to another, and this instantly. This type of behavior allows for the same content distributor to change the general appearance of the browser, for example the current distribution, the customer's profile, etc.
  • the TV navigator 3 shown in FIG. 4 is in the form of a "skin" having two drawers 23 and 24, that is to say parts which can be animated inside the skin itself. It includes a screen 25 for viewing the media and a plurality of active areas for navigation, commands and access to interactive services offered by the broadcaster.
  • the functional modules 22 are designed to be usable in different broadcasting modes such as broadcasting close to terrestrial television, totally Web broadcasting including "flash” elements and videos, or even broadcasting for internal communication of a company. or "E-learning" for electronic learning.
  • broadcasting close to terrestrial television totally Web broadcasting including "flash” elements and videos
  • broadcasting for internal communication of a company. or "E-learning” for electronic learning.
  • the generic engine can include the following features:
  • the broadcaster can choose several functionalities to integrate into the TV browser.
  • the TV browser can be installed by downloading from the Internet or from a CD-ro.
  • the installation only sets up the generic engine and some configuration files for the diffuser.
  • Each diffuser transmitting only specific functional modules.
  • the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Abstract

The invention relates to a system constituting an application platform which does not require heavy computer development and which can be used to construct and operate an Internet television. Said system comprises a server that communicates with a TV browser which is installed at a user"s premises. Said browser has an integrated resident generic motor which is linked to a video player and adapted to be ergonomic (visual appearance, etc.) and to provide interactive services (programme guide, virtual video cassette recorder, etc.) according to configuration files transmitted by the server. The inventive system produces a TV browser that can be customised using an interactive TV environment.

Description

" Système pour construire et exploiter une télévision Internet, et procédé mis en œuvre dans un tel système." "System for building and operating an Internet television, and method implemented in such a system."
La présente invention concerne un système pour construire et exploiter une télévision transmise via un réseau de type Internet. Elle concerne également un procédé mis en œuvre dans un tel système.The present invention relates to a system for building and operating a television transmitted via an Internet type network. It also relates to a method implemented in such a system.
Le réseau de communication Internet , réseau international constitué de centaines de milliers d'ordinateurs interconnectés, a permis l'avènement du troisième âge des télécommunications après la téléphonie et la transmission radio-TV.The Internet communication network, an international network made up of hundreds of thousands of interconnected computers, has enabled the advent of the third age of telecommunications after telephony and radio-TV transmission.
Deux grandes applications sont nées assez rapidement sur ce réseau : le WEB texte et images fixes ainsi que le courrier électronique, qui ont contribué au succès explosif de ces dernières années.Two large applications were born fairly quickly on this network: the WEB text and still images as well as electronic mail, which have contributed to the explosive success of recent years.
La voix était ouverte pour la transmission en temps réel d' images animées et donc de télévision mais deux obstacles ont ralenti ce développement : — une qualité de services inexistante sur Internet pour permettre la synchronisation video/audio et la visualisation fluide d'émissions TV, etThe voice was open for the real-time transmission of animated images and therefore television, but two obstacles slowed down this development: - a quality of service non-existent on the Internet to allow video / audio synchronization and the fluid viewing of TV broadcasts, and
— un sous-dimensionnement des débits de transmission Internet pour la diffusion TV. Deux innovations permettent aujourd'hui de vaincre ces obstacles :- an undersizing of Internet transmission rates for TV broadcasting. Two innovations now overcome these obstacles:
— la technologie de "streaming" permettant la lecture instantanée de données en cours de téléchargement, et — l'apparition d'accès Internet haut débit appelé "broadband", utilisant soit les réseaux numériques câbles ou satellite, soit utilisant la technologie ADSL. On assiste ainsi aujourd'hui à la convergence des deux mondes Internet et TV, l'un permettant de gérer une interactivité et un ensemble important de services ajoutés et l'autre alliant la simplicité et le mode de communication universel qu'est la vidéo.- "streaming" technology allowing instant reading of data during download, and - the appearance of broadband Internet access called "broadband", using either digital cable or satellite networks, or using ADSL technology. Today, we are witnessing the convergence of the two worlds of Internet and TV, one making it possible to manage interactivity and a large set of added services and the other combining simplicity and the universal mode of communication that is video.
On connaît des sites Web proposant une diffusion de séquences vidéos via Internet sous forme de télévision Internet, on peut notamment citer des sites Web liés à des chaînes de télévision ou simplement les nombreux sites commerciaux qui enrichissent leur contenu d'une diffusion de séquences vidéos. Il existe des diffuseurs proposant une véritable programmation avec des contenus audiovisuels à finalité d'information, de loisir, d'achats ou de formation. Cependant, pour l'ensemble des ces diffuseurs, la télévision Internet se résume à l'intégration d'un lecteur vidéo du type RealPlayer®, Windows MediaPlayer® ou encore Quicktime® dans une page web.There are known websites offering the distribution of video sequences via the Internet in the form of Internet television. Mention may in particular be made of websites linked to television channels or simply the numerous commercial sites which enrich their content with the dissemination of video sequences. There are broadcasters offering real programming with audiovisual content for information, entertainment, shopping or training. However, for all of these broadcasters, Internet television comes down to integrating a video player of the RealPlayer®, Windows MediaPlayer® or Quicktime® type into a web page.
Il est également connu que les lecteurs vidéos cités ci-dessus sont proposés en association avec un ensemble de chaînes audiovisuelles. Mais, ces lecteurs vidéos ne diffusent que les séquences vidéos des chaînes associées et ces chaînes n'ont aucun contrôle sur le lecteur vidéo de façon à proposer des services en plus de la séquence vidéo.It is also known that the video players mentioned above are offered in association with a set of audiovisual channels. However, these video players only broadcast the video sequences of the associated channels and these channels have no control over the video player so as to offer services in addition to the video sequence.
La présente invention a pour but de remédier aux inconvénients ci-dessus en proposant un système autonome permettant à tout diffuseur de proposer un ensemble de programmes vidéos associés à des services interactifs. Un autre but de l'invention est de proposer un outil permettant à tout diffuseur de créer et exploiter simplement et efficacement une télévision Internet.The present invention aims to remedy the above drawbacks by proposing an autonomous system allowing any broadcaster to offer a set of video programs associated with interactive services. Another object of the invention is to provide a tool allowing any broadcaster to create and operate Internet television simply and effectively.
L'invention a encore pour objet un lecteur vidéo dédié à chaque diffuseur. On atteint les objectifs ci-dessus avec un système pour construire et exploiter une télévision transmise sur un réseau de communication, notamment de type Internet, comprenant un serveur pour transmettre des séquences vidéos et des données relatives à un ensemble de services interactifs associés, et un lecteur disposé dans un terminal d'un client pour communiquer avec le serveur et interpréter les données transmises par ce serveur. Selon l'invention, le lecteur comprend un moteur générique résident associé à un moyen de lecture vidéo et doté de moyens fonctionnels configurables par les données transmises de façon à personnaliser ce lecteur.The invention also relates to a video player dedicated to each diffuser. The above objectives are achieved with a system for building and operating a television transmitted over a communication network, in particular of the Internet type, comprising a server for transmitting video sequences and data relating to a set of associated interactive services, and a reader placed in a client terminal to communicate with the server and interpret the data transmitted by this server. According to the invention, the player comprises a generic resident engine associated with a video playback means and provided with functional means configurable by the data transmitted so as to personalize this player.
Lors d'une première connexion à ce serveur, celui-ci comprend des moyens permettant le téléchargement par le client du moteur générique résident.During a first connection to this server, the latter includes means allowing the client to download the resident generic engine.
Avec le système selon l'invention, un diffuseur possède un serveur qui alimente en contenu vidéo et services un lecteur personnalisable selon des caractéristiques prédéterminées par le diffuseur. Le moteur générique peut avantageusement être un "plug-in" venant se greffer sur un lecteur vidéo conventionnel. Il ne conserve du lecteur vidéo conventionnel que l'écran de diffusion et modifie l'ergonomie, c'est-à-dire les éléments graphiques et la disposition des zones actives. Cette particularité permet à chaque diffuseur d'adapter le lecteur à des services interactifs qui lui sont propres. Cette adaptation ou cette configuration est obtenue par des données transmises par le serveur du diffuseur.With the system according to the invention, a broadcaster has a server which supplies video content and services to a player that can be personalized according to characteristics predetermined by the broadcaster. The generic engine can advantageously be a "plug-in" grafted onto a conventional video player. It keeps from the conventional video player only the broadcast screen and changes the ergonomics, that is to say the graphic elements and the layout of the active areas. This feature allows each broadcaster to adapt the reader to its own interactive services. This adaptation or this configuration is obtained by data transmitted by the server of the broadcaster.
De préférence, les moyens fonctionnels sont aptes à être configurés au moyen de fichiers de configuration permettant de définir 1 ' aspect fonctionnel et graphique du lecteur.Preferably, the functional means are able to be configured by means of configuration files making it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect of the reader.
Suivant une caractéristique de l'invention, les fichiers de configurations font appel à des modules fonctionnels indépendants associés aux données provenant du serveur. Ces modules fonctionnels indépendants sont par exemple des contrôles ActiveX®, ceci procure au lecteur une évolutivité importante par ajout de nouvelles fonctions, des possibilités graphiques étendues (par modification des "Skins", enveloppes graphiques) et des possibilités ergonomiques importantes par rapport à une fenêtre de navigateur Web classique. En fait, le lecteur selon l'invention est un navigateur vidéo dont les éléments fonctionnels (les services associés) et 1 ' ergonomie peuvent être modifiés à tout moment par le serveur. Le fait que ce lecteur comprenne un moteur générique résident permet d'avoir une application indépendante d'un navigateur Web standard non dédié à la diffusion de séquences vidéos. Ce programme résident permet de proposer de nouveaux services aussi bien "online" que "off-line", sur demande depuis le serveur ou tout simplement de manière temporelle.According to a characteristic of the invention, the configuration files use modules independent functional associated with data from the server. These independent functional modules are for example ActiveX® controls, this provides the reader with significant scalability by adding new functions, extended graphic possibilities (by modifying "Skins", graphic envelopes) and important ergonomic possibilities compared to a window. classic web browser. In fact, the player according to the invention is a video browser whose functional elements (associated services) and ergonomics can be modified at any time by the server. The fact that this player includes a generic resident engine makes it possible to have an application independent of a standard Web browser not dedicated to the broadcasting of video sequences. This resident program makes it possible to offer new services both "online" and "off-line", on request from the server or simply on a time basis.
Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le lecteur comprend des moyens pour interpréter et afficher les services interactifs associés. Ces services interactifs associés peuvent comprendre une grille de programmes; un enregistreur de séquences vidéos apte à télécharger des séquences vidéo à un moment prédéterminé; une interactivité communautaire permettant au client d' interagir avec d'autres clients connectés audit serveur; une interactivité intra-contenu permettant au client d'agir sur des éléments affichés par le lecteur; un moteur de recommandation interagissant avec le serveur de façon à déterminer des séquences vidéos susceptibles d'intéresser ledit client; et des alarmes pour prévenir, de manière "on-line" ou "off-line" le client de la diffusion d'une séquence vidéo particulière. Pour chaque service ainsi proposé, deux applications sont mises en œuvre : une application utilisateur présente au sein du lecteur et gérant le lien avec le client, et une application serveur présente au sein du serveur pour alimenter en contenu l'application utilisateur et recueillir les informations transmises par le client.According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the reader comprises means for interpreting and displaying the associated interactive services. These associated interactive services may include a program schedule; a video sequence recorder capable of downloading video sequences at a predetermined time; community interactivity allowing the client to interact with other clients connected to said server; intra-content interactivity allowing the client to act on elements displayed by the reader; a recommendation engine interacting with the server so as to determine video sequences likely to interest said client; and alarms to warn, on-line or off-line, the client of the broadcasting of a particular video sequence. For each service thus proposed, two applications are implemented: a user application present within the reader and managing the link with the client, and a server application present within the server to supply the user application with content and collect the information transmitted by the client.
En d'autres termes, ce lecteur est "habillé" par un environnement TV interactif qui en fait un navigateur TV interactif. Par ailleurs, les moyens fonctionnels peuvent en outre être configurés par des données introduites par le client.In other words, this player is "dressed" by an interactive TV environment which makes it an interactive TV browser. Furthermore, the functional means can also be configured by data entered by the client.
Le serveur comprend une base de données dans laquelle sont stockées des informations relatives à des bouquets de télévisions, des chaînes et des programmes ainsi que les séquences vidéos associées. Selon une caractéristique avantageuse de l'invention, le serveur comprend un outil d'élaboration et de gestion des données transmises. Cet outil de gestion permet de gérer la programmation et les services associés. En particulier, il comprend des moyens pour éditer et visualiser un guide de programmes; des moyens pour gérer ce guide des programmes en fonction d'une pluralité de langues; des moyens pour déterminer des statistiques et des mesures d'audience sur des séquences vidéos visualisées; des moyens pour gérer le profil du client; et des moyens pour gérer des alarmes à destination du client. L'outil de gestion permet de créer très rapidement une télévision interactive en sélectionnant plusieurs services interactifs prédéterminés. Selon un mode de mise en œuvre de l'invention, le serveur comprend en outre un outil d'édition du lecteur ou navigateur TV permettant de définir l'aspect fonctionnel et graphique, ou environnement TV interactif, du navigateur TV sous forme de fichiers de configuration téléchargeable pour une personnalisation de ce navigateur. Cet outil donne au diffuseur la possibilité de modifier à souhait, lors de l'exploitation de la télévision Internet, l'ergonomie et les services interactifs proposés au client.The server comprises a database in which information relating to television packages, channels and programs as well as the associated video sequences is stored. According to an advantageous characteristic of the invention, the server comprises a tool for preparing and managing the transmitted data. This management tool makes it possible to manage the programming and the associated services. In particular, it includes means for editing and viewing a program guide; means for managing this program guide according to a plurality of languages; means for determining statistics and audience measurements on viewed video sequences; means to manage the client's profile; and means for managing alarms intended for the client. The management tool makes it possible to very quickly create an interactive television by selecting several predetermined interactive services. According to one embodiment of the invention, the server further comprises a tool for editing the TV player or browser making it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect, or interactive TV environment, of the TV browser in the form of configuration downloadable for customization of this browser. This tool gives the broadcaster the possibility of modifying the ergonomics and the interactive services offered to the customer as desired during the operation of Internet television.
Ainsi, le système selon l'invention consiste en une plate forme applicative permettant de créer et d'exploiter une télévision Internet interactive. Le terme plate-forme applicative désigne une solution logicielle qui est utilisable sans aucun développement informatique lourd par opposition à une plate-forme de développement.Thus, the system according to the invention consists of an application platform making it possible to create and operate an interactive Internet television. The term application platform designates a software solution which is usable without any heavy IT development as opposed to a development platform.
Les bénéfices du système selon l'invention pour le diffuseur sont de deux aspects :The benefits of the system according to the invention for the diffuser are of two aspects:
- le diffuseur rend son offre attractive pour l'internaute de par la simplicité et la richesse de services interactifs associés à son offre TV Internet; en effet, lorsqu'un diffuseur possède une plate-forme selon l'invention, il met à la disposition de son client un véritable navigateur Web vidéo lui permettant de consommer son contenu- the broadcaster makes its offer attractive to the Internet user by the simplicity and the wealth of interactive services associated with its Internet TV offer; in fact, when a broadcaster has a platform according to the invention, it provides its client with a real video web browser allowing it to consume its content
TV d'une manière conviviale et riche en fonctionnalités (guide électronique de programmes, système d'alarme, personnalisation, jeux interactifs...) ; et — le diffuseur peut très facilement construire et gérer son offre de télévision Internet et avoir à disposition des outils puissants qui vont lui permettre de rendre son offre rentable et évolutive; en effet, après avoir installé les composants "back-office" du système selon l'invention au sein du serveur, le diffuseur peut utiliser des outils (outil de gestion du serveur et outil d'édition du navigateur TV) conviviaux et faciles d'utilisation qui vont lui permettre de gérer l'ensemble de son offre de télévisionTV in a user-friendly and feature-rich way (electronic program guide, alarm system, personalization, interactive games ...); and - the broadcaster can very easily build and manage its Internet television offer and have available powerful tools which will enable it to make its offer profitable and scalable; indeed, after having installed the back-office components of the system according to the invention within the server, the broadcaster can use user-friendly and easy-to-use tools (server management tool and TV browser editing tool). use that will allow it to manage all of its television offer
Internet.Internet.
Suivant un autre aspect de l'invention, il est proposé un procédé pour personnaliser un lecteur vidéo présent dans le terminal du client. Ce procédé permet à une pluralité de serveurs de séquences vidéos connectés à un réseau de communication de type Internet de diffuser les séquences vidéos vers le terminal du client également connecté au réseau de communication Internet. Selon l'invention, pour chaque transmission d'une séquence vidéo provenant d'un des serveurs, on transmet des fichiers de configuration permettant de personnaliser de façon fonctionnelle et ergonomique un moteur générique résident associé au lecteur vidéo et préalablement installé dans le terminal du client.According to another aspect of the invention, a method is proposed for personalizing a video player present in the client's terminal. This method allows a plurality of video sequence servers connected to an Internet type communication network to broadcast the video sequences to the client terminal also connected to the Internet communication network. According to the invention, for each transmission of a video sequence originating from one of the servers, configuration files are transmitted allowing functional and ergonomic personalization of a generic resident engine associated with the video player and previously installed in the client terminal. .
D'autres avantages et caractéristiques de l'invention apparaîtront à l'examen de la description détaillée d'un mode de mise en œuvre nullement limitatif, et des dessins annexés sur lesquels : - la figure 1 est un schéma synoptique des éléments composant le système selon l'invention; la figure 2 est une vue d'une fenêtre d'un outil de gestion du serveur selon l'invention; la figure 3 est une vue d'une fenêtre d'un outil d'édition du navigateur TV selon l'invention; la figure 4 est un schéma synoptique de constitution du navigateur TV selon l'invention.Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on examining the detailed description of a mode of implementation in no way limiting, and the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram of the elements making up the system according to the invention; Figure 2 is a view of a window of a server management tool according to the invention; Figure 3 is a view of a window of a TV browser editing tool according to the invention; Figure 4 is a block diagram of the constitution of the TV navigator according to the invention.
En référence à la figure 1, on voit que le système selon l'invention met en relation un diffuseur de télévision Internet 2 et un client 1 à travers le réseau de communication Internet. Le diffuseur dispose d'une plate-forme selon l'invention fournissant un ensemble d'outils pour construire les interfaces d'interactions.With reference to FIG. 1, it can be seen that the system according to the invention connects an Internet television broadcaster 2 and a client 1 through the Internet communication network. The diffuser has a platform according to the invention providing a set of tools for building the interaction interfaces.
Cette plate-forme met en œuvre une base de données ou serveur "TVNavig Server" 8 contenant des séquences vidéos 9 et des données de configuration 10. Ce serveur comprend en outre un outil de gestion qui est une application logicielle nommée "TVNavig Manager" 11 ainsi qu'un outil d'édition nommée "TVNavig Studio" 12.This platform implements a database or "TVNavig Server" server 8 containing video sequences 9 and configuration data 10. This server also includes a management tool which is a software application called "TVNavig Manager" 11 as well as an editing tool called "TVNavig Studio "12.
Le serveur 8 communique avec un navigateur TV "TVNavig Player" 3 comprenant un moteur générique 4 et un lecteur vidéo 5. Des informations et des données de configuration transitent de façon bidirectionnelle 6 entre le navigateur TV 3 et le serveur 8. Les séquences vidéos 9 transitent par 7 du serveur 8 vers le navigateur TV 3.The server 8 communicates with a TV browser "TVNavig Player" 3 comprising a generic engine 4 and a video player 5. Information and configuration data pass bidirectionally 6 between the TV browser 3 and the server 8. The video sequences 9 pass through 7 from server 8 to TV browser 3.
Le TVNavig Manager 11 est une application permettant au diffuseur, utilisateur du TVNavig Server, de gérer les services et données contenues dans le serveur 8. Sur la figure 2 est illustrée une fenêtre du "TVNavig Manager" . Cette fenêtre est un espace de travail dans lequel on peut éditer et visualiser les données stockées dans le serveur 8. On peut notamment éditer et visualiser un guide électronique de programmes 13 disponible par l'icône 16 (EPG) ; éditer et visualiser des bouquets, chaînes et programmes 14 et 15; gérer les langues et l'heure GMT; visualiser les statistiques et la mesure d'audience sur les vidéos, ces éléments étant disponibles par l'icône 17; gérer le profil utilisateur, disponible par l'icône 18; et gérer plusieurs modes d'alarme disponible par l'icône 19.The TVNavig Manager 11 is an application allowing the broadcaster, user of the TVNavig Server, to manage the services and data contained in the server 8. In FIG. 2 is shown a window of the "TVNavig Manager". This window is a workspace in which one can edit and view the data stored in the server 8. One can in particular edit and view an electronic program guide 13 available by the icon 16 (EPG); edit and view packages, channels and programs 14 and 15; manage GMT languages and time; view the statistics and the audience measurement on the videos, these elements being available by the icon 17; manage the user profile, available via icon 18; and manage several alarm modes available via icon 19.
Le guide électronique de programmes contient des informations sur les bouquets, chaînes et programmes enregistrés dans la base TVNavig Server 8. Le diffuseur initialise la base TVNavig Server 8 en ajoutant les informations relatives aux bouquets, chaînes et programmes au moyen du TVNavig Manager 11. Les informations minimales à fournir pour chacun des composants bouquets, chaînes et programmes sont : informations générales : il s'agit du titre du composant, sa description, sa langue; informations spécifiques : chacun des composants peut avoir des informations spécifiques qui sont renseignés lors de la création (par exemple pour un programme il peut s'agir de la gestion des acteurs à savoir le nom prénom et rôle de chacun des acteurs ou alors de la gestion du "Time code" ) ; - références : l'adresse URL de la vidéo, la page web de diffusion, l'image de présentation, audio de présentation et vidéo de présentation; Les paramètres relatifs au temps : la date et heure du programme, la durée, la période et l'âge du public susceptible d'être intéressé par ce programme; sélection des thèmes et sous thèmes : il s'agit de classer le composant dans une catégorie particulière (cinéma, sport...) et/ou dans une sous catégorie (football, athlétisme...) ; et gestion du profil et de l'alarme : suivie du comportement et alerte des utilisateurs dès l'arrivée d'événements susceptibles de les intéresser. Pour la mesure d'audiences et des statistiques, différents types de statistiques sont disponibles depuis le TVNavig Manager 11 sous formes textuelles ou graphiques. Ces informations permettent au diffuseur d'avoir une idée claire et précise sur le trafic au sein de chaque bouquet, chaîne ou programme. Il peut visualiser les statistiques par catégorie d'internautes (par sexe, par âge) . Les différentes statistiques mesurées peuvent être : — les statistiques générales regroupant le nombre total de sessions, de demande de clips, la durée moyenne d'une session, le nombre moyen de vidéo vu par session et éventuellement journalières; - les statistiques sur les ressources vidéos permettant de connaître le nombre de clips vus, le temps moyen vu en "breakdown" (c'est-à-dire une vidéo visualisée partiellement) ; etThe electronic program guide contains information on the packages, channels and programs saved in the TVNavig Server 8 database. The broadcaster initializes the TVNavig Server 8 database by adding the information relating to the packages, channels and programs using the TVNavig Manager 11. The minimum information to be provided for each package, chain and program component is: general information: this is the title of the component, its description, its language; specific information: each of the components can have specific information which is entered during creation (for example for a program, it can be the management of the actors, namely the first name and role of each of the actors or the management "Time code"); - references: the URL of the video, the web page of the broadcast, the presentation image, audio presentation and video presentation; The parameters relating to time: the date and time of the program, the duration, the period and the age of the public likely to be interested in this program; selection of themes and sub-themes: this involves classifying the component in a particular category (cinema, sport, etc.) and / or in a sub-category (football, athletics, etc.); and management of the profile and the alarm: monitoring of the behavior and alert of the users upon the arrival of events likely to interest them. For audience measurement and statistics, different types of statistics are available from the TVNavig Manager 11 in text or graphic form. This information allows the broadcaster to have a clear and precise idea of the traffic within each package, channel or program. He can view the statistics by category of Internet users (by sex, by age). The different measured statistics can be: - general statistics grouping together the total number of sessions, of requests for clips, the average duration of a session, the average number of videos seen per session and possibly daily; - the statistics on the video resources making it possible to know the number of clips seen, the average time seen in "breakdown" (that is to say a video viewed partially); and
- les statistiques au niveau sessions fournissant le nombre de sessions par intervalle de temps, le nombre et le type des vidéos vues et la durée de la session.- statistics at the session level providing the number of sessions per time interval, the number and type of videos viewed and the duration of the session.
La gestion du profil implique une analyse du comportement de l'internaute qui va permettre ensuite de définir cet internaute, ce client comme appartenant à une tribu, ou communauté, bien précise.The management of the profile involves an analysis of the behavior of the Internet user which will then make it possible to define this Internet user, this customer as belonging to a very specific tribe, or community.
La gestion d'alarme permet d'alerter un internaute de la venue d'un événement susceptible de l'intéresser.The alarm management makes it possible to alert a surfer of the coming of an event likely to interest him.
Chaque événement est destiné à un type précis d'internautes. Ce type est renseigné à la création de l' événement .Each event is intended for a specific type of Internet user. This type is entered when the event is created.
Enfin la gestion des langues est particulièrement importante puisque le nombre de langues utilisées conditionne le nombre de descriptions d'un composant. Le TVNavig Studio 12 installé dans le serveur 8Finally, language management is particularly important since the number of languages used conditions the number of descriptions of a component. TVNavig Studio 12 installed in server 8
("TVNavig Server") de la figure 1, est une application permettant au diffuseur de créer l'ergonomie et les fonctionnalités du navigateur TV 3, dit "TVNavig Player" disposé chez le client. Le moteur générique résident peut être installé par téléchargement d'un "plug-in" à partir du serveur 8.("TVNavig Server") of FIG. 1, is an application allowing the broadcaster to create the ergonomics and the functionalities of the browser TV 3, called "TVNavig Player" arranged at the customer. The generic resident engine can be installed by downloading a "plug-in" from the server 8.
Sur la figure 3 est illustrée une fenêtre de l'outil TVNavig Studio 12 permettant l'élaboration d'un environnement TV interactif comprenant des éléments graphiques et services associés au navigateur TV 3. L' environnement TV interactif est un ensemble de services TV interactifs, un service interactif désignant une fonctionnalité associée à un contenu audiovisuel tel que, par exemple, la grille de programmes. L'intérêt d'un environnement TV interactif est de pouvoir créer très rapidement une TV interactive en sélectionnant ou non un ou plusieurs services TV interactifs. Le système selon l'invention permet donc de créer, de diffuser et d'exploiter un environnement TV interactif.In Figure 3 is illustrated a window of the TVNavig Studio 12 tool allowing the development of an interactive TV environment comprising elements graphics and services associated with the TV browser 3. The interactive TV environment is a set of interactive TV services, an interactive service designating a functionality associated with audiovisual content such as, for example, the program schedule. The interest of an interactive TV environment is to be able to very quickly create an interactive TV by selecting or not selecting one or more interactive TV services. The system according to the invention therefore makes it possible to create, broadcast and operate an interactive TV environment.
Un service interactif est implémenté techniquement par deux composants :An interactive service is technically implemented by two components:
- une application utilisateur qui est le composant présent au sein du navigateur TV et qui va gérer le lien avec l'utilisateur final, le client 1;- a user application which is the component present within the TV browser and which will manage the link with the end user, the client 1;
— une application serveur présente au sein du serveur 8 et alimentant en contenu l'application utilisateur.A server application present within the server 8 and supplying the user application with content.
Un service interactif est implémenté en activant les applications serveur et utilisateur respectivement au sein du serveur 8 et du navigateur TV 3.An interactive service is implemented by activating the server and user applications respectively within the server 8 and the TV browser 3.
D'une manière générale, l'application utilisateur est un contrôle résident intégrant des fonctionnalités graphiques et des commandes utilisateur telles que des clics d'une souris, ou la gestion d'un curseur sur des équipements "netbox" de salon... Les application utilisateur sur "PC" sont par exemple de type contrôle ActiveX® .In general, the user application is a resident control integrating graphical functionalities and user commands such as mouse clicks, or the management of a cursor on living room "netbox" equipment ... user application on "PC" are for example of the ActiveX® control type.
L' application serveur peut être un composant de type java EJB (Enterprise Java Beans) . A chaque application utilisateur correspond au moins une application serveur.The server application can be a component of type Java EJB (Enterprise Java Beans). Each user application corresponds to at least one server application.
Le protocole de communication entre une application serveur et une application utilisateur est basé sur XML (Extensible Markup Language) . Chez le client 1, le navigateur TV 3 est installé dans un terminal tel que par exemple, de façon non limitative, un micro-ordinateur, un téléphone portable ou encore un agenda électronique. Le navigateur TV 3 intègre un lecteur vidéo conventionnel 5, mais ce lecteur vidéo peut être toute application permettant la lecture de séquences vidéos aussi bien en-ligne ("streaming ") que hors-ligne. Le noyau du navigateur TV 3 est constitué par un moteur générique 4 qui est apte à recevoir des fichiers de configuration provenant du serveur 8. Ces fichiers permettent d'obtenir un navigateur TV 3 dont l'ergonomie et les fonctionnalités sont identiques aux spécifications transmises par le serveur 8.The communication protocol between a server application and a user application is based on XML (Extensible Markup Language). At client 1, the TV browser 3 is installed in a terminal such as, for example, without limitation, a microcomputer, a mobile telephone or even an electronic agenda. The TV browser 3 incorporates a conventional video player 5, but this video player can be any application allowing the playback of video sequences both online ("streaming") and offline. The core of the TV browser 3 is made up of a generic engine 4 which is capable of receiving configuration files from the server 8. These files make it possible to obtain a TV browser 3 whose ergonomics and functionalities are identical to the specifications transmitted by the server 8.
Comme on le voit sur la figure 4, le navigateur TV 3 se présente sous la forme d' un moteur générique 4 sur lequel viennent s'appliquer un certain nombre de fichiers de configuration 20. Le moteur générique 4 se sert de ces fichiers de configuration en entrée pour obtenir un navigateur TV personnalisé s' adaptant notamment au type de diffusion et aux couleurs du diffuseur. Ces fichiers de configuration 20 transmises par le serveur sous forme de fichiers XML par exemple, décrivent précisément l'aspect fonctionnel et graphique du navigateur TV, et font référence, pour arriver au résultat attendu, à un certain nombre de modules indépendants 22 qui sont des applications utilisateur. Le moteur générique 4 prend également en entrée des données nécessaires à ces modules fonctionnels 22 et des données 21 relatives notamment au guide de programmes . Les données nécessaires à ces modules sont par exemple des "skins", des images "bitmaps".... Chaque module remplit une fonctionnalité précise à l'intérieur du navigateur TV.As can be seen in FIG. 4, the TV browser 3 is in the form of a generic engine 4 to which a certain number of configuration files apply. The generic engine 4 uses these configuration files as input to obtain a personalized TV browser that is adapted in particular to the type of broadcast and the colors of the broadcaster. These configuration files 20 transmitted by the server in the form of XML files for example, precisely describe the functional and graphic aspect of the TV browser, and refer, to arrive at the expected result, to a certain number of independent modules 22 which are user applications. The generic engine 4 also takes as input the data necessary for these functional modules 22 and data 21 relating in particular to the program guide. The data necessary for these modules are for example “skins”, “bitmaps” images, etc. Each module fulfills a specific function inside the TV browser.
Plus qu'un outil statique servant à obtenir un navigateur personnalisé, le moteur générique peut dynamiquement passer d'une configuration à une autre totalement différente, et ceci instantanément. Ce type de comportement permet pour un même diffuseur de contenu de changer l'aspect général du navigateur suivant par exemple la diffusion en cours, le profil du client ...More than a static tool used to obtain a personalized browser, the generic engine can dynamically go from one completely different configuration to another, and this instantly. This type of behavior allows for the same content distributor to change the general appearance of the browser, for example the current distribution, the customer's profile, etc.
Le navigateur TV 3 représenté sur la figure 4 se présente sous la forme d'un "skin" disposant de deux tiroirs 23 et 24, c'est à dire des parties pouvant être animées à l'intérieur même du skin. Il comprend un écran 25 de visualisation des médias et une pluralité de zones actives de navigation, de commandes et d'accès à des services interactifs proposés par le diffuseur.The TV navigator 3 shown in FIG. 4 is in the form of a "skin" having two drawers 23 and 24, that is to say parts which can be animated inside the skin itself. It includes a screen 25 for viewing the media and a plurality of active areas for navigation, commands and access to interactive services offered by the broadcaster.
Les modules fonctionnels 22 sont prévus pour être utilisables dans différents modes de diffusion tels que la diffusion proche de la télévision hertzienne, la diffusion totalement Web incluant des éléments "flash" et des vidéos, ou encore la diffusion pour une communication interne d'une entreprise ou le "E-learning" pour apprentissage électronique. Avantageusement, il est prévu l'élaboration par un diffuseur donné d'un module fonctionnel spécifique pouvant être accepté par le moteur générique de façon à obtenir un navigateur TV complètement personnalisé .The functional modules 22 are designed to be usable in different broadcasting modes such as broadcasting close to terrestrial television, totally Web broadcasting including "flash" elements and videos, or even broadcasting for internal communication of a company. or "E-learning" for electronic learning. Advantageously, provision is made for the development by a given broadcaster of a specific functional module which can be accepted by the generic engine so as to obtain a completely personalized TV browser.
Le moteur générique peut comprendre les fonctionnalités suivantes :The generic engine can include the following features:
- affichage (personnalisation,- mode graphique, barre d'icône "tray icon");- display (personalization, - graphic mode, tray icon bar);
- interactivité avec page web;- interactivity with web page;
- préférences ("login", profils, multi-bouquets, sélection) .- preferences ("login", profiles, multi-bouquets, selection).
Il peut activer différentes applications utilisateur ou module fonctionnel afin d'obtenir un environnement TV interactif permettant : — l'enregistrement de programme (magnétoscope virtuel, téléchargement haute-définition) ;It can activate different user applications or functional module in order to obtain an interactive TV environment allowing: - program recording (virtual video recorder, high-definition download);
— l'interactivité communautaire ("chat", quiz, vote, achats en ligne...) ; - l'interactivité intra-contenu (multi-scénarios, angle de vue, time-code, jeux) ;- community interactivity ("chat", quiz, voting, online shopping ...); - intra-content interactivity (multi-scenarios, viewing angle, time code, games);
— une grille des programmes directs et des différés limités à une durée (profilée, filtrée) ;- a grid of direct programs and deferrals limited to a duration (profiled, filtered);
— un catalogue des programmes différés et recherche multi-critères;- a catalog of deferred programs and multi-criteria research;
— un module gérant les programmes payants (abonnement) ;- a module managing paid programs (subscription);
— une fonctionnalité d' alarmes par le diffuseur (profilées, promotion) et sur critères (recherche future) ;- alarm functionality by the broadcaster (profiles, promotion) and on criteria (future research);
— une fenêtre d'information (recommandation, publicité, résumé) ; et- an information window (recommendation, publicity, summary); and
— un module gérant la mesure d' audience en dialogue avec l'entité serveur mesure d'audience. Le diffuseur peut choisir plusieurs fonctionnalités à intégrer dans le navigateur TV.- a module managing audience measurement in dialogue with the audience measurement server entity. The broadcaster can choose several functionalities to integrate into the TV browser.
Le navigateur TV peut être installé par téléchargement depuis Internet ou à partir d'un cd-ro .The TV browser can be installed by downloading from the Internet or from a CD-ro.
L'installation ne fait que mettre en place le moteur générique et quelques fichiers de configuration du diffuseur. On peut envisager un navigateur TV utilisable pour une pluralité de diffuseurs. Chaque diffuseur transmettant uniquement des modules fonctionnels qui lui sont spécifiques. Bien sûr, l'invention n'est pas limitée aux exemples qui viennent d'être décrits et de nombreux aménagements peuvent être apportés à ces exemples sans sortir du cadre de l'invention. The installation only sets up the generic engine and some configuration files for the diffuser. One can envisage a TV navigator usable for a plurality of broadcasters. Each diffuser transmitting only specific functional modules. Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described and numerous modifications can be made to these examples without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIO S 1. Système pour construire et exploiter une télévision transmise sur un réseau de communication utilisant un protocole du type Protocole Internet IP, comprenant un serveur (8) pour transmettre des séquences vidéos (7) et des données (6, 20, 21) relatives à un ensemble de services interactifs associés, un lecteur (3) disposé dans un terminal d'un client (1) pour communiquer avec le serveur et interpréter les données transmises par ce serveur, caractérisé en ce que le lecteur (3) comprend un moteur générique résident (4) associé à un moyen de lecture vidéo (5) et doté de moyens fonctionnels configurables par lesdites données (6, 20, 21) de façon à personnaliser ledit lecteur (3) . REVENDICATIO S 1. System for building and operating a television transmitted over a communication network using a protocol of the Internet IP protocol type, comprising a server (8) for transmitting video sequences (7) and data (6, 20, 21) relating to a set of associated interactive services, a reader (3) arranged in a terminal of a client (1) for communicating with the server and interpreting the data transmitted by this server, characterized in that the reader (3) comprises a generic resident engine (4) associated with video playback means (5) and provided with functional means configurable by said data (6, 20, 21) so as to personalize said player (3).
2. Système selon la revendicationl, caractérisé en ce que les moyens fonctionnels sont aptes à être configurés au moyen de fichiers de configuration (20) permettant de définir l'aspect fonctionnel et graphique du lecteur (3).2. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the functional means are capable of being configured by means of configuration files (20) making it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect of the reader (3).
3. Système selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que les fichiers de configuration (20) font appel à des modules fonctionnels indépendants (22) associés aux données (21) provenant du serveur.3. System according to claim 2, characterized in that the configuration files (20) use independent functional modules (22) associated with the data (21) coming from the server.
4. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le lecteur comprend des moyens pour interpréter et afficher les services interactifs associés.4. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the reader comprises means for interpreting and displaying the associated interactive services.
5. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent une grille de programmes (11) • 5. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include a program grid (11) •
6. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent un enregistreur de séquences vidéos apte à télécharger des séquences vidéo à un moment prédéterminé .6. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include a video sequence recorder capable of downloading video sequences at a predetermined time.
7. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent une interactivité communautaire permettant au client d' interagir avec d'autres clients connectés audit serveur.7. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include a community interactivity allowing the client to interact with other clients connected to said server.
8. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent une interactivité intra- contenu permettant au client d'agir sur des éléments affichés par le lecteur.8. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include an intra-content interactivity allowing the client to act on elements displayed by the reader.
9. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent un moteur de recommandation interagissant avec le serveur de façon à déterminer des séquences vidéos susceptibles d'intéresser ledit client.9. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include a recommendation engine interacting with the server so as to determine video sequences likely to interest said client.
10. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les services interactifs associés comprennent des alarmes pour prévenir le client de la diffusion d'une séquence vidéo particulière .10. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the associated interactive services include alarms to warn the client of the broadcasting of a particular video sequence.
11. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que les moyens fonctionnels peuvent en outre être configurés par des données introduites par le client.11. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means functional can also be configured by data entered by the client.
12. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le serveur comprend un outil d'élaboration et de gestion des données transmises.12. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server comprises a tool for preparing and managing the transmitted data.
13. Système selon la revendication 12, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'élaboration et de gestion comprend des moyens pour éditer et visualiser un guide de programmes.13. System according to claim 12, characterized in that the development and management tool comprises means for editing and viewing a program guide.
14. Système selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'élaboration et de gestion comprend en outre des moyens pour gérer ledit guide des programmes en fonction d'une pluralité de langues.14. System according to claim 13, characterized in that the development and management tool further comprises means for managing said program guide according to a plurality of languages.
15. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 14, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'élaboration et de gestion comprend en outre des moyens pour déterminer des statistiques et des mesures d'audience sur des séquences vidéos visualisées.15. System according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the development and management tool further comprises means for determining statistics and audience measurements on viewed video sequences.
16. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 15, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'élaboration et de gestion comprend en outre des moyens pour gérer le profil du client.16. System according to any one of claims 12 to 15, characterized in that the development and management tool further comprises means for managing the client's profile.
17. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12 à 16, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'élaboration et de gestion comprend en outre des moyens pour gérer des alarmes à destination du client.17. System according to any one of claims 12 to 16, characterized in that the development and management tool further comprises means for managing alarms intended for the client.
18. Système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le serveur comprend des moyens permettant le téléchargement par le client du moteur générique résident.18. System according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the server comprises means enabling the client to download the resident generic engine.
19. Système selon la revendication 18, caractérisé en ce que l'outil d'édition du lecteur permet en outre de définir l'aspect fonctionnel et graphique du lecteur sous forme de fichiers de configuration téléchargeable pour une personnalisation du lecteur.19. The system as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the reader editing tool also makes it possible to define the functional and graphic aspect of the reader in the form of downloadable configuration files for personalizing the reader.
20. Procédé mis en oeuvre dans un système selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, pour personnaliser un lecteur vidéo présent dans un terminal d'un client, dans lequel une pluralité de serveurs de séquences vidéos connectés à un réseau de communication de type Internet sont aptes à diffuser lesdites séquences vidéos vers le terminal du client également connecté au réseau de communication Internet, caractérisé en ce que pour chaque transmission d'une séquence vidéo provenant d'un desdits serveurs, on transmet des fichiers de configuration permettant de personnaliser de façon fonctionnelle et ergonomique un moteur générique résident associé audit lecteur vidéo et préalablement installé dans le terminal du client. 20. Method implemented in a system according to any one of the preceding claims, for personalizing a video player present in a client terminal, in which a plurality of video sequence servers connected to an Internet type communication network are able to broadcast said video sequences to the client terminal also connected to the Internet communication network, characterized in that for each transmission of a video sequence originating from one of said servers, configuration files are transmitted allowing personalized customization functional and ergonomic a generic resident engine associated with said video player and previously installed in the client's terminal.
PCT/FR2002/000489 2001-02-09 2002-02-08 System for constructing and operating an internet television and method used in one such system WO2002065777A1 (en)

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