Interests and demographics profile for advanced broadcast services.

(54) Title: PROFILE OF INTERESTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS FOR ADVANCED DISSEMINATION SERVICES. (54) Title: INTERESTS AND DEMOGRAPHICS PROFILE FOR ADVANCED BROADCAST SERVICES.

(57) Summary

A digital broadcast receiver has a storage device and a processing device. The storage device is configured to store a questionnaire received from at least one service provider of a digital broadcast system, and responses to the questionnaire. The questionnaire comprises a data structure common to at least two service providers. The processing device is configured to manipulate the questionnaire and the responses. The questionnaire refers to information on preferences, demographics and interests (PDI) of the viewer.

(57) Abstract

A digital broadcast receiver has a storage device and a Processing device. The storage device is configured to store a questionnaire received from at least one Service provider of a digital broadcast system, and answers to the questionnaire. The questionnaire comprises a data structure common to at least two Service providers. The Processing device is configured to manipúlate the questionnaire and answers. The questionnaire pertains to viewer preferences, demographics, and interests (PDI) information.

DEMOGRAPHIC AND INTEREST PROFILE FOR DISSEMINATION SERVICES

ADVANCED

Related requests

This application claims priority to the provisional patent application with serial number 61 / 319,873 filed on April 1, 2010.

Technical field

The embodiments of the present invention refer to the field of communication systems, in particular profiles for advanced broadcast services.

Background

Traditional media distribution systems such as broadcasting lack the ability to shape consumer preferences in order to provide personalized media content. For example, such personalized media content may include targeted advertising or marketing material of specific interest to the particular viewer.

Additionally, viewers may not be interested in any content in the medium. For example, some content is suitable for viewers living in a certain geographic area and not suitable for viewers living in a different area. Another example is that some viewers may be more interested in certain topics or genre areas such as sports broadcasting while others prefer programs of a different type, such as cooking shows.

Currently, there are no standards to allow a viewer to customize their viewing preferences regarding the content and services they receive. Current systems typically filter program content based on viewer preference values ​​set in the receiver by the manufacturer of that receiver, without entering from the service provider as to the types of filtering criteria that might be appropriate for the viewer. private service. Furthermore, service providers do not have access to viewer preference values ​​and therefore are not able to directly adjust the service user experience based on those values.

Brief description of the drawings

The embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the attached drawings and in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a digital broadcast system.

Fig. 2 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a receiver.

Figure 3A is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiver that receives downloadable triggered objects (TDOs).

Figure 3B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiver that receives non-real-time downloadable triggered objects (TDOs) (NRTs).

Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiver that receives non-real-time content (NRT).

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for storing and handling a PDI questionnaire in a receiver.

Figure 6 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a system for filtering content based on responses to a POI questionnaire at a receiver.

Figure 7 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for downloading selected content to a receiver.

Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a method for executing a downloadable object triggered (TDO) command file based on response to a POI questionnaire at a receiver.

Figure 9 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for receiving a PDI questionnaire and manipulating responses to the PDI questionnaire at a receiver.

Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a POI question data structure.

Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a POI question data structure.

Detailed description

A digital broadcast receiver is described herein. The digital broadcast receiver has a storage device and a processing device. The storage device is configured to store a questionnaire received from at least one service provider of a digital broadcast system, and responses to the questionnaire. The processing device is configured to manipulate data received from at least one service provider based on questionnaire responses. In one modality, the questionnaire includes a container of viewer preferences, demographics and interests (PDI).

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a digital television service system 100. A broadcast system 102 receives content from service providers 108. Service providers 108 may include content distributors such as network operators. of TV. Broadcast system 102 transmits content to an electronic device 104 such as a receiver over a wired and / or wireless medium (cable, satellite, over the air, the Internet, or other forms of data transmission).

In one embodiment, broadcast content includes one or more of the following: non-real-time content (NRT), real-time or linear content, metadata associated with content, a questionnaire, and triggered downloadable objects (TDOs).

NRT content includes NRT services that are delivered faster or slower than real-time. In one embodiment, the NRT content formats include audio / video but can also be audio only or can be websites that can be displayed by a web browser. For example, descriptions of available NRT content can be described to the user. The user can select from a list of NRT content for later download. The user can also browse and select from previously downloaded content to be viewed.

Another NRT service has a push NRT service where request based content is offered to the user. The user can choose to have the receiver automatically updated in content associated with a service. For such chosen services, the recipient captures the service related content and automatically updates files as new versions are available. When the user returns to a required push service, the content that has been preloaded is displayed.

The metadata associated with content describes the content and services available.

A questionnaire can allow all users to specify various information about themselves that can allow the recipient to adjust advanced services based on the individual interests and preferences of the users. In one modality, the questionnaire includes a data structure that has a standardized format of preferences, demographics and / or interests (POIs) common to one or more service providers. For example, the questionnaire format would consist of questions, each with an answer in a predefined format. Possible response formats could include yes / no or true / faiso, text string (with maximum length), multiple choice, complete entities (with range limits), checklist, among others. Figure 10 illustrates an example of a data format and structure of an example POI questionnaire.

TDOs are downloadable objects created by a content creator or service provider. In one embodiment, TDOs consist of downloaded content (command files, text and graphics) whose function and behavior are linked in some way to the television programming they accompany. For example, a TDO may be designed to collect viewer response data such as voting in a game show or contest.

In one embodiment, electronic device 104 can be included in a set-top box or as part of a display device such as a display panel (eg, television). Electronic device 104 includes a signal processing device 106 configured to process content received from broadcast system 102 as further described below. In one embodiment, the signal processing device 106 includes a processor capable of handling broadcast services in accordance with the standards of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC).

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a digital broadcast receiver 200 designed to receive both real-time television broadcasts and NRT content. Receiver 200 includes a tuner / demodulator 202, a demultiplexer 204, an audio / video decoder 206, a processing device 208, and a storage device 210.

Tuner 202 receives an input signal from

RF modulated, tunes and demodulates the signal to produce an output transport stream. The demultiplexer 204 demultiplexes the stream to produce data to the processing device 208. In the case of conventional (linear) real-time TV content, audio and video packets from the tuner / demodulator 202 are supplied, via the demultiplexer 204, to the A / V decoder 206 for decoding. The A / V decoder 206 supplies a signal, audio output, and a video output signal to a TV audio and video circuit (not shown).

The content including audio / video, POI questionnaire, NRT files, metadata, and TDOs received at demultiplexer 204 is routed through processing device 208 to storage device 210. In one embodiment, storage device 210 stores the PDI 212 questionnaire, responds to the PDI 216 questionnaire, and content and metadata 214. In one embodiment, the PDI 212 questionnaire is a downloadable questionnaire generated by at least one service provider that has a standardized data structure.

Storage device 210 may include a disk drive, nonvolatile memory, or any other types of data storage devices. When a user instructs the system to play a selected item from the NRT content, that content is then processed by processing device 208 and demultiplexed by demultiplexer 204 to supply audio and video packets to A / V decoder 206 to be finally presented to the user.

FIG. 3A is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a receiver 300A that receives triggered downloadable objects (TDOs). As previously described, TDOs are downloadable objects configured to interact with a user to enhance their viewing experience. A user may be notified that an augmented (interactive) experience is being offered and accompanies a given program.

In one example, a user viewing a financial network program may be offered a Stock Portfolio TDO to view their personalized actions when metadata associated with the financial network program indicates that screen space is available. The user can initialize the Stock Portfolio TDO with a list of stocks of interest.

In another example, a Favorite Race Car Driver TDO is offered to a viewer who watches a television-broadcast car race. The Favorite Race Car Driver TDO enhances the viewer's experience by displaying a thumbnail photo of the driver, his current speed, RPM, and position in the race. The Favorite Race Car Driver TDO disappears from view during commercials and when the race is suspended or completed.

In another example, a Voting TDO can be used to capture viewer input while watching a talent show. The TDO Voting TDO is activated to allow a viewer to vote for a singer's performance.

TDO 308 (command files and associated values ​​such as graphics, text, audio files, HTML, etc ...) can be stored in storage device 306. Processing device 302 executes an operation of TDO 308 with a TDO 304 machine. For example, processing device 302 runs an Action Portfolio TDO script to display a list of actions of interest to a viewer when the viewer is watching a financial program on a network with metadata indicating available screen space.

Storage device 306 also includes a POI 309 questionnaire and POI 310 responses. PDI 310 responses contain responses to the questionnaire in POI questionnaire 309. The questionnaire and POI responses may be in a data structure format. standardized common to various service providers.

In one modality, the TDO 308 accesses responses from

PDI 310 through an Application Programming Interface (API) and conditionally based actions and behaviors based on responses recorded in PDI 310 responses. A script file in TDO 308, for example, could create a user experience if the Age of the oldest member watching TV is 35 years of age or younger and a different experience otherwise.

Different user experiences may include displaying different text or graphics, branching out to different audio / video content, and including different choices in a list.

In another embodiment, the selected content 312 of TDO 308 in response to responses from PDI responses 310 may be stored within storage device 306.

FIG. 3B is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiver 300B that receives non-real-time downloadable triggered objects (TDOs) (NRTs). Similarly, processing device 302 executes an NRT TDO 314 command file with an NRT TDO 305 machine. For example, NRT TDO 314 includes all the functionality of a regular TDO 308 and may also include references to NRT content and hyperlinks which, if taken, cause the recipient to undertake a future download of an NRT content item, and / or hyperlinks. that allow the reproduction of previously downloaded content.

In one embodiment, the script files in NRT TDO 314 access the PDI 309 questionnaire and PDI 310 responses through an Application Programming Interface (API) and behave based on the responses from PDI 310. For example, a script file on a NRT TDO 314 could offer the viewer the choice of selecting and purchasing a baseball game program for a particular team based on the user's favorite team as specified in the POI 310 responses.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a receiver 400 that receives non-real-time content (NRT). Processing device 408 filters content without the use of TDOs in accordance with PDI 404 responses to PDI questionnaire 403 is content filtering / coupling machine 412. For example, processing device 408 couples a local commercial based on a viewer's geographic region as specified in their POI 404 responses.

In one embodiment, the processing device 408 filters and stores NRT content of interest 416 based on the viewer's interest. For example, previews of movies or trailers (short) that match the viewer's preference (action, drama, comedy, etc ...) as set forth in PDI 404 responses are stored on storage device 414.

In another embodiment, processing device 408 filters and stores received NRT content using metadata associated with the NRT content.

Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for storing and handling PDI questionnaires at a receiver. A service provider 502 generates a POI questionnaire 504 which is transmitted to a receiver 520. A PDI manipulation API 510 allows receiver 520 to store the POI questionnaire 504 in storage device 512. A user / viewer is able to generate, update, and delete PDI 516 responses to the PDI 514 questionnaire by using the PDI 518 tamper application. In one example, the PDI 518 manipulation application takes the form of a display on a device. display attached to receiver 520.

In another embodiment, a web browser 506 of receiver 520 includes a PDI script file 508 configured to write and generate PDI 516 responses to the

POI 504.

Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a system for filtering content based on responses to a POI questionnaire at a receiver. Service provider 502 distributes content 604. Receiver 606 captures, matches, or filters content 604 based on responses from PDI 516. Content of interest 610 (eg, content that matches viewer preferences as specified in POI responses 516) can be stored on storage device 512.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart 700 illustrating one embodiment of a method for downloading selected content to a receiver. At 702, a recipient receives descriptive metadata from an associated content item. In 704, the receiver filters metadata based on PDI responses. At 706, the receiver offers the viewer the option to download content based on matching POI responses. For example, the recipient may filter or prioritize NRT content based on PDI responses. At 708, the viewer selects and downloads the selected content. In another modality, the selected content may be prepared to be downloaded at a future time (eg, overnight). At 710, the selected content is stored on a storage device in the receiver.

Figure 8 is a flowchart 800 illustrating one embodiment of a method of executing command files on triggered downloadable objects (TDOs) based on responses to a POI questionnaire at a receiver. In 802, a TDO accesses PDI responses through an API. In 804, the receiver's processing device executes TDO command files, which contain conditional branching or other logic, to alter their behavior based on POI responses (eg, displaying the phone number of a local merchant in the screen).

Once downloaded and executed, the TDOs access metadata and triggers to support their expected functionality and to measure their behavior based on events within the program they accompany over time. The metadata for TDOs can be retrieved in various ways (eg via broadcast stream or the Internet). The receiver directs metadata to an active TDO.

Metadata and triggers drive TDO behavior in whatever way the TDO author intends. For example, metadata within a trigger can specify whether or not there is any real state available on a screen at the current time, can cause a TDO to be inactivated or stop working, and can initiate some desired action (including a change in appearance).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart 900 illustrating one embodiment of a method for receiving a PDI questionnaire and manipulating responses to the PDI questionnaire at a receiver. At 902, a user accesses a setup or preference screen with a receiver. The recipient determines if a POI questionnaire is available on 904.

If the recipient does not currently have a POI questionnaire in storage, the recipient downloads at least one POI questionnaire at 912.

At 906, POI questions from the POI questionnaire are displayed to the user. In 908, the user enters answers in response to the POI questions. At 910, the POI responses are stored on a storage device in the receiver.

Figure 10 is an illustration of an example of an XML format for representing POI questions. Figure 11 is an illustration of an example of an XML format for POI responses. As illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, standardizing preferences, demographics and interests (POIs) involves defining a standard format for a downloadable questionnaire. The questionnaire format could consist of questions, each with an answer in a predefined format. Possible response formats could include yes / no or true / false, text string (with maximum length), multiple choice, complete entities (with range limits), checklist, etc.

The multiple choice response format would allow the user to select from a fixed number of identified choices. As an example, a string of questions might be How often do you enjoy camping outdoors? The corresponding multiple-choice answer could include the possibilities Never, Sometimes, Occasionally, and Regularly.

The checklist response format allows a user to provide a yes / no response to a number of different small points. For example, the string of questions could be Which of the following sports do you follow? The checklist could include football, basketball, soccer, rugby, hockey, and baseball. Each of the points in the checklist can be selected or not selected. As described above, access by receiver applications and TDOs to PDI responses are made available through a

API.

In the above description, numerous details are set forth. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, structures

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The above are presented in terms of algorithms and symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a computer memory. These logarithmic descriptions and representations are the means used by experts in data processing techniques to more effectively transport the substance of their work to other experts in the art. An algorithm is here, and generally, conceived as a self-consistent sequence of steps leading to a desired result. The steps are those that require physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, although

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not necessarily, these of electrical signals or stored, transferred, otherwise manipulated. There are times, mainly for reasons of common use, to refer to these signals as bits, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like.

It should be kept in mind, however, that all of these terms and similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical quantities and are simply convenient labels applied to these quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as evident from the following discussion, it will be appreciated that throughout the foregoing description, discussions using terms such as processing or computing or training or determination or the like refer to action. and processes of a computer system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities within computer system records and memories into other data similarly represented as physical quantities within computer system memories or records or other storage, transmission or display devices of information.

The present invention also relates to an apparatus for performing operations thereon. This apparatus may be specially built for the required purposes, or may comprise a general-purpose computer selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored on the computer. Said computer program may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium, such as, but not limited to, some type of disc including optical discs, CD-ROMs, and magnetic-optical discs, read-only memories (ROMs), random access (RAMs), EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards, or any type of means suitable for storing electronic instructions, and each coupled to a collective connector (bus) of a computer system.

The algorithms and displays presented here are not inherently related to any particular computer or other device. Various general-purpose systems can be used with programs in accordance with the teachings herein, or may prove suitable for building more specialized apparatus to perform the required method steps. The structure required for a variety of these systems will appear from the following description. Furthermore, the present invention is not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages ​​can be used to implement the teachings of the invention as described herein.

It should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other modalities will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the above descriptions. The scope of the invention, therefore, should be determined with reference to the appended claims, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.