Method for notifying a user of an event

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for notifying a user of an event (14) and comprising the steps of: receiving a push message (50) based on the event (14), the push message (50) having at least in part configuration information (28) describing a configuration of an action call button, referred to as a CTA button (26), on a remote control; generating a push command (52), wherein the push command (52) instructs the signal transmitter (8) to prompt the user to press a CTA button (26) on the remote controller (6); and generating a configuration instruction (54) that instructs the remote control (6) to configure the remote control (6) in the region of the CTA button (26) based on the configuration information (28); sending a push command (52) to a signal transmitter (8); sending a configuration instruction (54) to the remote controller (6); and receiving an operation feedback (56) displaying an operation of the CTA button (26) by a user.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for notifying a user of an event, a control device for executing the method and a system comprising the control device. Background Art

[0002] US2015100167A1 discloses a smart home system with a remote control, on which a special button with a transparent surface called a lens button is set. In addition to inputting commands, these buttons can also serve as visual indicators. A light ring installed behind the button can indicate the status of the smart device. The smart home system also includes a hazard detector with seven different sensors, including a smoke sensor, a heat sensor, and a carbon monoxide sensor, which is used to trigger an alarm signal and issue a voice message with a call to action to inform the user what type of hazard is detected (e.g., smoke or carbon monoxide) and where the hazard is located (e.g., in the living room or bedroom). The call to action contains specific instructions for further action, for example, "leave the room now" or "get some fresh air."

[0003] US2004 / 0107444A1 discloses highlighting buttons on a remote control and a television to guide the user through the remote control and the television and ensure that the correct button is pressed. The two displays on the remote control and the television work together to guide the user.

[0004] US2016 / 0044383A1 discloses displaying a call-to-action button on a TV prompting a user to participate in an e-commerce activity. The interaction is performed via a remote control, the user confirms an action, and then the action can involve another device (e.g., a tablet).

[0005] US2017 / 0153790A1 discloses an event management system that enables users to respond to alert messages via mobile devices. Alert messages are sent to mobile devices via a network and displayed on a map, along with icons of relevant emergency services near the alert. The system is able to communicate directly with these emergency services via the mobile device. User confirmation of the alert can also be captured and sent back to the server to ensure that the event has been identified.

[0006] US2018 / 0098109A1 discloses a system in which a remote controller with a touch screen is used to control an image display device. The remote controller displays device settings and functions, enabling micro-control and reducing physical buttons. The interaction between the remote controller and the display device is performed locally without the need for centralized monitoring of user activities.

[0007] US2004 / 0113892A1 discloses a remote control that allows a user to customize button labels on a touch screen display. When a button is pressed, the display shows the user-defined name or label of the button, which is particularly useful for universal remote controls to display the actual function of the button. Two main modes are described: a learning mode, in which the user can create labels after learning new functions, and a settings mode, in which button labels can be customized at any time. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is to improve this object in the following technical aspects.

[0009] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for notifying a user of an event comprises the following steps:

[0011] - receiving a push message based on the event, the push message comprising at least in part configuration information describing a configuration of a call to action button, referred to as a CTA button, on the remote control;

[0012] - generating a push command that instructs the signal transmitter to prompt the user to press a CTA button on the remote control;

[0013] - generating a configuration instruction that instructs the remote controller to configure the remote controller in the area of ​​the CTA button based on the configuration information;

[0014] - Send a push command to the signal transmitter;

[0015] - Send configuration instructions to the remote control; and

[0016] - receiving action feedback indicating a user's action on the CTA button, and / or

[0017] - Sending a message to the control system indicating the user's action on the CTA button.

[0018] In the following, event-based push notifications of notification events are defined as automatic notifications sent to terminal devices (e.g., set-top boxes) in real time to notify specific triggering events. The notifications are triggered by predefined criteria or trigger mechanisms that respond to changing conditions, important events, or other relevant events. The purpose of the notification can vary depending on the context and range from urgent warnings in emergency situations to publicity messages. In contrast, control push commands are a form of message transmission that, unlike information push messages, trigger specific actions on the signal transmitter.

[0019] A call to action button, hereinafter referred to as a CTA button, is a button on a remote control or an interactive button in a user interface that prompts or guides the user to perform a specific action. These buttons are usually designed to be eye-catching and may contain short, concise text that prompts the user to interact, for example, "Get help now," "Send an alert," or "Send an emergency call." CTA buttons are configuration elements in website, application, and other user interface designs that play a decisive role in user guidance and conversion optimization. Clicking a CTA button usually achieves a specific goal, for example, alerting the nearest emergency service, automatically dialing a predefined emergency call, or initiating special safety protocols. CTA buttons should not be understood as limiting the invention described below.

[0020] The designation method is based on the consideration that, although the smart home system mentioned at the beginning is able to process messages, for example, messages arising in emergency management scenarios, and output these messages to users of the smart home system, the smart home system mentioned at the beginning cannot determine whether these messages have actually been noticed.

[0021] This is where the designated program comes into play, which, in addition to the actual notification of the event, sends a request to the user to press the CTA button on their remote control, which is displayed to them. In such a way, the receipt of a feedback message can be used to clarify whether the user has actually noticed the event. For example, in the case of an emergency message as an event, users who for whatever reason were not aware of the respective emergency situation can be identified in such a way that special attention can be paid to them when emergency measures are initiated in the event of an emergency. It does not matter whether the user feedback is collected on a central server or processed locally, for example, to warn neighbors by turning on a local warning signal device based on the feedback. In any case, in an emergency, the confirmation with the CTA button that the push message has been noticed can help rescue services or other emergency responders to deploy more effectively, since they know which households have been notified and which have not, whether collected centrally or displayed through a local warning signal device.

[0022] In another embodiment of the specified method, the push command includes configuration information, wherein the screen displaying the image of the CTA button as the signal transmitter is indicated. In this way, the user can be given an intuitive instruction to press the CTA button, which the user can easily understand and immediately execute.

[0023] In another embodiment of the method, the image of the CTA button is superimposed on another image on the screen. In this way, the user's attention on the screen can be used as a prompt to press the CTA button. For example, in the case of a weather forecast announcing severe weather, it can be determined who has noticed the corresponding message and who has not.

[0024] In another embodiment of the method, a program is executed when operator feedback is received. In this way, the activation of the CTA button can be reacted to with appropriate measures and interacted with the user. In the case of the weather forecast and severe weather advisories mentioned above, initial emergency measures can be initiated in such a way that, for example, a continuous notification of the user about the current weather conditions is provided through a rain radar program.

[0025] In another specific embodiment of the specified method, the program is executed based on the data identifying the user. In this way, the above-mentioned interaction with the user can be customized for the user. In the case of the above-mentioned weather forecast and severe weather advisories, the first emergency measure can be initiated based on the user, for example, if it is known from the user's identification data that he needs help in the event of a disaster, the user is contacted directly via a telephone program.

[0026] In another particular embodiment of the specified method, a message is generated based on user feedback and reported back to the server, so that the interaction with the user can be coordinated. For example, A / B testing can also be used to check whether and how the system works for certain user groups as part of a push message sent as a test. Although current methods can already be used to determine whether and how such a push message is generally perceived in a group, this is only possible in the case of estimates based on models and observations. However, the great advantage of the method is direct measurement, the results of which are immediately available. By confirming the CTA button, it can be ensured that the desired reaction or even the necessary measures that must be taken (for example, in the case of a severe weather warning) can actually be implemented as quickly as possible. Therefore, the time from obtaining the information to reacting can be greatly shortened for everyone.

[0027] In another preferred embodiment of the specified method, the operation feedback includes information about the multimedia content displayed on the screen immediately before the CTA button is displayed. In this way, it is possible to draw conclusions about the user's knowledge level when operating the CTA button. For example, if the above push message is sent to all users of a television program, regardless of whether they are watching a weather forecast with a severe weather warning, it can be estimated whether they are aware of the impending danger.

[0028] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the specified method, the server has previously sent an event-based push message. In this way, feedback can be achieved, especially in the above-mentioned test, making it possible to automatically optimize the system.

[0029] According to another aspect of the present invention, a control device is configured to perform one of the specified methods.

[0030] In another embodiment of the specified device, the specified device comprises a memory and a processor. The specified method is stored in the memory in the form of a computer program, and the processor is provided for executing the method when the computer program is loaded from the memory into the processor.

[0031] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program includes: a program code for executing all steps of a specified method when the computer program is executed on one of an electronic device or a specified device.

[0032] According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program product comprises: a program code stored on a computer-readable data carrier, which, when executed on a data processing device, performs a specified method.

[0033] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system comprises: one of the control devices, the remote controller having the CTA button and the signal transmitter, preferably the display.

[0034] In a particular embodiment of the system, the control device is a set-top box.This form of direct communication with the user is more cost-effective than other communication channels because it is implemented via existing infrastructure.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the control device is configured to receive push messages based on events with configuration information via the Internet, send push commands to the signal transmitter via a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) connection called an HDMI connection, and send configuration instructions to the remote control via a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connection called a BLE connection. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The above-mentioned features, characteristics and advantages of the present invention and their implementation methods will become easier to understand with the following description of the embodiments. The embodiments will be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, including:

[0037] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a system consisting of a television set and a remote controller;

[0038] Figure 2 Shows that there is Figure 1 a schematic diagram of a network of systems; and

[0039] Figure 3 Shows Figure 2 A timing diagram of a process in a network.

[0040] In the figures, identical technical elements have the same reference numerals and are described only once. The figures are purely schematic and in particular do not reflect actual geometric proportions. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system 2 comprising a television set 4 and a remote control 6 is shown.

[0042] The television set 4 comprises a screen 8 connected to a set-top box 10. The set-top box 10 receives a data stream containing a video 14 via a network connection 12, which is provided, for example, at Figure 1 The set-top box 10 filters the video 14 from the data stream and outputs a video signal carrying the video 14 to the screen 8 via the screen cable 16 so that the video 14 is displayed on the screen 8 .

[0043] Before discussing the video 14 in more detail, the control of the television 4 using the remote control 6 will first be discussed.

[0044] The remote control 6 comprises a first keyboard 16 and a second keyboard 18, which are separated from each other by a direction key 20. A confirmation button 22 is located in the center of the direction key 20. This structure is basically known and does not require further explanation. The buttons of the first keyboard 16 and the second keyboard 18 as well as the direction key 20 and the confirmation button 22 are used to input control commands in order to control the functions of the television set 4. To this end, the input is sent to the set-top box 10 in a transmission signal 24, and the set-top box 10 filters the input from the transmission signal 24 and then performs the function corresponding to the input on the television set 4, for example, volume control, program selection, etc.

[0045] Special buttons on the remote control are used for special functions on the TV 4. The special buttons are as follows: Figure 1 26. The idea is to execute this special button as a call to action button (hereinafter referred to as CTA button 26) and to motivate or guide the viewer to make the user of the remote control 6 take a specific action. In this embodiment, the specific action is an exemplary action related to the video 14, which is executed as a weather forecast announcing severe weather in the form of a cold wave. The purpose of the specific action is to let the viewer actively confirm that they have noticed the severe weather reported in the weather forecast. To this end, the viewer is prompted with a corresponding image 28 of the CTA button 26 superimposed on the video 14.

[0046] To explain the implementation of this idea, refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 A network 30 is shown, wherein Figure 1 The system 2 in FIG. 1 is integrated with other similar systems not shown. These other integrated systems are Figure 2 The further network connections 12', 12" and 12'" are represented in FIG.

[0047] The system 2 and the other systems are interconnected in a network 30 via a two-way network connection as network connection 12, which can be realized, for example, via the Internet 32. The network connection should be as trouble-free as possible, which can be achieved by redundancy and / or satellite network connections such as provided by Starlink. Furthermore, a programming system 34 and a control system 36 are integrated into the network 30, which together realize the above-mentioned idea behind the CTA button 26. In contrast, the above-mentioned system 2 is referred to as user system 2 in the following.

[0048] The programming system 34 is used to define and manage so-called campaigns. In the following, a campaign is understood to be an organized action or series of actions to motivate viewers of the video 14 or other videos on the screen 8 to press the CTA button 26, with the purpose of confirming their awareness of severe weather. However, campaigns within the meaning of the present disclosure may also have other purposes, such as promoting a product or service, an idea or a political agenda. In order to define or control campaigns, a Content Management System (CMS) is implemented in the control system 34, which the operator can use to perform the necessary programming steps. Programming is a known skill and depends on the selected programming language. Therefore, it will not be described in detail here.

[0049] The most effective way to realize this system is to use a user system in which interested participants register. The main advantage of doing this is that this user system also avoids the data protection problem that occurs when the data of the participant is collected in the necessary manner to realize the above idea. Another advantage of the user system is that if the severe weather message in the video 14 is related to the user, the user can be specially addressed. For this reason, a user management system 39 is provided in the control system 34, which can be used to input and manage users, and delete users when necessary. In order to uniquely identify the user, for example, the identification of the set-top box 10, the identification of the remote controller 6 and the identification of the family with the system 2 can be stored in the user management system 39.

[0050] The activity is controlled by a control system 36. Here, the activity programmed by the programming system 34 is managed and, if necessary, predefined parameters are provided at the start of the activity. For example, in the case of the above-mentioned severe weather alert, this can be to add data such as the expected temperature and time to the previously stored information text. In addition, when the activity starts, for example, the user group to be addressed by the activity is determined based on the identification of the set-top box 10. Such a group of users is referred to as a group hereinafter. The control system 36 is also responsible for sending activity data such as activity identification, media data, text, etc. to each set-top box 10. In order to evaluate the activity, the control system 36 can also receive evaluation data from each participant of the group, which evaluation data particularly contains feedback about the remote control 6 on which the CTA button 26 is pressed. Finally, the control system 36 can also be used to perform evaluations, such as the well-known A / B test.

[0051] The control system 36 communicates with the activity management service 40 in the set-top box 10 of each user system 2 via the network connection 12 in order to control the activities started in the set-top box 10. The activity management service 40 can in principle be designed as a physical independent unit, for example, to refurbish an old set-top box with the functionality according to the described idea. Alternatively, the activity management service 40 can also be implemented as a program in the set-top box 10, which is preferred for cost reasons. In order to manage the activities on the participant side, the activity management service 40 stores the above-mentioned activity data and saves important information about the family targeted by the activity. In the case of the above-mentioned severe weather alert, such information can be, for example, the age of the family members, etc., so as to estimate the urgency of any emergency measures required in the case where the CTA button 26 is not pressed based on the reaction of the user or the audience.

[0052] The activity management service 40 also communicates with other components of the set-top box 10 to control the activity. In the present case, this includes a communication interface to the remote control 6 (referred to as the BLE interface 42), a communication interface to the screen 8 (referred to as the HDMI interface 44), and the actual operating system of the set-top box 10, which is typically but not necessarily an Android operating system 46.

[0053] The activity management service 40 sends a request to the viewer or user via the BLE interface 42 to press the CTA button 26 in the transmission signal 24. The CTA button 26 may preferably have a variable design, and in addition to the request, the activity management service 40 may also send an image of how the CTA button 26 should be designed specifically for the activity. The activity management service 40 then waits for a response from the remote control 6 as to whether the CTA button 26 on the remote control 6 has actually been pressed. Upon receiving the response, the activity management service 40 may capture a timestamp recording the activation of the CTA button 26, which is hereinafter referred to as a Remote Control Unit (RCU) event. Alternatively or additionally, the activity management service 40 may also capture a timestamp at which the video is recorded. In contrast to the RCU event, this event is referred to as a Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) event. The BLE interface 42 may use essentially any suitable transmission protocol, but must be designed in such a way that two-way communication is possible.

[0054] Bidirectional communication is not absolutely necessary for the HDMI interface 44. The activity management service 40 only sends data to the screen 8 via the HDMI interface 44 without waiting for a response. When starting an activity, the data sent via the HDMI interface 44 includes a request to press the CTA button 26, which is displayed on the screen 8 in the form of a graphic 28 of the CTA button 26 and superimposed on the video 14. If necessary, the activity management service 40 can also send activity background information and other data to the screen 8 via the HDMI interface 44. Finally, the activity management service 40 hides all this data at the appropriate time, for example, after the CTA button 26 is pressed or after the activity is completed.

[0055] Finally, the activity management service 40 may also modify the Android operating system 46, for example, to automatically play a video, start a program, or install or establish a communication channel, for example, to establish a telephone connection. The choice depends on the purpose of the application. In the case of the above-mentioned severe weather warning, for example, when the user reaches a certain age and may need help to coordinate the required help over the phone, a video communication connection can be established.

[0056] To illustrate the flow of news during the event, refer to Figure 3 The timing diagram in .

[0057] First, the control system 36 sends a push message 50 to the activity management service 40 in the set-top box 10 of each user system 2. The message contains all the necessary information to present the activity to the audience or user and ask them to activate the CTA button 26. In response to the push message 50, the activity management service 40 generates a push command 52 and configuration instructions 54. In addition to optional background information about the activity (e.g., severe weather warnings), the push command 52 contains a request to activate the CTA button 26 and the display 28 of the CTA button 26, which will be superimposed on the video 14 and sent to the screen 8. In parallel with this, if necessary, the configuration instructions 54 also contain the display 28 of the CTA button 26, as well as instructions about the display on the remote control. The configuration instructions may deviate from the display, for example, only illuminating the CTA button 26 or a similar button.

[0058] The activity management service 40 then waits for feedback 56 from the remote control 6 as to whether the CTA button 26 has in fact been activated, and sends a confirmation message 58 to the control system 36 to confirm that the CTA button has been pressed.

Claims

1. A method for notifying a user of an event (14), comprising the following steps: - receiving a push message (50) based on said event (14), said push message comprising at least in part configuration information (28) describing the configuration of a call to action button, referred to as a CTA button (26), on the remote control (6); - generating a push command (52), the push command (52) instructing the signal transmitter (8) to prompt the user to press the CTA button (26) on the remote control (6); - generating a configuration instruction (54), the configuration instruction (54) instructing the remote control (6) to configure the remote control (6) in the area of ​​the CTA button (26) based on the configuration information (28); - sending the push command (52) to the signal transmitter (8); - sending the configuration instructions (54) to the remote control (6); and - sending a message (58) to a control system (36) indicating the operation of the CTA button (26) by the user.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The push command (52) includes the configuration information (28) and instructs the screen serving as the signal transmitter (8) to display the image of the CTA button (26).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: The image of the CTA button (26) is superimposed on another image on the screen.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: The program is executed when the operation feedback (56) is received.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: The program is executed based on the data identifying the user.

6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: A message (58) generated based on the user feedback (56) is sent to the server (36).

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The operational feedback (56) contains information about multimedia content displayed on the screen immediately before the CTA button (26) is displayed, wherein the server (36) has preferably sent a push message (50) based on the event.

8. A control device (40) designed to carry out the method as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

9. A remote controller for communicating with the control device according to claim 8, the remote controller comprising: - CTA button (26), also known as call to action button; - a communication device for receiving said configuration instruction (54); as well as - an actuator for customizing the remote control (6) in the area of ​​the CTA button (26) based on the configuration information (28).

10. A system comprising: - A control device (40) according to claim 8; - A remote control (6) according to claim 9; as well as -Signal transmitter (8).

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