Management of the rendering of an item of multimedia content

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for managing the rendering of content (C1) on a screen (TV), the content having several qualities available for selection, the rendering of the content being associated with a selection interface (INT) comprising at least one selection zone (Z1-Z3) associated with a function and capable of being manipulated by means of a cursor (CRS), characterised in that, when the content is rendered, the quality selected for the rendering of the content is a function of a state of the cursor in conjunction with the selection interface (INT).

Description

Managing the restitution of multimedia content

[0001] The field of the invention is that of managing the reproduction of digital multimedia content, namely digital audio and / or video content. More specifically, the invention relates to managing the reproduction of multimedia content when this content is reproduced at the same time as a selection interface on the screen. We will see later that the reproduction of content and the selection interface can be done on the same screen or on two separate screens.

[0002] The invention particularly targets content accessible in several formats associated with respective byte sizes having more or less impact on the bandwidth of the network on which the content is downloaded. The invention particularly targets content downloaded using a technique known as adaptive progressive downloading, or HAS, or any other download techniques using the same principle.

[0003] The invention applies to any system in which simultaneous reproduction of multimedia content and a selection interface is required. Such a system is, for example, a TV decoder, a Web TV, a Connected TV, a digital TV decoder, etc.

[0004] A selection interface refers to a graphical interface comprising selectable tabs associated with respective functions such as access to currently broadcast content (called live content), access to an integrated recorder, access to on-demand content, access to settings, etc.

[0005] As previously stated, the selection interface can be rendered on the same screen as the content being downloaded or on a remote screen. State of the art

[0006] Access to multimedia content, such as television or video on demand, from an Internet-type network is now possible for most playback terminals, particularly when they are part of a local communications network, such as a home network.

[0007] The terminal generally sends a request to a server, indicating the chosen content; the terminal receives in return a stream of digital data relating to this content. In the context of a local communication network, such a request passes through the network access gateway, for example the residential gateway.

[0008] The terminal is adapted to receive digital content in the form of multimedia data and to request a reproduction of this content on a reproduction device. The received data corresponding to a video are generally decoded, then reproduced in the form of a display of the corresponding video with its associated soundtrack. In the following, for the sake of simplification, we will assimilate the digital content to a video and the reproduction by the terminal, or consumption by the user of the terminal, to a display on the terminal screen.

[0009] The distribution of digital content on the Internet is often based on client-server protocols of the HTTP (Hyper Text Transport Protocol) family. In particular, progressive downloading of digital content, also called streaming, allows data to be transported and consumed in real time, i.e. the digital data is transmitted over the network and restored by the terminal as it arrives. The terminal receives and stores part of the digital data in a buffer before restoring it. This distribution method is particularly useful when the user's bandwidth is not guaranteed for real-time video transfer.

[0010] Adaptive progressive downloading, or HTTP Adaptive Streaming, abbreviated to HAS, also allows data to be broadcast and received in different qualities, corresponding for example to different bit rates. These different qualities are described in a description file, called a "manifest" by those skilled in the art, available for download on a data server, for example a content server. When the client terminal wishes to access content, this description file allows the selection of the right format for the content to be consumed based on the available bandwidth or the storage and decoding capacities of the client terminal. This type of technique makes it possible in particular to take into account bandwidth variations on the link between the client terminal and the content server.

[0011] There are several technical solutions to facilitate the distribution of such streaming content, such as the proprietary solutions Microsoft® Smooth Streaming, Apple® HLS, Adobe® HTTP Dynamic Streaming or the MPEG-DASH standard from the ISO / IEC organization, which will be described below. These methods propose sending the client one or more intermediate description files, also called documents or "manifests", containing the addresses of the different segments with different qualities of the multimedia content.

[0012] Thus, the MPEG-DASH standard (for “Dynamic Adaptive Streaming over HTTP”) is a standard for audiovisual broadcasting formats on the Internet. It is based on the preparation of content in different presentations of varying quality and bitrate, divided into short segments (of the order of a few seconds), also called segments. Each of these segments is made available individually by means of an exchange protocol. The main target protocol is HTTP, but other protocols (e.g., FTP) can also be used. The organization of the segments and the associated parameters are published in a manifest in XML format.

[0013] The principle underlying this standard is that the client terminal makes an estimate of the bandwidth available for receiving segments, and, depending on the filling of its reception buffer, chooses, for the next segment to be loaded, a representation whose flow rate ensures the best possible quality, and allows a reception delay compatible with the uninterrupted rendering of the content.

[0014] Thus, to adapt to varying network conditions, particularly in terms of bandwidth, existing adaptive download solutions allow the client terminal to switch from one version of the content encoded at a certain encoding rate to another encoded at a different rate during the download. Indeed, each version of the content is divided into segments of the same duration. To enable continuous playback of the content on the terminal, each segment must reach the terminal before its scheduled playback time. The perceived quality associated with a segment increases with the segment size, expressed in bits, but at the same time, larger segments require a longer transmission time, and therefore present an increased risk of not being received in time for continuous playback of the content.

[0015] The rendering terminal must therefore find a compromise between the overall quality of the content and its uninterrupted reproduction, by carefully selecting the next segment to download, among the different encoding rates offered. To do this, there are different algorithms for selecting the quality of the content according to the available bandwidth, which can present more or less aggressive, or more or less secure, strategies.

[0016] Current techniques therefore constantly seek to offer optimal image quality. This optimization thus makes it possible to receive good quality streams when network conditions permit.

[0017] However, using a graphical selection interface with rich graphical elements and graphical animations such as displaying a cursor for selecting functions displayed on the interface uses a lot of CPU resources. One problem is that decoding segments associated with high encoding rates uses a lot of processor and can have a negative impact on the use of the interface which then has less CPU resources; the interface can become less responsive; for example, the cursor moves more slowly. This lack of responsiveness results in a less pleasant selection interface to use.

[0018] Furthermore, providing optimal image quality is not always wise, especially when the user in front of the screen displaying the content focuses his attention on the graphical interface.

[0019] The invention improves the situation.

[0020] The invention

[0021] The invention relates to a method for managing the rendering of content on a screen, the content having several qualities available for selection, the rendering of the content being associated with a selection interface, characterized in that, during the rendering of the content, the quality selected for the rendering of the content is a function of data representative of an interaction with the selection interface.

[0022] According to the invention, the content returned is therefore a function of data representative of an interaction and therefore of an activity linked to the selection interface.

[0023] We will see in the following example that the data representing an interaction comes from the location of a cursor on the screen, a state of mobility of the cursor, etc. Thus, if content is being rendered, depending on the state of the cursor the content is replaced by another content (an image, another video, the same video but selecting other encoding rates, etc.).

[0024] According to a first embodiment of the method, the content is downloadable from a communication network; the content is divided into several segments, the segments having several selectable encoding rates; in this configuration, the state of the cursor determines the encoding rate of the segments to be selected for the future segments. Thanks to this mode, the value of the encoding rate selected by the reading terminal for the downloading of the future segments may therefore, in certain circumstances, be lower than the encoding rate value which would be obtained with the conventional techniques for obtaining the encaging rate based on the current bandwidth. This reduction will result in a gain in local CPU resources and therefore a gain in responsiveness of the selection interface.This reduction in encoding speed will also result in an increase in current bandwidth and therefore an improvement in network conditions for other services (Internet access, VOD, etc.) which compete in terms of bandwidth with the downloading of content.

[0025] For example, when the cursor status indicates that the user no longer wishes to continue playing the content, the bitrate may be reduced. This reduction results in a decrease in the bandwidth occupied by the segments during downloading. In addition, this reduction preserves an optimal user experience because, at that moment, the user seems no longer interested, or even no longer interested, in the content being played, but rather in the functions offered by the selection interface. The user, no longer viewing the content, therefore does not notice the decrease in the quality of the content being played.

[0026] According to a second particular embodiment of the invention, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous embodiment, the determined encoding rate is lower than the current encoding rate. In this first embodiment, the second encoding rate is conventionally determined as a function of the current bandwidth as explained in the section devoted to the state of the art. It is then sufficient to select a first rate lower than the second rate to obtain the same advantages as the first embodiment described above.

[0027] According to yet a third particular embodiment of the invention, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous modes, the determined encoding rate is the smallest selectable encoding rate. This second mode simplifies the method by selecting the lowest encoding rate. This simplification avoids a step of determining the encoding rate as a function of the bandwidth; this mode therefore considerably reduces the processing time for obtaining the encoding rate to be used for the future segments because the rate chosen is quite simply the lowest rate.

[0028] According to yet a fourth particular embodiment of the invention, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous ones, the state is a movement of the cursor on the selection interface. Indeed, a simple movement of the cursor, without validation of a function offered by a tab of the selection zone, is evidence of an interest in positioning the cursor on an area of ​​the selection interface; navigation in the graphical interface proves that the attention of the user is focused on the interface and less on the content.

[0029] According to a fifth particular embodiment of the invention, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous ones, the state is a location of the cursor relative to said at least one selection zone of the selection interface. A location makes it possible to identify the zone pointed to by the cursor, meaning the corresponding tab, and the function associated with this zone or tab. For example, if the tab in question concerns access to settings (setting parental control, setting a rendering language, etc.), we can consider in this case that the user who manipulates the cursor is no longer interested in the content at all; a reduction in the encoding rate is judicious in this case; conversely, if the tab in question concerns access to the channel in access to the settings, we can consider in this case that the user who manipulates the cursor is no longer interested in the content at all; a reduction in the encoding rate is judicious in this case.

[0030] According to a sixth particular embodiment of the invention, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous ones, the selection interface comprises at least one selection zone associated with a function; if the content being rendered is content of a given type, and if the function associated with the zone concerns access to said type of content being rendered, in this case the encoding rate is a maximum possible rate depending on the current bandwidth. For example, if the content being rendered is content broadcast live (or live), and if the tab of the selection interface concerns access to live content, the entity will require access to segments of optimal quality. In other words, if the quality has been lowered due to a state of the cursor as indicated above, as soon as the cursor is positioned on a type of tab related to the rendered content, the entity returns to normal operation.

[0031] According to a material aspect, the invention relates to an entity for managing the rendering of content on a screen, the content having several qualities available for selection, the rendering of the content being associated with a selection interface comprising at least one selection zone associated with a function and manipulable by means of a cursor, characterized in that it comprises a selection module capable of selecting, during the rendering of the content, the quality for the rendering of the content depending on a state of the cursor.

[0032] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a reader terminal comprising a management entity as defined above.

[0033] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a computer program capable of being implemented on a management entity as defined above, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, carries out the steps of the management method defined above.

[0034] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a data medium on which at least one series of program code instructions has been stored for the execution of a management method as defined above.

[0035] The medium in question may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium may comprise a storage means, such as a ROM, for example a CD ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard disk. Furthermore, the information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be conveyed via an electrical or optical cable, by radio or by other means. The program according to the invention may in particular be downloaded from a network such as the Internet. Alternatively, the information medium may be an integrated circuit in which the program is incorporated, the circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the method in question.

[0036] The invention will be better understood on reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0037] Larepresents a progressive download architecture on the Internet based on the use of adaptive streaming according to an embodiment of the method of the invention;

[0038] Schematically illustrates the hardware structure of a real-time multimedia stream player terminal integrating an adaptive progressive download management device according to one embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Illustrates content and its different segments;

[0040] Illustrates a possible embodiment of a restitution of content and a selection interface on the same screen;

[0041] Another possible embodiment of a restitution of content and a selection interface on the same screen;

[0042] This shows the evolution of the encoding rate used for the main content according to an embodiment of the method of the invention.

[0043] Illustrates a state of the screen at a given time t1;

[0044] Illustrates a state of the screen at a given time t2 later;

[0045] Illustrates a state of the screen at a given time t3 later.

[0046] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0047] We now present, in relation to the, an architecture for downloading multimedia content.

[0048] In our example, the download is of the progressive type based on the use of HAS adaptive streaming. Let us specify again here that the invention is not limited to HAS technology but extends to all other data download technologies.

[0049] A digital content server SRV is located in this example in the wide area network WAN but it could equally well be located on a home gateway or any other device capable of hosting such a content server.

[0050] The SRV content server receives, for example, digital television content channels from a broadcast television network, not shown, and / or videos on demand, and makes them available to client terminals.

[0051] A client playback terminal, for example a decoder, can communicate with the SRV content server to receive one or more contents (films, documentaries, advertising sequences, etc.).

[0052] Client terminals can be of any kind, for example, an STB decoder, a PC computer, a MOB mobile phone, etc.

[0053] The embodiments will be based on an STB decoder.

[0054] In this client-server context, it is common to use an adaptive progressive download technique, abbreviated to HAS, based on the HTTP protocol, to exchange data between an STB client terminal and the SRV server. This type of technique makes it possible, in particular, to offer good quality content to the user by taking into account the bandwidth variations that may occur on the link between the STB client terminal and a service gateway, and / or between the latter and the SRV content server.

[0055] Conventionally, as will be seen with reference to the, different qualities can be encoded for the same content of a channel, corresponding for example to different encoding rates. More generally, we will speak of quality to refer to a certain resolution of the digital content (spatial resolution, temporal resolution, quality level associated with video and / or audio compression) with a certain encoding rate. Each quality level is itself divided on the content server into time segments (also called "segments" of content by those skilled in the art, in English segments).

[0056] The description of these different qualities and the associated temporal segmentation, as well as the content segments, are described for the client terminal and made available to it via their Internet addresses (URI: Universal Resource Identifier). All of these parameters (qualities, segment addresses, etc.) are generally grouped together in a parameter file, called a description file or "manifest". It should be noted that this parameter file can be a computer file or a set of descriptive information about the content, accessible at a certain address.

[0057] The STB playback terminal, in a progressive adaptive download context, can adapt the access requests it transmits to the server to receive and decode the content requested by the user at the quality that best suits it. In our example, if the content is available at the rates of 400 kb / s (kilobits per second) (Resolution 1, or level 1, noted N1), 800 kb / s (N2), 1200 kb / s (N3) 2100 kb / s (N4) 3000 kb / s (N4) and the client terminal has a bandwidth of 3000 kb / s, it can request the content at any rate lower than this limit, for example 2100 kb / s. Generally, we note "Ci@Nj" the content number i with the quality j (for example the j-th level Nj of quality described in the description file).

[0058] The GTW service gateway is in this example a home gateway which ensures the routing of data between a wide area network (WAN) and the STB decoder, manages digital content by ensuring in particular its reception from the network and its decoding using the STB decoder.

[0059] In this example, to view a content, the client terminal STB first queries the service gateway GTW to obtain an address of the description file of the desired content (e.g., C1). The service gateway responds by providing the terminal with the address of the description file. In the following, we will assume that this file is a manifest file according to the MPEG-DASH standard and we will refer indifferently, depending on the context, to the expression "description file" or "manifest".

[0060] Alternatively, this file can be retrieved directly from a local or external Internet server on the local network, or already be on the service gateway or terminal at the time of the request.

[0061] An example of a manifest file, which will be described below with reference to the, includes the description of contents available in several different qualities (N1 = 400 kb / s, N2 = 800 kb / s, N3 = 1200 kb / s, …).

[0062] Once it has the segment addresses corresponding to the desired content, the GTW service gateway proceeds to obtain the segments by downloading them to these addresses. Note that this download is traditionally done here through an HTTP URL, but could also be done through a universal address (URI) describing another protocol (dvb: / / mycontentsegment for example).

[0063] The STB decoder is used to play a television program on the TV screen. This television program is subsequently referred to as C1 content. Such C1 content is described in a manifest file (see).

[0064] Alternatively, it will be noted that the content C1 may be a television program broadcast on a delayed basis, or a video on demand, or a personal video of the user, or any other multimedia content of fixed duration, for which the invention also applies.

[0065] The STB decoder can be controlled by the user using a remote control. This remote control will allow the user to select tabs on a selection interface. The remote control can be physical or software.

[0066] The represents an architecture of an STB decoder according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0067] The STB decoder typically includes M memories associated with a CPU processor. The memories can be of the ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory) type or even Flash.

[0068] The STB decoder communicates with the GTW gateway via a first communication module COM1 and with the TV via a second communication module COM2.

[0069] The first communication module COM1 is for example a Wi-Fi link. The second communication module is for example an HDMI link.

[0070] The STB decoder further includes an HAS adaptive progressive download module capable of requesting a progressive download of one of the contents at one of the qualities offered in an MNF description file.

[0071] The STB decoder further comprises an ENT management entity, the subject of the invention, the operation of which will be detailed below.

[0072] The STB decoder can also contain other modules such as a hard disk (not shown) for storing video segments, a content access control module, a module for processing commands received from the smartphone.

[0073] We now present, in relation to the, a schematic view of a main content C1 cut into segments and stored in the content server SRV. More precisely, the content server HAS exposes a video C1 in the form of segments C1i@Nj encoded at different encoding rates Nj, where the index i designates a temporal identifier of the segment C1i@Nj.

[0074] According to the prior art, the HAS download module, called classic download mode below, of the STB decoder is responsible for retrieving the segments from the HAS content server by choosing the video quality Nj according to the available network resource. We will not describe here in more detail how the HAS download module chooses the encoding rate of the next video segment to be downloaded: there are in fact many algorithms for making this choice, the strategies of which are more or less secure or aggressive. However, it should be remembered that, most often, the general principle of such algorithms is based on the downloading of a first segment at the lowest encoding rate proposed in the manifest file, and on the evaluation of the retrieval time of this first segment.Based on this, the HAS download module assesses whether, based on the segment size and the time taken to retrieve it, network conditions allow the next segment to be downloaded at a higher encoding rate. Some algorithms rely on a gradual increase in the quality level of downloaded content segments; others propose riskier approaches, with jumps in the encoding rate levels of successive segments.

[0075] In the classic case, if a video segment lasts 3 seconds, the recovery of the segment by the HAS download module must not exceed 3 seconds, in order to allow uninterrupted playback of the content by the STB decoder. It is therefore appropriate for the HAS download module to operate the best compromise between a playback quality, and therefore an encoding rate, as high as possible, and the segment download time, which must be sufficiently low to allow continuous playback on the TV set.

[0076] In the embodiment illustrated in, the HAS download module controls the download of a segment at the optimal encoding rate as described in more detail later.

[0077] First, the HAS module retrieves the MNF manifest file corresponding to the video content C1 in order to discover the available segments of the video content C1, and the different video qualities Nj associated with them. In the example of the, the content C1 is for example offered in the form of segments of duration 3s, with a first encoding rate N1 = 400 kb / s, a second encoding rate N2 = 800 kb / s, a third encoding rate N3 = 1200 kb / s, etc.

[0078] In a normal operating mode, not illustrated on the, the HAS module operates the downloading for example, of successive segments C11@N1 (i.e. the first time segment at an encoding rate of 400 kb / s), then C12@N3 (i.e. the second time segment at an encoding rate of 1200 kb / s), then C13@N3 (i.e. the third time segment at an encoding rate of 1200 kb / s), etc.

[0079] The different segments downloaded by the HAS download module are transmitted to an AFF display module capable of requesting a display on the TV screen.

[0080] The algorithm implemented by the HAS download module to determine which segment at which encoding rate should be downloaded in normal operation mode may be one of the already existing algorithms of the prior art. This algorithm will therefore not be described here in more detail.

[0081] As previously stated, with reference to the, in our example, a selection interface INT is accessible and can be rendered at the same time as the video content C1 on the same screen. On the, the television content C1 is located in the background and the selection interface INT in the foreground.

[0082] According to a variant, with reference to the, the INT selection interface could also be rendered on a remote screen, for example on a TAB tablet, a mobile phone, or any other connected equipment equipped with a screen.

[0083] The INT interface could also be displayed both on the television screen and on a remote screen.

[0084] The method of the invention applies in the same way whether the rendering of the content and the interface is carried out on the same screen or not.

[0085] The INT interface includes at least one selectable zone Z1-Z3. More precisely, a zone is associated with a function. A function targets, for example, access to a recorder, access to video on demand, access to live broadcast content, access to settings, etc.

[0086] In the following example, the INT selection interface includes selectable tabs located in three zones Z1, Z2 and Z3, respectively:- the tab in zone Z1 is for access to video on demand

[0087] - The Z2 zone tab provides access to live content typically broadcast on television channels

[0088] - The Z3 zone tab provides access to content stored on a recorder.

[0089] The number of zones is indifferent.

[0090] At the bottom of the screen, a banner also appears, including a series of live content currently being broadcast and selectable from a remote control.

[0091] A CRS cursor can be moved on the interface and positioned on the selection interface. On the, the cursor is represented by an arrow.

[0092] Two types of actions can be applied to the different tabs: Positioning the CRS cursor on the tab, to be distinguished from an execution or validation; in this case, information makes the positioning of the CRS cursor visible on the screen; for example, the tab is highlighted; or it flashes. Execution or validation of the function associated with the tab; Unlike a positioning which consists of locating on the screen the tab on which the CRS cursor is placed, an execution consists of executing the function associated with the tab. Execution is generally carried out by pressing a validation key, for example an "OK" key on a remote control.

[0093] In our example, the ENT management entity will modify the way segments are downloaded based on data representing an interaction with the interface. The data is, for example, a cursor state. A CRS cursor state targets, for example, a mobility of the CRS cursor on the selection interface, a location of the CRS cursor on the screen when the cursor is positioned on the screen, etc.

[0094] It is assumed that C1 content is being played on the TV screen. Depending on the state of the CRS cursor, the ENT management entity may request the playback of content other than the content currently being played.

[0095] For example, depending on the selected area Z1-Z3 on the screen, the content can replace the content currently being rendered with other content. In the context of adaptive downloading, the other content can be the same content but at a lower or even higher encoding rate. The ENT entity will therefore, depending on the state of the cursor, impose an encoding rate on the HAS download module. In our example, the imposed encoding rate will be chosen from the rates lower than the rate calculated conventionally according to the prior art techniques described above, or even the lowest encoding rate among the rates offered for selection.

[0096] For example, if the selected area is the ENR or VOD tab, this means that the user is interested in something other than the content being played; in this case, the ENT entity requests a reduction in the encoding rate from the HAS download module and continues playing the content with this encoding rate.

[0097] On the other hand, if the selected area is the area associated with the LIV tab, we can assume that the user will request the execution of the live content access function; in this case; the ENT entity requests normal operation from the HAS download module; the HAS module then accesses the segments conventionally based on the current bandwidth and selecting an optimal bit rate in relation to this bandwidth. In this case, if the encoding bit rate has been lowered by the ENT entity, the latter requests a resumption of the download in a conventional manner.

[0098] For the above reasons, each tab Z1-Z3 will be associated with a value specifying whether a particular treatment should be applied, for example a reduction of the encoding rate below the rate that would normally be selected.

[0099] In our example a binary value (0 or 1) is associated with the zones / tabs signifying whether or not to reduce the encoding rate.

[0100] Zone Z1 – binary code 1

[0101] Zone Z2 – binary code 0

[0102] Zone Z3 – binary code 1

[0103] Any other values ​​could have been used in association with a zone, the purpose of this value being to distinguish two types of zone; this distinction then allowing a particular treatment to be carried out or not.

[0104] If a Z1-Z3 tab is selected, the ENT management entity checks the associated code and modifies or not its operation for the download of future segments: Code 1: a specific selection mode is implemented; in this mode, the ENT entity requires the download module to select a bit rate lower than that which would be requested in the classic mode; Code 0: the entity requires the download module to operate normally; the classic mode of bit rate selection based on bandwidth is implemented.

[0105] According to the invention, in the specific mode, the encoding rate is selected according to a state of the cursor. We will see in the following that the state of the CRS cursor targets several embodiments. Indeed, the state can target a location of the cursor, or a state of mobility (whether it is mobile or immobile), etc.

[0106] Illustrates one embodiment. This illustrates the evolution of the encoding rate selected by the HAS download module as a function of time and the choice of encoding rates as a function of time depending on the state of the CRS cursor, namely in our example the location of the cursor on the screen and the binary code associated with the zone.

[0107] In the example, the current access bandwidth BP (usually expressed in GB for Giga Bytes) to the RES network varies over time.

[0108] It is considered that 4 encoding rates N1-N4 are available for the content to be downloaded C1.

[0109] The download starts at time t0.

[0110] From time t0 to time t1, it is considered that no tab is selected via the cursor. The HAS download module conventionally selects for the main content C1 a first maximum bit rate N4 lower than the bandwidth and receives segments with this encoding bit rate N4. In a second step, as the bandwidth decreases, the module selects the bit rate N3 with the same principle.

[0111] In the following, the positioning of the CRS cursor will be illustrated as hatching in the selected tab.

[0112] At time t1, with reference to the, the CRS cursor moves following the reception of a command from a control device. At this time t1, the CRS cursor is positioned on the zone Z1; the zone Z1 of the selection interface is selected SEL(Z1); this zone Z1 is hatched on the; on the screen, this zone could be highlighted to highlight the location of the selection on the TV screen. Following the selection of the zone Z1, the management entity ENT checks the binary code associated with the zone Z1, namely the binary code 1. In this case, as explained above, the entity manages the download according to a specific selection mode in which the entity selects a bit rate lower than that which would be requested in the classic mode; In our example, the entity selects the minimum encoding bit rate N1.

[0113] The minimum encoding rate is selected for future segments as long as zone Z1 is selected, i.e. until time t2

[0114] At this time t2, with reference to the, the CRS cursor moves and is positioned in the zone Z3 which is selected. Following the selection of the zone Z3 (which is hatched on the), the management entity ENT checks the binary code associated with the zone, namely the binary code 1. In this case, as explained above, the entity manages the download according to a specific selection mode in which the entity selects a bit rate lower than that which would be requested in the classic mode; In our example, the entity continues the selection of the minimum encoding bit rate N1.

[0115] The minimum encoding rate N1 is selected for future segments as long as zone Z1 is selected, i.e. until time t3.

[0116] At this time t3, with reference to the, the CRS cursor moves to the zone Z2. Following the selection of the zone Z2, the ENT management entity checks the binary code associated with the zone, namely the binary code 0. In this case, as explained above, the entity requests a HAS download conventionally by selecting an optimal encoding rate in terms of quality, namely N3 then N4 in the figure.

[0117] The above embodiment is based on the location of the CRS cursor on the screen. According to another embodiment, a mobility of the CRS cursor can be taken into account. In this case, if the CRS cursor is mobile, a binary code 1 is associated with this mobility; the specific processing manages the download in the specific manner defined above. In this case, as explained above, the ENT entity manages the download according to a specific selection mode in which the entity requires the selection of a bit rate lower than that which would be requested in the classic mode by the HAS download module; In our example, the entity selects the minimum encoding bit rate N1.

[0118] If the CRS cursor is stationary, a binary code 0 is associated with this state. In this case, as explained above, the entity manages the download conventionally by selecting a maximum encoding rate lower than the current bandwidth.

[0119] Finally, let us also specify here that the term module or the term entity can correspond to a software component as well as to a hardware component or a set of hardware and software components, a software component itself corresponding to one or more computer programs or sub-programs or more generally to any element of a program capable of implementing a function or a set of functions as described for the modules concerned. In the same way, a hardware component corresponds to any element of a hardware assembly capable of implementing a function or a set of functions for the module concerned (integrated circuit, smart card, memory card, etc.)

Claims

Method for managing the rendering of content (C1) on a screen (TV), the content having several qualities available for selection, the rendering of the content being associated with a selection interface (INT), characterized in that, during the rendering of the content, the quality selected for the rendering of the content is a function of data representing an interaction with the selection interface. Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that the interface is manipulable by means of a cursor and in that the data representing an interaction is a state of the cursor in connection with the selection interface (INT). Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that the content is divided into several segments, the segments having several selectable encoding rates, in that the content is being downloaded from a communication network with a given encoding rate, and in that the state of the cursor determines the encoding rate of the segments to be selected for future segments. Management method according to claim 3, characterized in that the determined encoding rate is less than the current encoding rate. Management method according to claim 3, characterized in that the determined encoding rate is the smallest selectable encoding rate. Management method according to claim 2, characterized in that the state is a movement of the cursor on the selection interface. Management method according to claim 2, characterized in that the state is a location of the cursor on the selection interface. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a selection interface (INT) comprises at least one selection zone (Z1-Z3) associated with a function, the content being rendered being content of a given type, if the function associated with the zone relates to access to said type of content being rendered, the encoding rate is a maximum possible rate depending on the current bandwidth. A management entity (ENT) for managing the display of content on a screen, the content having several qualities available for selection, the display of the content being associated with a selection interface characterized in that it includes a selection module capable of selecting, during the display of the content, the quality for the display of the content as a function of data representing an interaction with the selection interface. Terminal reader (STB) comprising a management entity (ENT) as defined in claim 9. Computer program capable of being implemented on a management entity (MNG) as defined in claim 9, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, carries out the steps of the process defined in claim 1. Data carrier on which at least one series of program code instructions for the execution of a method according to claim 1 has been stored.

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