Method for acquiring configuration information by a reception device, corresponding computer program product and devices

Abstract

A method is proposed for obtaining configuration information from a server (120) via a receiving device (100) connected to a server (120) through a first network connection, the configuration information allowing updates to the internal settings of the receiving device. This method includes, during an initialization phase: providing (S200) filtering information allowing access to a filtering item to a communication interface; and during an operation phase: providing (S210) a request for the configuration information to the communication interface to allow a terminal device (110) connected to the server via a second network connection to receive the request and transmit (S220) a corresponding request to the server; and receiving (S240) the configuration information provided by the server as part of a data stream transmitted via the first network.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The scope of this disclosure is the configuration of receiving devices connected to one-to-many networks, such as unidirectional networks like broadcast networks.

[0002] More specifically, this disclosure relates to a method for obtaining information about the configuration of such a receiving device.

[0003] This disclosure pertains to any field where such devices connected to a unidirectional network need to be configured. Examples include set-top boxes for connected televisions, such as hybrid broadcast broadband television or HbbTV, or cable TV decoders. Prior Technology

[0004] The following focuses specifically on existing problems in the field of TVs connected to networks, such as HbbTV, which were the problems faced by the inventors of this patent application. Of course, the invention is not limited to this specific field of application, but rather focuses on obtaining the information required for the execution of applications on any type of connected-to-network device.

[0005] TVs connected via HbbTV are becoming increasingly common. These receiving devices connect to broadcast networks to receive broadcast content on one hand, and to broadband networks on the other to access additional content, information for running applications, or information for updating their internal settings. Indeed, broadcast networks provide a one-way communication connection to the receiving device. Two-way (or bidirectional) communication connections via broadband networks (such as Internet Protocol-based communication networks) are therefore necessary in most cases to allow this access to additional content or information, typically involving the design of a request / response mechanism between the receiving device and a remote server, such as a content provider. For example, playback of certain content on such TVs may require a Digital Rights Management (DRM) license. However, DRM licensing may require the execution of a request / response mechanism between the TV and a DRM license server. The same applies, for example, when a user wants to purchase content.

[0006] In reality, a growing number of consumers have connected their TVs to their broadband networks to purchase products and services. However, a significant number of consumers have not yet connected their TVs to broadband networks. In this case, due to the unidirectional nature of such networks, the TV can only utilize broadcast content and may therefore be limited in the number of available applications. The same problem applies, for example, to set-top boxes.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for a method that allows receiving devices, such as set-top boxes or HbbTVs, not connected to a bidirectional communication network to obtain the information, which allows for updates to the internal settings of the receiving device. Summary of the Invention

[0008] A specific feature of this disclosure relates to a method for obtaining configuration information from a server via a receiving device connected to the server through a first network connection, the configuration information allowing updates to an internal setting of the receiving device. According to this method, the receiving device performs the following during an initialization phase: Provides a communication interface that allows access to filtering information of a filtered item to allow a terminal device connected to the server via a second network connection to access the filtering information; and during an operation phase: Provide a request for the configuration information to the communication interface to allow the terminal device to receive the request and transmit a corresponding request to the server; The configuration information provided by the server is received as part of a data stream transmitted through the first network. The configuration information is associated with a filter item in the data stream. This filter item is learned from the receiving device to allow the receiving device to identify the configuration information in the data stream.

[0009] Therefore, this disclosure proposes a novel and innovative solution for configuring a receiving device (e.g., a connected TV) to the server (e.g., a management center server) via a first network, such as a unidirectional network, which provides a unidirectional connection (e.g., a broadcast network) between the server and the receiving device.

[0010] More specifically, the proposed solution relies on the use of a terminal device connected to the server via a second network (e.g., a communication network providing a bidirectional connection between the server and the receiving device), which acts as a third-party device capable of relaying requests for configuration information from the receiving device to the server. After receiving the request via the second network, the server can then provide the configuration information via the first network. Therefore, in addition to the first network, the receiving device can obtain the configuration information even when it is not connected to a bidirectional communication (or bidirectional) network (e.g., a broadband network).

[0011] Furthermore, by providing the filtering information of the filtered items to the communication interface during the initialization phase, the terminal device is "paired" with the receiving device that knows the filtering information.

[0012] In some embodiments, providing a request to a communication interface for the configuration information includes: providing the request to a wireless transceiver for transmitting the request to the terminal device via a wireless communication link.

[0013] This type of wireless transceiver can implement a short-range wireless communication protocol, such as Bluetooth, Near Field Communication (NFC), or NFC.

[0014] In some embodiments, providing a request-to-communication interface for the configuration information includes: Generate a graphical item representing the requested item; The graphic item is provided to a display for display on the display, allowing the terminal device to obtain the request by scanning the graphic item.

[0015] Therefore, even if the receiving device does not implement a corresponding wireless communication transceiver, the receiving device can still provide the request to the terminal device.

[0016] In some embodiments, providing the filtering information to the communication interface includes: providing the filtering information to the wireless transceiver for transmitting the filtering information to the terminal device via the wireless communication link.

[0017] In some embodiments, providing the filtering information to the communication interface includes: A graphical item representing the filtered information is generated, which is named Graphical Filtering Information; The graphic filtering information is provided to the display for display on the display, allowing the terminal device to obtain the filtering information by scanning the graphic filtering items.

[0018] Therefore, even when the receiving device does not have an available wireless transceiver, the receiving device can still provide the filtering information to the terminal device.

[0019] According to another feature of this disclosure, the terminal device performs the following during the initialization phase: Obtain filtering information from the receiving device that is known to allow obtaining a filtering item; and during an operation phase: The request for the configuration information is obtained from the receiving device; A corresponding request for the configuration information is transmitted to the server via the second network, so that the server provides the configuration information to the receiving device as part of the data stream transmitted via the first network. The corresponding request includes filtering information that allows the acquisition of a filter item related to the configuration information in the data stream, enabling the receiving device to identify the configuration information in the data stream.

[0020] In some embodiments, obtaining a request from the receiving device includes receiving the request via a wireless communication link with the receiving device.

[0021] In some embodiments, obtaining a request from the receiving device includes scanning a graphical item representing the request displayed on a display.

[0022] In some embodiments, the request for the configuration information includes the filtering information.

[0023] In some embodiments, obtaining filtering information from the receiving device includes: The filtering information is received via the wireless communication link with the receiving device; and the terminal device performs the following: The filtering information is included in the corresponding request.

[0024] In some embodiments, obtaining filtering information from the receiving device includes: The filtering information is obtained by scanning a graphical representation of the filtering information displayed on the display; and the terminal device performs: The filtering information is included in the corresponding request.

[0025] In some embodiments, obtaining filtering information from the receiving device includes: The filtering information is obtained when data is input onto the input device of the terminal device; and the terminal device performs: The filtering information is included in the corresponding request.

[0026] In some embodiments, the filtering information includes the filtering items.

[0027] In some embodiments, the configuration information that allows the execution of at least one application belongs to the following group: A licensing agreement for the playback of digital rights management (DRM) or DRM-protected content on the receiving device; and An authorization for the playback of paid content on the receiving device.

[0028] In some embodiments, the graphic item is of a type belonging to a group including: A quick response or QR code type; One is another barcode or JAB type; and A representation of a text.

[0029] In some embodiments, the filtering item includes a unique identifier of the receiving device or a globally unique identifier generated by the receiving device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the receiving device is not connected to a broadband network.

[0031] In some embodiments, the first network is a one-to-many network, and the second network is a bidirectional network.

[0032] Another feature of this disclosure relates to a computer program product comprising code instructions, which, when executed on a computer or processor, is used to implement the method described above for acquiring configuration information (in any of the different embodiments discussed above).

[0033] Another feature of this disclosure relates to an apparatus configured to implement all or part of the steps of the method for acquiring configuration information described above when executed by the receiving device (in any of the different embodiments discussed above). Therefore, the features and advantages of this apparatus are the same as those of the corresponding steps of the method. Therefore, they are not described in further detail.

[0034] Another feature of this disclosure relates to an apparatus configured to implement all or part of the steps of the method for acquiring configuration information described above when executed by the terminal device (in any of the different embodiments discussed above). Therefore, the features and advantages of this apparatus are the same as those of the corresponding steps of the method. Therefore, they are not described in further detail. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0035] Other features and advantages of the embodiments will become apparent from the following indicative and non-exhaustive examples and from the accompanying drawings, wherein: [Figure 1] illustrates a receiving device connected to a server via a first network, and a terminal device connected to the server via a second network, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] illustrates the steps of a method for acquiring configuration information via the receiving device of Figure 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [Figure 3] is an example of a block depicting the structure of a device that allows all or part of the corresponding steps of the method of Figure 2 to be implemented by the receiving device; [Figure 4] is an example of a block depicting the structure of a device, which allows all or part of the corresponding steps of the method of Figure 2 to be implemented by the terminal device; [Figure 5] is an example of a block depicting the structure of a device that allows all or part of the corresponding steps of the method of Figure 2 to be implemented by the server. Implementation

[0036] In all the figures in this document, the same component symbols indicate similar components and steps.

[0037] Referring now to Figure 1, we describe a receiving device 100 connected to a server 120 (e.g., a management center server) via a first network 150, and a terminal device 110 connected to the server 120 via a second network 160.

[0038] More specifically, the receiving device 100 is a set-top box. The receiving device 100 receives streaming media transmitted via the base station 150bs through the first network 150. For example, the first network 150 is a one-to-many network, such as a broadcast network. This unidirectional network provides a one-way connection between the server 120 and the receiving device 100.

[0039] Returning to Figure 1, the receiving device 100 decodes the stream to extract content from it. The receiving device 100 provides the content to a communication interface (e.g., a "High Resolution Multimedia Interface" or HDMI) in a format suitable for a display. A display 170 (e.g., a TV screen) is connected to the communication interface. Therefore, the display 170 receives the content through the communication interface for display. However, in other embodiments, the receiving device 100 may include such a display, for example, when the receiving device 100 is an HbbTV.

[0040] Returning to Figure 1, the receiving device 100 may require certain configuration information, which allows for updates to its internal settings. For example, the receiving device 100 may acquire DRM rights for playback of protected content or a license for playback of paid content. However, in some situations, the receiving device 100 cannot utilize the first network 150 to transmit requests for such configuration information to the server 120, for example, when the first network 150 is a unidirectional network (e.g., a broadcast network) and when the receiving device 100 does not have a connection, such as a broadband network. In such cases, to obtain this configuration information, the receiving device 100, the terminal device 110, and the server 120 implement the method for obtaining configuration information detailed in the following related Figure 2.

[0041] For example, in some embodiments of the configuration associated with FIG1, the receiving device 100 generates a graphic item 170gi (e.g., a quick response or QR code) representing a request for the configuration information. The receiving device 100 provides the graphic item 170gi to the communication interface so that the display 170 displays the graphic item 170gi. However, in other embodiments discussed below with reference to FIG2, the receiving device 100 provides the request for the configuration information to another type of communication interface, such as a communication interface (e.g., a wireless transceiver) or a sound wave interface, for the terminal device 110 to receive the request.

[0042] Returning to Figure 1, the terminal device 110 (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, personal computer, etc.) obtains the request from the receiving device 100 by scanning the graphic item 170gi displayed on the display 170 and decoding the information thereon. The terminal device 110 transmits a corresponding request to the server 120 via the second network 160. For example, the second network 160 is a bidirectional communication (or two-way) network, such as a cellular network, like the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (hereinafter referred to as 3GPP), 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G cellular network. The terminal device 110 connects to the communication network 160 via the base station 160bs. However, in other embodiments, the second network 160 implements other types of networks, such as wired communication networks.

[0043] The server 120 (e.g., a management center server, such as a backend server for an operator, a DRM authorization server, etc.) receives a corresponding request transmitted via the terminal device 110 through the first network 160. This corresponding request includes filtering information that allows access to a filtered item learned from the receiving device 100. According to the embodiment, this filtering information may include the filtered item itself (e.g., a unique identifier of the receiving device 100), or it may allow the server 120 to obtain the filtered item based on the filtering information. For example, the filtering information may be an account identifier associated with the receiving device 100 within the server 120. This account identifier may be associated with a unique identifier of the receiving device 100 within the server 120. The server 120 can therefore obtain the unique identifier of the receiving device 100 from the account identifier.

[0044] Returning to Figure 1, the server 120 transmits the requested configuration information to the receiving device 100 as part of a data stream transmitted via the first network 150. The filtering items are related to the configuration information in the data stream, enabling the receiving device 100 to identify and extract the configuration information in the data stream.

[0045] Other embodiments of the method for acquiring configuration information via the receiving device 100 are detailed in the following related Figure 2. To implement the corresponding steps of this method, the receiving device 100 includes a device 100d for implementing the steps. An example of a structural block that can be implemented in the device 100d is further described in the following related Figure 3. Conversely, the terminal device 110 includes a device 110d for implementing the corresponding steps of the method. An example of a structural block that can be implemented in the device 100d is further described in the following related Figure 4. The server 120 then includes a device 120d for implementing the corresponding steps of the method. An example of a structural block that can be implemented in the device 120d is further described in the following related Figure 5.

[0046] Referring now to FIG2, we describe the steps of a method for acquiring configuration information by means of the receiving device 100.

[0047] During an initialization phase P1, in a step S200, the receiving device 100 provides the filtering information that allows the filtering items to be obtained to the communication interface, so as to allow the terminal device 110 to obtain the filtering information.

[0048] Therefore, the terminal device 110 is "paired" with the receiving device 100, wherein the terminal device 110 is also aware of the filtering information. More specifically, the terminal device 110 is therefore aware of the filtering information, which is irrelevant to the request for the configuration information (in step S210 below). The terminal device 110 is therefore able to include the filtering information in the corresponding request transmitted to the server 120 (in step S220 below), even if the initial request provided by the receiving device 100 does not include the filtering information.

[0049] For example, suppose the configuration information is required by an application running on the receiving device 100. This application may request the configuration information without knowing that access to the filtering information of the filtering item is permitted. This improves the confidentiality of data related to the receiving device 100 relative to the application running on the receiving device 100. This may be relevant when the filtering item is sensitive data, for example, the unique identifier of the receiving device 100 is not expected to be known by the application running on the receiving device 100. However, in other embodiments, the filtering item may be another type of data generated by the receiving device 100 to avoid providing sensitive data such as its unique identifier to the terminal device 110. For example, the filtering item may be a globally unique identifier or UUID generated by the receiving device 100.

[0050] Returning to Figure 2, in step S201, to achieve this "pairing," the receiving device 100 generates a graphic item named "graphic filtering information," which represents the filtering information. In step S202, the receiving device 100 provides the graphic filtering information to the display 170 for displaying the graphic filtering information on the display 170.

[0051] Accordingly, in step S203, the terminal device 110 obtains the filtering information by scanning the graphical representation of the filtering information displayed on the display 170.

[0052] According to the embodiment, the graphic filtering information may be in the form of a QR code, a JAB code, or even a text representation of the filtering information. In the latter case, the terminal device 110 may execute a text recognition method to extract the filtering information from the text representation of the filtering information displayed on the display 170.

[0053] Steps S201, S202, and S203 as described above correspond, for example, to the configuration in Figure 1. However, in other embodiments, this "pairing" is not achieved through the generation and display of graphical items by the receiving device 100. For example, the communication interface of the receiving device 100 may include a wireless transceiver. It may be a short-range transceiver, such as a Bluetooth transceiver or an NFC transceiver. In this embodiment, the receiving device 100 provides the filtering information to the wireless transceiver in step S202, and transmits the filtering information to the terminal device 110 via a wireless communication link in step S203. Conversely, in step S203, the terminal device 110 receives the filtering information via the wireless communication link established with the receiving device 100. In other embodiments, other types of communication interfaces may be considered for the receiving device 100, such as a sound interface (e.g., a speaker). In this scenario, the receiving device 100 provides the filtering information to the acoustic interface in step S202, and the terminal device 110 obtains the filtering information in step S203 using, for example, an acoustic signal processing tool for capturing the information. This different type of communication interface can also be used by the receiving device 100 to provide a request for configuration information during step S210, as discussed below.

[0054] Returning to step S200, in other embodiments, the "pairing" is performed directly by a user of the terminal device 110, who can input the filtering information on the input device (e.g., a touchscreen) of the terminal device 110. For example, the filtering information can be displayed as text on the display 170 by the receiving device 100, so that the user can read the filtering information and input the corresponding properties on the input device of the terminal device 110.

[0055] Returning to Figure 2, during an operation phase P2, in a step S210, the receiving device 100 provides a request for the configuration information to the communication interface to allow the terminal device 110 to receive the request.

[0056] This configuration information allows for updates to the internal settings of the receiving device 100. For example, the configuration information could be a licensing agreement for the playback of digital rights management (DRM) protected content on the receiving device 100, or a license for the playback of paid content on the receiving device 100. In this example, the configuration information allows for changes to the internal settings of the receiving device 100 to authorize the display of the protected or paid content. The configuration information could also relate to the download and installation of an application received via the first network 150. In this example, the installation of the application will necessarily update the settings of the receiving device 100 to allow the installation of the application.

[0057] To provide such a request, in step S211, the receiving device 100 generates a graphical item 170gi representing the request. For example, the data required to establish such a request is encoded by the receiving device 100 for generating the graphical item 170gi. For example, such data may include the configuration information itself, the network address of the server 120, information regarding the encryption design that the server 120 will use to provide the configuration information, etc.

[0058] Returning to Figure 2, in step S212, the receiving device 100 provides the graphic item 170gi to the display 170 for displaying the graphic item on the display 170. Accordingly, in step S213, the terminal device 110 obtains the request by scanning the graphic item 170gi displayed on the display 170. As discussed above, according to the embodiment, the graphic item 170 can be, for example, a QR code, or simply another barcode or JAB code type.

[0059] Steps S211, S212, and S213 as described above correspond, for example, to the configuration in Figure 1. However, in other embodiments, the receiving device 100 does not generate a graphical item in response to the request. For instance, referring to the embodiment discussed above where the communication interface of the receiving device 100 includes a wireless transceiver, the receiving device 100 provides the request to the wireless transceiver in step S212 and transmits the request to the terminal device 110 via the wireless communication link in step S213. Conversely, in step S213, the terminal device 110 receives the request via the wireless communication link established with the receiving device 100.

[0060] Returning to Figure 2, during operation phase P2, in step S220, the terminal device 110 transmits a corresponding request for the configuration information to the server 120 via the second network 160. Conversely, in step S220, the server 120 receives the corresponding request transmitted by the terminal device 110 via the second network 160. The corresponding request includes the filtering information known from the receiving device 100.

[0061] More specifically, the request provided by the receiving device 100 does not include the filtering information. The filtering information known to the terminal device 110 is contained within the corresponding request made by the terminal device 110 itself. However, in some embodiments, the request provided by the receiving device 100 may also include the filtering information. This, for example, allows for double verification of the filtering information by the terminal device 110.

[0062] Returning to Figure 2, during operation phase P2, in step S230, the server 120 obtains the filtering item based on the filtering information. As discussed in Figure 1 above, the filtering information may, for example, be an account identification code associated with the receiving device 100 within the server 120. This account identification code may be a unique identifier associated with the receiving device 100 within the server 120. The server 120 can therefore obtain the unique identifier of the receiving device 100 from the account identification code as the filtering item.

[0063] However, in other embodiments, the filtering information may include the filtering item itself, or it may be the filtering item directly. In this embodiment, the server 120 may not necessarily perform step S230.

[0064] Returning to Figure 2, during the operation phase P2, in step S240, the server 120 transmits the requested configuration information to the receiving device 100 as part of a data stream transmitted through the first network 150.

[0065] For example, when the configuration information pertains to a licensing agreement for the playback of DRM-protected content, server 120 (e.g., a backend server for an operator) can provide a corresponding request to a DRM licensing server. The DRM licensing server can check the validity of the licensing request and generate an licensing response, which it then provides to server 120. Server 120 can then transmit configuration information including the licensing response to receiving device 100. To this end, server 120 can break down the licensing response into several parts that comprise the configuration information. Server 120 transmits these parts to a multiplexer device of the first network 150 as several private segments addressed to receiving device 100. A private segment receiver in receiving device 100 extracts portions of the configuration information from the stream of the private segments and reconstructs the original licensing response.

[0066] Returning to Figure 2 and step S240, the configuration information is a filter item associated with the data stream to allow the receiving device 100 to identify the configuration information in the data stream. Therefore, in step S240, the receiving device 100 uses the filter item to identify the requested configuration information in the data stream to receive the configuration information transmitted via the server 120. For example, in an embodiment where the filter item includes a unique identifier of the receiving device 100, the receiving device 100 can compare the filter item associated with the configuration information in the data stream with the unique identifier stored in a memory of the receiving device 100. Assuming the filter item matches the unique identifier stored in the memory, the receiving device 100 can identify the corresponding configuration information in the data stream as the requested configuration information.

[0067] Therefore, even when it is not connected to a broadband network other than the first network 150, for example when the first network is a broadcast network, the disclosed method allows the receiving device 100 to acquire the configuration information.

[0068] In some embodiments, during the operation phase P2, the receiving device 100 executes step S210 multiple times for a plurality of requests for individual configuration information, allowing for updates to an internal setting of the receiving device 100. Correspondingly, the terminal device 110 executes step S220 multiple times for transmitting corresponding requests for the individual configuration information to the server 120 via the second network 160. As discussed above, according to the embodiment, the server 120 executes or does not execute step S230 depending on whether the filtering information requires the filtering item. Regardless of whether step S230 is executed, after receiving the corresponding request during the execution of the plurality of steps S220, the server 120 executes step S240 multiple times for transmitting the individually requested configuration information to the receiving device 100. Accordingly, during each execution of step S240, the receiving device 100 receives the individual requested configuration information.

[0069] Referring now to Figure 3, we describe an example of a block of structure implemented in the device 100d.

[0070] More specifically, in order to implement all or part of the steps of the method for acquiring configuration information of FIG2 performed by the receiving device 100 (according to any of the embodiments disclosed above), the device 100d in some embodiments includes: Non-volatile memory 303 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, etc.); A volatile memory 301 (e.g., random access memory or RAM) and a processor 302.

[0071] The non-volatile memory 303 is a non-transitory, computer-readable medium. It stores executable program code instructions, which are executed by the processor 302 to enable the implementation of certain steps of the above-described method (method for acquiring configuration information) in the various embodiments disclosed in Figure 2.

[0072] During initialization, the aforementioned code instructions are transferred from the non-volatile memory 303 to the volatile memory 301 for execution by the processor 302. The volatile memory 301 also includes registers for storing variables and parameters required for this execution.

[0073] The steps of the method for acquiring configuration information performed by the receiving device 100 can also be implemented equivalently: A program is executed by a set of code instructions, which is performed by a reprogrammable computing machine, such as a PC, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a microcontroller. This code instruction can be stored on a non-transitory, computer-readable media, which can be removable (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB flash drive) or non-removable; or... This is achieved through a dedicated machine or component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Special Purpose Integrated Circuit), or any dedicated hardware component.

[0074] In other words, this disclosure is not limited to a purely software-based implementation in the form of computer program instructions, but can also be implemented in hardware form or in any combination of a hardware component and a software component.

[0075] Referring now to Figure 4, we describe an example of a block of structure implemented in the device 110d.

[0076] More specifically, in order to implement all or part of the steps of the method for acquiring configuration information of FIG2 executed by the terminal device 110 (according to any of the embodiments disclosed above), the device 100d includes, in some embodiments: Non-volatile memory 403 (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, etc.); A volatile memory 401 (e.g., random access memory or RAM) and a processor 402.

[0077] The non-volatile memory 403 is a non-transitory, computer-readable medium. It stores executable program code instructions, which are executed by the processor 402 to enable the implementation of certain steps of the method (method for acquiring configuration information) in the various embodiments disclosed in Figure 2 above.

[0078] During initialization, the aforementioned code instructions are transferred from the non-volatile memory 403 to the volatile memory 401 for execution by the processor 402. The volatile memory 401 also includes registers for storing variables and parameters required for this execution.

[0079] The steps of the method for acquiring configuration information performed by the receiving device 110 can also be implemented equivalently: A program is executed by a set of code instructions, which is performed by a reprogrammable computing machine, such as a PC, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a microcontroller. This code instruction can be stored on a non-transitory, computer-readable media, which may be removable (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB flash drive) or non-removable; or... This can be achieved through a dedicated machine or component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Special Purpose Integrated Circuit), or any dedicated hardware component.

[0080] In other words, this disclosure is not limited to a purely software-based implementation in the form of computer program instructions, but can also be implemented in hardware form or in any combination of a hardware component and a software component.

[0081] Referring now to Figure 5, we describe an example of a block of structure implemented in the device 120d.

[0082] More specifically, in order to implement all or part of the steps of the method for acquiring configuration information of FIG2 executed by the server 120 (according to any of the embodiments disclosed above), the device 110d includes, in some embodiments: Non-volatile memory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, etc.); A volatile memory 501 (e.g., random access memory or RAM) and a processor 502.

[0083] The non-volatile memory 503 is a non-transitory, computer-readable medium. It stores executable program code instructions, which are executed by the processor 502 to enable the implementation of certain steps of the method (method for acquiring configuration information) in the various embodiments disclosed in Figure 2 above.

[0084] During initialization, the aforementioned code instructions are transferred from the non-volatile memory 503 to the volatile memory 501 for execution by the processor 502. The volatile memory 501 also includes registers for storing variables and parameters required for this execution.

[0085] The steps of the method for acquiring configuration information executed by the server 120 can also be implemented equivalently: A program is executed by a set of code instructions, which is performed by a reprogrammable computing machine, such as a PC, a DSP (Digital Signal Processor), or a microcontroller. This code instruction can be stored on a non-transitory, computer-readable media, which can be removable (e.g., CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, USB flash drive) or non-removable; or... This can be achieved through a dedicated machine or component, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), an ASIC (Application Special Purpose Integrated Circuit), or any dedicated hardware component.

[0086] In other words, this disclosure is not limited to a purely software-based implementation in the form of computer program instructions, but can also be implemented in hardware form or in any combination of a hardware component and a software component.

[0087] 100: Receiving device 100d: Device 110: Terminal Equipment 120: Server 150: First Network 150bs: Base Station 160: Second Network 170: Monitor 170gi: Graphics Project S200: Steps S201: Steps S202: Steps S203: Steps S210: Steps S211: Steps S212: Steps S213: Steps S220: Steps S230: Steps S240: Steps 301: Volatile Memory 302: Processor 303: Non-volatile memory 401: Volatile Memory 402: Processor 403: Non-volatile memory 501: Volatile Memory 502: Processor 503: Non-volatile memory P1: Initialization Phase P2: Operational Phase

Claims

1. A method for obtaining configuration information from a server via a receiving device (100) connected to a server (120) through a first network (150), the configuration information allowing updates to internal settings of the receiving device, characterized in that during an initialization phase, the receiving device performs: providing (S200) filtering information allowing the acquisition of filtering items to a communication interface for allowing a terminal device (110) connected to the server via a second network (160) to obtain the filtering information; and during an operation phase: providing (S210) a request for the configuration information to the communication interface for allowing the terminal device (110) to obtain the request and transmit (S220) the corresponding request to the server; (S240) Receive the configuration information provided by the server as part of a data stream transmitted through the first network, the configuration information being associated with filter items in the data stream, the filter items being known from the receiving device to allow the receiving device to identify the configuration information in the data stream.

2. The method of request item 1, wherein providing a request for the configuration information to the communication interface includes: The request is provided (S212) to the wireless transceiver for transmission (S213) of the request to the terminal device via a wireless communication link.

3. The method of request item 1, wherein providing a request for the configuration information to the communication interface includes: Generate (S211) a graphical item (170gi) representing the requested item; The graphic item is provided (S212) to the display (170) for displaying the graphic item on the display, so as to allow the terminal device to obtain the request by scanning (S213) the graphic item.

4. A method for obtaining configuration information from a server via a receiving device (100) connected to a server (120) through a first network (150), the configuration information allowing updates to internal settings of the receiving device, characterized in that a terminal device (110) connected to the server via a second network (160) performs the following during an initialization phase: obtaining (S200) filtering information from the receiving device that allows access to filtering items; and during an operation phase: obtaining (S210) a request for the configuration information from the receiving device; transmitting (S220) a corresponding request for the configuration information to the server via the second network, for causing the server to provide the configuration information to the receiving device as part of a data stream transmitted via the first network, the corresponding request including the filtering information allowing access to the filtering items in relation to the configuration information in the data stream, for allowing the receiving device to identify the configuration information in the data stream.

5. The method of request item 4, wherein obtaining the request from the receiving device includes: The request is received via a wireless communication link with the receiving device (S213).

6. The method of request item 4, wherein obtaining the request from the receiving device includes: Scan (S213) the graphic (170gi) item representing the request displayed on the display (170).

7. The method of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein obtaining the filtering information from the receiving device includes receiving (S203) the filtering information via the wireless communication link with the receiving device, and wherein the terminal device performs the action of including the filtering information in the corresponding request.

8. The method of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein obtaining the filtering information from the receiving device includes obtaining the filtering information by scanning a graphical representation of the filtering information displayed on the display (S203), and wherein the terminal device performs the action of including the filtering information in the corresponding request.

9. The method of any of claims 4 to 6, wherein the first network is a one-to-many network and the second network is a bidirectional network.

10. A computer program product, characterized in that it includes program code instructions for implementing a method such as any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An apparatus (100d) for obtaining configuration information from a server via a receiving device (100) connected to a server through a first network (150), the configuration information allowing updates to internal settings of the receiving device, characterized in that it includes a processor (302) or a dedicated computing machine configured to: during an initialization phase, provide filtering information to a communication interface allowing a terminal device (110) connected to the server via a second network (160) to obtain the filtering information; and during an operation phase: provide a request for the configuration information to the communication interface allowing the terminal device (110) to obtain the request; receive the configuration information provided by the server as part of a data stream transmitted via the first network, the configuration information relating to filtering items in the data stream, the filtering items being known from the receiving device, to allow the receiving device to identify the configuration information in the data stream.

12. An apparatus (110d) for acquiring configuration information from a server (120) via a receiving device (100) connected to a server (120) through a first network (150), the configuration information allowing updates to internal settings of the receiving device, characterized in that it includes a processor (402) or a dedicated computing machine configured to: during an initialization phase, acquire filtering information from the receiving device that allows access to filtering items, as learned from the receiving device; and during an operation phase, acquire a request for the configuration information from the receiving device; and transmit a corresponding request for the configuration information to the server via a second network (160), the corresponding request including the filtering information that allows access to the filtering items, as learned from the receiving device.

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