Program-based ambient light management

Abstract

Ambient light management method, implemented in a decoder box (1) which is connected to a display device (2) and a lighting device (12), comprising the steps of: - detecting the start of a broadcast of a first current program; - selecting, from a base of light parameters, first current values ​​(Vc1) of light parameters, which are associated with program metadata corresponding to the first current program (Pc1); - transmitting a first command (C1) to the lighting device (12) so that it adjusts the ambient light according to said first current values ​​of the light parameters.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to the field of set-top boxes and lighting management when viewing a program. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In the field of televisions, we know of systems which act on ambient light to improve visual comfort and / or the impression of "immersion" felt by the user.

[0003] Some televisions are equipped with a system comprising a backlighting device and a control module that controls the backlighting device to adjust the color and brightness of the backlighting according to the color and brightness of the current image. The control module uses an analysis of the pixels in the current image to control the backlighting device.

[0004] It is also possible to connect one or more light bars to the TV, to obtain relatively similar lighting effects.

[0005] There is also a known home automation system that allows you to adjust ambient lighting based on TV usage. Such a system detects the operation of the TV using a connected electrical outlet. This system allows you to adjust the room lighting to reduce the contrast between the TV screen and its surroundings when the TV is in use.

[0006] Publication US 2021 / 400227 A1 discloses a prior art method. SUBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention aims, during the broadcasting of a program on a viewing device, to improve the user experience by improving the adjustment of the light. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] In order to achieve this aim, a method for managing ambient light is proposed, implemented in a set-top box which is connected to a display device and to a lighting device arranged to adjust the ambient light, the management method comprising the steps of: detecting a start of a broadcast of a first current program; accessing a light parameter base comprising reference values ​​of light parameters associated with program metadata; selecting, from the light parameter base, first current values ​​of said light parameters, which are associated with program metadata corresponding to the first current program; transmitting a first command to the lighting device so that the latter adjusts the ambient light according to said first current values ​​of the light parameters.

[0009] The set-top box transmits a stream including the first current program to the viewing device, so that it can be viewed by the user.

[0010] The decoder box therefore has access to information associated with the first current program (identifier, genre, sub-genre, start time, end time, etc.). This information allows it to select, from the lighting parameter database, lighting parameter values ​​that are most relevant to the first current program.

[0011] The decoder box can therefore control the lighting device so that, from the start of the broadcast of the first current program until the end of its broadcast, it adjusts the ambient light according to the characteristics of the first current program. The lighting adjustments are very relevant and very effective (in terms of immersion and visual comfort in particular) because they are made according to the first current program itself.

[0012] A management method is further proposed as previously described, in which the light parameter base comprises first reference values ​​of the light parameters associated with first program metadata, said first reference values ​​being defined by the user.

[0013] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged to: receiving a second command from a user who wishes to adjust the ambient light while a second current program is being broadcast; producing second current values ​​of the light parameters according to the second command; transmitting a third command to the lighting device so that the latter adjusts the ambient light according to said second current values; storing the second current values ​​in the light parameter base by associating them with metadata of the second current program, so that the first reference values ​​then comprise the second current values, and the first program metadata then comprise said metadata of the second current program.

[0014] We also propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged to, before storing the second current values ​​in the light parameter base, verify that, following receipt of the second command, the user has not attempted to adjust the ambient light again during a first predefined duration.

[0015] A management method is further provided as previously described, in which the light parameter base comprises second reference values ​​of the light parameters associated with second program metadata, said second reference values ​​being stored in the light parameter base by a third-party external system.

[0016] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged to wait until the first current program has been broadcast for a second predefined duration before transmitting the first command to the lighting device.

[0017] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box checks, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device, that there remains at least a third predefined duration of the first current program to be broadcast.

[0018] We also propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box verifies, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device, that the user has remained on a channel broadcasting the first current program for at least a fourth predefined duration.

[0019] We also propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box verifies, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device, that the first current values ​​are compatible with operation of the lighting device.

[0020] We also propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box comprises a detection device arranged to detect the presence of the user in a room in which the decoder box is located, and in which the decoder box is arranged to verify, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device, that the user is indeed present in said room.

[0021] We also propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged so that, when it selects the first current values ​​from the light parameter base as a function of the first current program: verify that the program metadata of the light parameter base includes a first identifier of the first current program; if so, select the reference values ​​associated with the first identifier; if not, verify that the program metadata includes a second identifier of a genre and / or a sub-genre of the first current program and, if so, select the reference values ​​associated with the second identifier.

[0022] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged so that, if the program metadata of the light parameter base does not contain the second identifier: check that the program metadata includes a third identifier of a channel on which the first current program is broadcast and, if so, select the reference values ​​associated with the third identifier.

[0023] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the decoder box is arranged to, if the light parameter base does not contain the third identifier, select default values ​​of the light parameters.

[0024] We further propose a management method as previously described, in which the light parameter base is stored in the decoder box.

[0025] We also propose a decoder box comprising a processing unit in which the management method as previously described is implemented.

[0026] A computer program is further provided comprising instructions which cause the processing unit of the decoder box as previously described to execute the steps of the management method as previously described.

[0027] Further provided is a computer-readable recording medium on which the computer program as previously described is recorded.

[0028] The invention will be better understood in light of the following description of particular non-limiting embodiments of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Reference will be made to the attached drawings, including: [ Fig. 1 ] there figure 1 represents a television, a set-top box, a lighting device, an external data source and a user; [ Fig. 2 ] there figure 2 represents steps in the lighting management process; [ Fig. 3 ] there figure 3 represents steps of a method for determining the adjustment of the light parameters, according to a first embodiment; [ Fig. 4 ] there figure 4 represents steps of a method for recovering the first current values ​​of the light parameters; [ Fig. 5 ] there figure 5 represents steps of a method for determining the adjustment of the light parameters, according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0030] In reference to the figure 1 , a decoder box 1 is connected to a viewing device, in this case to a television 2, by a link 3. This link 3 is for example an HDMI type link (for High Definition Multimedia Interface ), SCART (for Syndicat des Constructeurs d'Appareils Radiorécepteurs et Téléviseurs ), or any other suitable type of link.

[0031] The primary functions of the set-top box 1 are to receive an audio-video stream, to process it, to separate the audio stream and the video stream, and to transmit the audio stream and the video stream to the television 2. The television 2 then broadcasts the video stream via its screen, and the audio stream via its speakers.

[0032] The audio stream, or at least one or more channels of the audio stream, may also possibly be broadcast by one or more speakers possibly integrated into the decoder box 1, or by other audio reproduction equipment (for example a sound bar, one or more connected speakers, etc.).

[0033] The audio-video stream can come from any source, which is for example a broadcasting network (satellite television network, Internet connection, digital terrestrial television network (DTT), cable television network, etc.), other equipment connected to the decoder box 1 (a CD, DVD or BlueRay player, a smartphone, a tablet, etc.), or even a storage medium (and for example a USB key or a memory card connected to the decoder box 1).

[0034] The audio-video stream includes programs. By "program" we mean any type of audiovisual sequence with a beginning and an end: film, series, television news, sporting event, musical, commercial, etc.

[0035] The decoder box 1 includes a communication module 4.

[0036] The user can interact with the decoder box 1 by means of a remote control 5 which also includes a communication module 6 allowing this interaction.

[0037] The connection 7 implemented via the communication module 5 and the communication module 6 is for example a connection by infrared signals.

[0038] The user may also possibly communicate with the decoder box 1 by other means, for example via an application programmed on his smartphone, via physical buttons on the decoder box 1, etc.

[0039] The decoder box 1 also includes a communication module 8. The communication module 8 is here integrated into a home automation controller itself integrated into the decoder box 1.

[0040] The decoder box 1 further comprises a processing unit 9. The processing unit 9 is an electronic and software unit. The processing unit 9 comprises one or more processing components 10, and for example any processor or microprocessor, general or specialized (for example a DSP, for Digital Signal Processor, or a GPU, for Graphics Processing Unit, or even an NPU, for Neural Processing Unit ), a microcontroller, or a programmable logic circuit such as an FPGA (for Field Programmable Gate Arrays ) or an ASIC (for Application Specific Integrated Circuit ) .

[0041] The processing unit 9 also comprises one or more memories 11 (and in particular one or more non-volatile memories), connected to or integrated into the processing component 10. At least one of these memories 11 forms a computer-readable recording medium, on which is recorded at least one computer program comprising instructions which cause the processing component to execute at least some of the steps of the ambient light management method which will be described below.

[0042] The decoder box 1 further includes a camera, positioned on its front face. The decoder box 1 further includes microphones, positioned on its upper face. The decoder box 1 also includes a proximity sensor. These components are not shown in the figure 1 .

[0043] The decoder box 1 is further connected to a lighting device 12 which makes it possible to adjust ambient light.

[0044] The lighting device 12 here comprises a control box 14 and light sources 15 connected to the control box 14. The control box 14 controls the light sources 15 to adjust the ambient lighting of the room in which the decoder box 1, the television 2 and the lighting device 12 are located. The ambient lighting is adjustable according to various light parameters, for example the switching on / off of the light sources 15, the color, the intensity or the color temperature.

[0045] The control box 14 comprises a communication module 16.

[0046] The decoder box 1, via its communication module 8, can communicate with the control box 14, via its communication module 16.

[0047] A link 17 is therefore established between the communication modules 8, 16.

[0048] This connection 17 can be a wired connection, or use radio signals, infrared (using for example IrDA technology), light (using for example LiFi technology), or any other type of appropriate signals.

[0049] The communication protocol used can be, for example, a Bluetooth, ZigBee, Z-Wave type protocol, or any type of protocol that can be exposed via communication interfaces, such as those used for home automation applications.

[0050] The connection 17 can be established via direct access to the communication network shared between the decoder box 1 and the control box 14, for example in the case where a compatible radio interface exists in the decoder box 1. This is for example the case for a Wi-Fi connection, or if the decoder box 1 is equipped with ZigBee / Z-Wave radio interfaces.

[0051] The fact that the set-top box 1 and the control box 14 are directly connected to the same communication network does not necessarily mean that the link 17 is a direct link. The link can be established indirectly, by means of one or more relays. This is the case, for example, if an external Wi-Fi access point is used, or in a mesh network if one or more intermediate nodes are necessary to establish a route between the set-top box 1 and the control box 14.

[0052] The connection 17 can also be made by means of an external gateway (home automation gateway), which could perform a protocol translation, and thus allow a connection 17 between the decoder box 1 and the control box 14, without them having a protocol in common. This could for example be the case for a gateway exposing via the protocol http the parameters of the control box 14 which would communicate in ZigBee, or even via a border router (network gateway) which would expose via the protocol http the equipment of a type network Thread (which is a low-power mesh networking technology).

[0053] We now describe, with reference to the figure 2 , the different stages of the ambient light management process.

[0054] The processing unit 9 of the decoder box 1 first detects the start of the broadcasting of a first current program Pc1, which is viewed by the user: step E1.

[0055] Detecting the broadcast of this new program can be done in different ways.

[0056] The processing unit 9 can, for example, detect the start of a new program on a channel currently being viewed.

[0057] The processing unit 9 can also detect the start of playback of VOD or PVR content.

[0058] The processing unit 9 can also detect a channel change ( zapping ).

[0059] Following the detection of the start of the broadcasting of the first current program Pc1, the processing unit 9 will control the control box 14 of the lighting device 12, via the link 17, so that the lighting device 12 adjusts the ambient light according to the first current program. The processing unit 9 sends a first command C1 to the control box 14 for this purpose.

[0060] However, before transmitting the first command C1 to the lighting device 12, the processing unit 9 waits for the first current program to be broadcast for a predetermined duration Ta: step E2. This predetermined duration Ta is for example equal to 60 seconds or 120 seconds.

[0061] This step E2 aims to avoid untimely adjustments, for example when the user is in the process of zapper between chains.

[0062] Step E2 is optional.

[0063] The processing unit 9 then checks, before transmitting the first command C1 to the lighting device 12, that there is still at least a predefined duration Tb of the first current program to be broadcast: step E3. This predefined duration is for example equal to 5 minutes or 10 minutes.

[0064] This E3 step aims to avoid too frequent adjustments, for example when chaining short programs.

[0065] Step E3 is optional.

[0066] If the first current program is broadcast on a channel, the processing unit can also check, before transmitting the first command C1 to the lighting device 12, that the user has remained on the channel broadcasting the first current program for at least a predefined duration Tc: step E4.

[0067] For example, let's consider a situation where the user is "zapping." The user spends, for example, 30 seconds to 1 minute on each channel before moving on to the next. In this case, it is best to avoid the light changing every time the channel changes. We therefore allow a delay of 1 minute (Tc) before changing the light.

[0068] Step E4 is optional.

[0069] The processing unit 9 then determines the first current values ​​of light parameters, associated with the first current program, which will be used to adjust the ambient light: step E5.

[0070] Then, the processing unit 9 checks one or more conditions on the applicability of the first current values ​​of the light parameters.

[0071] The condition(s) can be defined by the user. These conditions must be verified for the processing unit 9 to consider that the adjustment of the lighting, corresponding to the first current values ​​of the lighting parameters, is authorized.

[0072] The user can in fact prohibit the adjustment of certain lighting parameters, or prohibit ranges of values ​​for certain lighting parameters. The user can also authorize the adjustment of certain lighting parameters, or the application of certain ranges of values ​​for certain lighting parameters, but only over one or more time ranges that he has himself defined. In this case, the processing unit 9 acquires the current time and checks the condition(s).

[0073] Checking the condition(s) on the applicability of the first current values ​​of the light parameters is an optional step.

[0074] The processing unit 9 then checks, before transmitting the first command C1 to the lighting device 12, that the first current values ​​are compatible with the operation of the lighting device 12: step E6.

[0075] The processing unit 9 therefore checks the adequacy of the first current values ​​of the light parameters in relation to the capacities of the lighting device 12 (and therefore also the capacity of the lighting device 12 to act on said light parameters to adjust the ambient light).

[0076] For example, some lighting devices might not allow color temperature adjustment, while they allow brightness adjustment.

[0077] The values ​​of the parameters could also be outside the range admissible by the lighting device. For example, the color temperature setpoint of a program could be 5000°K, while the lighting device 12 allows the color temperature to be adjusted only over a range from 2700°K to 4500°K. In such a case, the processing unit 9 will then limit the values ​​of said parameter to the admissible range (4500°K in this example).

[0078] For this, the processing unit 9 acquires functional characteristics of the lighting device 12, which are transmitted to it by the control box 14.

[0079] Step E6 is optional.

[0080] The processing unit 9 then applies the new values ​​of the light parameters: step E7. The processing unit 9 sends the first command C1 which indicates to the control box 14 the first current values ​​of the light parameters to be applied, which are associated with the first current program.

[0081] It can be provided that the lighting adjustments are only applied when a user is detected in the room, in order to avoid unnecessary untimely adjustments. For example, it is the decoder box 1 which detects the presence of the user in the room. The processing unit 9 thus verifies, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device 12, that the user is indeed present in the room. The processing unit 9 uses a presence detection device for this purpose. This device is for example integrated into the decoder box 1. The detection device comprises for example the camera of the decoder box 1, coupled to a person detection algorithm, which could for example be executed on an NPU type coprocessor included in the processing unit 9.

[0082] Set-top box 1 could use any other type of detection device to verify user presence. It could use its proximity sensor, or its microphones coupled with a noise and / or voice detection algorithm.

[0083] The decoder box 1 could also acquire information on user presence, which would be transmitted by other equipment.

[0084] This step is optional.

[0085] Optionally also, the light adjustments resulting from the application of the first current values ​​of the light parameters are applied progressively, for example during an adjustment duration of a few seconds (3 seconds for example).

[0086] Optionally again, the adjustment duration can be different depending on the light settings. For example, the light intensity adjustment duration can be set to 2 seconds, while the color temperature adjustment duration can be set to 30 seconds.

[0087] Optionally, the previous state of the lighting is restored at the end of the first current program (or a predetermined time before the end of the program, for example equal to 10 seconds), in order to restore the lighting to its initial conditions (such as before the adjustment).

[0088] Optionally, the lighting could be adjusted before the start of the first current program. In particular, in the case where the transition is gradual, it is possible to make the end of the transition coincide with the start of the first current program.

[0089] We are now more particularly interested in step E5, that is to say in the manner in which the processing unit 9 determines the adjustment of the light parameters.

[0090] In reference to the figure 3 , the processing unit 9 of the decoder box 1 retrieves first program information Ip1 linked to the first current program whose broadcasting has just started: step E10.

[0091] The processing unit 9 retrieves for example this first program information Ip1 in a first database 20 called here “program database” comprising program information Ip. The processing unit 9 accesses the first program information Ip1 via the identifier of the first current program.

[0092] The IP program information includes metadata that allows the program to be classified, such as a program ID, a program genre and / or subgenre ID, and a channel ID. The genre and subgenre are defined, for example, according to DVB standards (for Digital Video Broadcasting ) . The program information also contains the start and end time of the program, which are necessary to check in particular the remaining time, or to make the transition before the start of the program.

[0093] A program's genre is, for example, "sport" or "film." A subgenre of the "sport" genre is, for example, "football" or "athletics." A subgenre of the "film" genre is, for example, "action film" or "comedy."

[0094] The program information Ip can be obtained by the decoder box 1 from an external data source 21 (visible on the figure 1 ). The decoder box 1 obtains this program information by a suitable means 22 (IP link, DSL, cable, satellite, etc.).

[0095] Ip program information covers at least the information relating to the program currently being viewed (first current program), but can also cover all available programs, immediately or in the near future (for example in the next 7 or 14 days).

[0096] Program information can be sent to the set-top box 1 in the form of EIT ( Event Information Table ) , as defined in ETSI TS 101 211 (DVB), or in any other appropriate form.

[0097] Program information may also be contained in the file manifest (eg in the case of DASH or HLS broadcasting).

[0098] The external source 21 comprises, for example, a server of the telecom operator (in the case of IP broadcasting), or a server of the broadcaster, or a third party server providing additional metadata related to the programs. The server may optionally be queried on demand by the decoder box 1.

[0099] The program database 20 can be stored locally in the decoder box 1 (for example via a periodic download, and for example in one of the memories 11), or be located on a remote server.

[0100] If the program database 20 does not contain first program information Ip1 associated with the first current program, the processing unit 9 may optionally replace it with the genre / sub-genre information of the channel comprising the program.

[0101] The processing unit 9 then accesses a second database 23, here called the “light parameter database”. The light parameter database 23 comprises reference values ​​Vref of light parameters associated with program metadata.

[0102] Program metadata here includes: first identifiers, each of which identifies a particular program; second identifiers, each of which identifies a genre or subgenre of program; third identifiers, each of which identifies a channel broadcasting programs.

[0103] The processing unit 9 attempts to determine the first current values ​​Vc1 of the light parameters which best correspond to the first current program, using the first program information Ip1 from the program database 20 and associated with the first current program. The processing unit 9 retrieves the first current values ​​of the light parameters: step E11.

[0104] Once the processing unit 9 has recovered the first current values ​​of the light parameters, the method returns to step E6 (of the figure 2 ).

[0105] We are now interested in the light parameter base 23.

[0106] In a first embodiment, the light parameter base 23 comprises first reference values ​​Vref1 of the light parameters associated with first program metadata, said first reference values ​​being defined by the user.

[0107] The adjustment of the light parameters therefore corresponds to learning based on user actions: the base 23, which can be local (and therefore stored in the decoder box 1, and for example in one of the memories 11) or remote, is supplied by the user actions.

[0108] We describe, always with reference to the figure 3 , the way in which base 23 is powered.

[0109] When the user views a second current program Pc2, which is therefore being broadcast, new lighting parameters are applied (for example at the start of the second current program): step E6'. This step E6' is optional here. This step is called E6' and not E7: step E7 is in fact required in the implementation of the management method shown in the figure 2 , whereas step E6' is only optional in the implementation of the method of the figure 3 . In the case of the figure 3 , when the user views the second current program, it is in fact not necessary for new parameters to have been applied at the start of the broadcast for the user to adjust the lighting parameters himself.

[0110] The user then decides to adjust the ambient light: step E12. He sends a second command C2 to this effect to the decoder box 1, using for example the remote control 5 (and therefore via the link 7). Alternatively, the user sends a command to the control box 14 which notifies the decoder box 1.

[0111] The processing unit 9 receives the second command, and produces second current values ​​Vc2 of the light parameters according to the second command.

[0112] The processing unit 9 then transmits a third command C3 to the control box 14 of the lighting device 12, so that the latter adjusts the ambient light according to said second current values.

[0113] The decoder box 1 then stores the second current values ​​Vc2 in the light parameter base 23, associating them with metadata of the second current program Pc2. The first reference values ​​Vref1 of the light parameters of the light parameter base 23 then now comprise the second current values ​​Vc2, and the first program metadata then comprise said metadata of the second current program.

[0114] The processing unit 9 therefore stores in the light parameter base 23 the second current values ​​of the light parameters associated with a first identifier of the second current program and, possibly, with a second identifier of the genre and / or the sub-genre of the second current program and / or with a third identifier of the channel broadcasting the second current program, and / or with the current time.

[0115] Before storing the second current values ​​Vc2 of the light parameters in the light parameter base 23, the processing unit 9 checks that, following receipt of the second command C2, the user has not attempted to adjust the ambient light again for a predefined duration Td. The predefined duration is for example equal to 30 seconds or 1 minute.

[0116] Decoder box 1 thus ensures that the user leaves the lighting parameters at their value (and therefore makes no further adjustments). This step is optional.

[0117] The light adjustment of the first embodiment is therefore an adjustment based solely on user actions, without prior information. The light parameter base does not require being powered by a third-party external system.

[0118] We are now interested, with reference to the figure 4 , at step E11, that is to say at the recovery of the first current values ​​Vc1 of the light parameters, corresponding to the first current program.

[0119] The processing unit 9 retrieves from the program database 20 the first program information Ip1 associated with the first current program: step E20.

[0120] Then, the processing unit 9 accesses the light parameter base 23. The processing unit 9 will select, from the light parameter base 23, first current values ​​Vc1 of the light parameters, which are associated with program metadata corresponding to the first current program Pc1.

[0121] To do this, the processing unit 9 first checks that the program metadata of the light parameter base 23 includes a first identifier of the first current program: step E21.

[0122] If this is the case, the processing unit 9 selects the reference values ​​of the light parameters associated with the first identifier, which become the first current values ​​Vc1: step E22.

[0123] If this is not the case, the processing unit 9 verifies that the program metadata of the light parameter base 23 includes a second identifier of a genre and / or a sub-genre of the first current program: step E23.

[0124] If this is the case, the processing unit 9 selects the reference values ​​associated with said second identifier, which therefore become the first current values ​​Vc1: step E22.

[0125] If the program metadata of the light parameter base 23 does not contain the second identifier, the processing unit 9 verifies that the program metadata includes a third identifier of a channel on which the first current program is broadcast: step E24.

[0126] If this is the case, the processing unit 9 selects the reference values ​​associated with the third identifier, which therefore become the first current values ​​Vc1: step E22.

[0127] If the light parameter base 23 does not contain the third identifier, the processing unit 9 selects default values ​​Vd of the light parameters: step E25. These default values ​​Vd therefore become the first current values ​​Vc1: step E22.

[0128] Step E25 is optional, because in case no match was found in the previous steps, the processing unit 9 could either apply default values ​​or not apply new parameters (the current values ​​are retained).

[0129] Note that for each of the steps E21, E23, E24, E25, the processing unit 9 can also take into account the current time to choose the parameters from the base.

[0130] For example, the processing unit 9 may retain, when searching in the light parameter database 23, only the reference values ​​of light parameters previously applied by the user in a predefined duration slot extending before and / or after the current time. The predefined duration is for example equal to 60 minutes, and the slot thus begins 30 minutes before the current time and ends 30 minutes after the current time. This makes it possible to have light parameter values ​​that change during the day (example: different parameters during the day and in the evening).

[0131] We are again interested in determining the adjustment of the light parameters.

[0132] In a second embodiment, with reference to the figure 5 , the light parameter base 23 comprises second reference values ​​Vref2 of the light parameters, associated with second program metadata.

[0133] The second reference values ​​Vref2 are stored in the light parameter database 23 by a third-party external system. The light adjustment is therefore an adjustment with prior information.

[0134] Here, "third-party external system" means, for example, a content (program) distributor, a telecom operator (in the case of IP broadcasting) or an external data provider. The external data provider provides additional metadata related to the programs on a server.

[0135] Again, the light parameter base 23 may be stored locally in the set-top box 1 (e.g. via periodic download), or be located on a remote server.

[0136] Step E30, using the program database 20, proceeds in a similar manner to step E10.

[0137] Step E30 could be optional, being replaced directly by step E31.

[0138] In step E31, the processing unit 9 uses the program information Ip (program identifier, or failing that, program genre, or failing that, channel identifier, or failing that, channel genre) to retrieve, from the light parameter base 20, the target light parameters to be used with the program.

[0139] Optionally, steps E30 and E31 can be combined, for example if the program information directly contains the light parameter information. This could for example be the case in a DVB environment, if the light parameters are contained in a private field of the EITs.

[0140] In a third embodiment, the light parameter base 23 may comprise both first reference values ​​Vref1 of the light parameters (resulting from learning based on user actions), and second reference values ​​Vref2 (provided by the third-party system).

[0141] If, for the first current program, first reference values ​​Vref1 and second reference values ​​Vref2 are present in the light parameter base 23, the processing unit 9 gives priority to the first reference values ​​(and therefore to the adjustment information defined by the user; the optional step E25 will not be carried out). If the light parameter base 23 does not contain first reference values ​​corresponding to the first current program, then the processing unit 9 will try to obtain second reference values ​​corresponding to the first current program.

[0142] This allows for a system that provides “basic” adjustments, while prioritizing consideration of user habits.

[0143] The ambient light adjustment, performed by the external device, may include one or more light adjustments of different parameters, and for example: a light intensity adjustment; a color adjustment; a color temperature adjustment.

[0144] The values ​​of the light parameters can be absolute or relative values.

[0145] For example, for a program of genre "film" and sub-genre "adventure film", the values ​​of the light parameters can be for example: 20% reduction in light intensity; color temperature of 2800°K.

[0146] For a “sport” type program, the values ​​of the light parameters can be for example: color temperature of 4000°K.

[0147] For a "news" type program, the values ​​of the light parameters can be, for example: color temperature of 3500°K.

[0148] Optionally, it is possible to define limits applicable to the values ​​of the lighting parameters to be modified (for example via internal settings of the set-top box, or via user parameters). For example, the user could restrict the adjustment of the color temperature so that it does not exceed 4000°K, or restrict the adjustment of the light intensity so that it is always at least 30% of the maximum value.

[0149] As already mentioned, these terminals can be advantageously combined with time restrictions, such as allowing the full color temperature adjustment range during the day, and restricting the maximum temperature to 3500°K during the time slot 9 p.m. - 6 a.m. In the previous example of the "sport" genre program, this program will therefore trigger a color temperature of 4000°K during the day, but only a temperature of 3500°K during the night slot, which will reduce the user's exposure to blue light.

[0150] Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiments described but encompasses any variant falling within the scope of the invention.

[0151] The architecture of the set-top box can of course be different from that described here. The communication module allowing the set-top box to control the lighting device is not necessarily integrated into a home automation controller itself integrated into the set-top box: it could be any type of communication module. The set-top box could also communicate with the lighting device via a home automation interface (distinct from the set-top box and the lighting device).

[0152] The set-top box does not necessarily include all of the components described herein. Those skilled in the art will understand that the camera, microphones, etc., are not necessary to implement the invention.

[0153] The set-top box and the lighting device could be integrated into the same equipment.

[0154] The control box and light sources of the lighting device could be integrated into the same equipment.

[0155] The order of certain steps in the ambient light management process can be modified (and in particular the order of steps E2, E3, E4).

[0156] The viewing device does not necessarily have to be a television. It could be, for example, a video projector or any other device that can be connected to a set-top box.

Claims

1. Method for managing ambient light, implemented in a set-top box (1) which is connected to a viewing device (2) and to a lighting device (12) arranged to adjust ambient light, the management method comprising the steps of: - detecting a start of a broadcasting of a first current programme (Pc1); - accessing a light parameter base (23) comprising reference values (Vref) of light parameters associated with programme metadata; - selecting, in the light parameter base (23), first current values (Vc1) of said light parameters, which are associated with programme metadata corresponding to the first current programme (Pc1); - transmitting a first command (C1) to the lighting device (12), such that the lighting device adjusts the ambient light according to said first current values of the light parameters, the light parameter base (23) comprising first reference values (Vref1) of the light parameters associated with first programme metadata, said first reference values being defined by the user, characterized in that the set-top box (1) is arranged to: - receive a second command (C2) from a user who wishes to adjust the ambient light while a second current programme (Pc2) is being broadcast; - producing second current values (Vc2) of the light parameters according to the second command; - transmitting a third command (C3) to the lighting device (12), such that the lighting device adjusts the ambient light according to said second current values; - storing the second current values in the light parameter base (23) by associating them with metadata of the second current programme, such that the first reference values thus comprise the second current values, and the first programme metadata thus comprise said metadata of the second current programme.

2. Management method according to claim 1, wherein the set-top box (1) is arranged to, before storing the second current values (Vc2) in the light parameter base (23), verify that, following the receiving of the second command, the user has not attempted to adjust the ambient light again for a predefined first duration (Td).

3. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light parameter base (23) comprises second reference values (Vref2) of the light parameters associated with second programme metadata, said second reference values being stored in the light parameter base by a third-party external system.

4. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) is arranged to wait for the first current programme to be broadcast for a predefined second duration (Ta) before transmitting the first command (C1) to the lighting device (12).

5. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) verifies, before transmitting the first command (C1) to the lighting device (12), that at least one predefined third duration (Tb) of the first current programme to be broadcast still remains.

6. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) verifies, before transmitting the first command (C1) to the lighting device (12), that the user remains on a channel broadcasting the first current programme for at least one predefined fourth duration (Tc).

7. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) verifies, before transmitting the first command (C1) to the lighting device (12), that the first current values are compatible with an operation of the lighting device (12).

8. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) comprises a detection device arranged to detect a presence of the user in a room, wherein the set-top box is located, and wherein the set-top box is arranged to verify, before transmitting the first command to the lighting device (12), that the user is actually present in said room.

9. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the set-top box (1) is arranged to, when it selects in the light parameter base (23), the first current values according to the first current programme: - verify that the programme metadata of the light parameter base (23) comprise a first ID of the first current programme; - if this is the case, select the reference values associated with the first ID; - if this is not the case, verify that the programme metadata comprise a second ID of a genre and / or of a subgenre of the first current programme and, if this is the case, select the reference values associated with the second ID.

10. Management method according to claim 9, wherein the set-top box (1) is arranged to, if the programme metadata of the light parameter base (23) does not contain the second ID: - verify that the programme metadata comprise a third ID of a channel on which the first current programme is broadcast and, if this is the case, select the reference values associated with the third ID.

11. Management method according to claim 10, wherein the set-top box (1) is arranged to, if the light parameter base (23) does not contain the third ID, select default values (Vd) of the light parameters.

12. Management method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the light parameter base (23) is stored in the set-top box (1).

13. Set-top box (1) comprising a processing unit (9), wherein the management method according to one of the preceding claims is implemented.

14. Computer program comprising instructions which make the processing unit (9) of the set-top box (1) according to claim 13 run the steps of the management method according to one of claims 1 to 12.

15. Recording medium which can be read by a computer, on which the computer program according to claim 14 is recorded.

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