Adapting a television graphical interface to the laterality of a user with an associated remote control

Abstract

A method for adapting a graphical interface associated with a multimedia content playback terminal to a user of a remote control associated with said playback terminal, - determination (S1) of the laterality of said user by said remote control, - transmission (S2) of information indicating said laterality by said remote control to said playback terminal, and - adaptation (S3) of said graphical interface by positioning at least one element of said graphical interface according to said laterality. Figure for the abbreviation: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Adaptation of a television graphical interface to the laterality of a user of an associated remote control FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the management of a graphical interface associated with a multimedia content playback terminal, which a user can operate using a remote control. It applies particularly to adapting this interface to the user's laterality.

[0002] Multimedia content playback terminals are devices that display audiovisual content on a screen, or similar means. This content can be stored locally or, more commonly, downloaded from a remote server via a telecommunications network such as the Internet. The download is done by streaming. The content can be played and displayed on the screen as it is being downloaded, without requiring prior downloading and storage.

[0003] These multimedia content playback terminals can be integrated into televisions, or be separate devices connected to televisions.

[0004] They also allow the display of a graphical interface providing access to a set of available multimedia content, so that the user can choose which one they wish to display.

[0005] In general, these TV graphical interfaces are designed to be controlled using a remote control. This remote control allows the user to move the focus within the graphical interface. This control method, which involves moving the focus, is called "spatial navigation." These interfaces are designed to be as intuitive as possible and to best adapt to user needs, while also facilitating accessibility.

[0006] To facilitate these aspects, the design of these interfaces is based on average user behavior or user profiles. For example, the graphical interface may present a main area displaying content currently in production, while other interface elements, providing access to other content, are presented on the right side of the screen because the majority of users are right-handed and it is more natural for them to select elements on that side of the screen.

[0007] Left-handed users can therefore use this interface without too much difficulty, but their experience is slightly less optimized. Controllable graphical interfaces The remote control settings are therefore optimized by design to best suit the average, or majority, user profile (right-handed rather than left-handed). They are static and cannot adapt to each individual user. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention aims to improve upon current prior art proposals. To this end, according to a first aspect, the present invention can be implemented by a method of adapting a graphical interface associated with a multimedia content playback terminal to a user of a remote control associated with said playback terminal, - determination of the laterality of said user by said remote control, - transmission of information indicating said laterality by said remote control of said reading terminal, and, - adaptation of said graphical interface by positioning at least one element of said graphical interface according to said laterality.

[0009] Thus, the graphical interface can dynamically adapt to the user's laterality. If people with different lateralities use the same graphical interface (for example, family members), it will adapt to the person using the remote control at the precise moment of its use.

[0010] Thus, rather than being adapted to a majority of users, the graphical interface can dynamically adapt to all users. The ergonomics and accessibility of the graphical interface are therefore optimized for everyone.

[0011] According to preferred embodiments, the invention comprises one or more of the following features which can be used separately or in partial combination with each other or in total combination with each other: - This determination is carried out by comparing values ​​measured by at least one sensor located substantially near a lateral edge of the remote control. This makes it possible to determine the grip on the remote control with greater precision, and thus further improve the accuracy of the estimation of the user's laterality. - said at least one sensor is a pressure sensor; - said at least one sensor is a heat sensor. - said at least one sensor is a capacitive sensor.

[0012] Thus, several types of sensors can be used, and chosen according to the circumstances, for example, according to the other functionalities of the remote control. It is possible to use several sensor technologies in order to improve the robustness of the detection.

[0013] Another aspect of the invention relates to a remote control comprising at least one sensor and a processor adapted to, in collaboration, determine the laterality of a user of said remote control, and a communication interface adapted to transmit information indicating said laterality to a multimedia content reading terminal associated with said remote control.

[0014] Another aspect of the invention relates to a multimedia content reading terminal comprising a communication interface adapted to receive information indicating the laterality of a user of a remote control associated with said multimedia content reading terminal, and a processor capable of adapting a graphical interface associated with said multimedia content reading terminal by positioning at least one element of said graphical interface according to said laterality.

[0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a computer program suitable for implementation on a multimedia stream reading terminal and on a remote control, comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the process as previously defined.

[0016] Another aspect of the invention relates to a data carrier on which at least one series of program code instructions for the execution of a process as previously defined has been stored.

[0017] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates a context for implementing a process according to embodiments of the invention.

[0019] Figure [Fig. 2] illustrates a flowchart of a process according to one embodiment.

[0020] Fig. 3 illustrates very schematically an example of a functional architecture for a remote control according to one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 illustrates a user holding a remote control in their hand.

[0022] Figure 5 schematically illustrates an example of the functional architecture of a multimedia content playback terminal.

[0023] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0024] The method proposed in this application aims to adapt a graphical interface associated with a multimedia content playback terminal to a user of a remote control associated with this playback terminal. "Associated" means that the remote control is intended to interact with the graphical interface.

[0025] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a system comprising a remote control 10, a multimedia content playback terminal 20, and a graphical interface 31 associated with this terminal.

[0026] The multimedia content playback terminal 20 can be integrated into a television or be a separate piece of equipment, connected to a television (or similar device) via a communication network or a simple wired connection (HDMI, USB, Ethernet™, etc.) or wireless connection (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.).

[0027] Thus, a multimedia content playback terminal 20 can be an electronic device or a software application designed to play and display different types of multimedia content, such as videos, movies, music, photos, and sometimes even games. These terminals are often used to access streaming services, personal media libraries, or locally stored content.

[0028] Examples of multimedia content playback terminals include: - Smart TVs: Smart TVs are equipped with built-in software or applications that allow users to stream and play multimedia content from the Internet or other sources. - Media boxes: devices such as streaming players, set-top boxes, or game consoles can act as media boxes, allowing users to stream and play different types of content on their television. These set-top boxes (or TV boxes, etc.) are specifically designed to allow users to access a range of television services, including live television, video on demand, streaming services, and sometimes even internet browsing, using a broadband connection provided by the operator; - Personal computers, desktop or laptop; - Smartphones and tablets.

[0029] Other devices are obviously also conceivable. The proposed method targets those whose associated graphical interface can be controlled, or operated, by a remote control. Some of the examples above seem less suitable for such use, but it is nevertheless possible to control a tablet by remote control (for example, if the user wishes not to handle it directly in certain contexts).

[0030] Due to the diversity of examples of such multimedia content playback terminals, different situations are possible with regard to the graphical interface associated. This can be embedded in the same physical equipment as the terminal, or remote, as shown in the example in [Fig.1].

[0031] This situation appears for example in the case of a decoder box 20 connected with a television (not necessarily smart) 30. As an example, such a decoder box may be the "Livebox TV" of the company Orange.

[0032] In such a situation, the decoder box 20 (or multimedia content playback terminal) transmits the data to the television 30 to control the graphical interface 31 (and also to transmit the multimedia content itself).

[0033] In [Fig. 1], the graphical interface 31 has been shown enlarged next to the television 31 for readability. It should also be noted that the proposed method also applies when the graphical interface 31 is implemented on a screen belonging to the same equipment as the multimedia content playback terminal, for example, in the case of a smart TV.

[0034] The graphical interface generally consists of several elements, each element being able to be associated with an area, or location, in the interface.

[0035] Typically, a television graphical interface presents selectable multimedia content. This content can be accessed via television channels. The graphical interface elements can display all or part of this multimedia content and television channels, so that the user can select the multimedia content they wish to view.

[0036] The graphical interface can be displayed concurrently with multimedia content, referred to as the main content, which is being streamed and downloaded in HAS mode. The main content can occupy a large area of ​​the screen, while the graphical interface occupies a substantially smaller area, optimized to avoid both obscuring or shrinking the main content and providing readable information to the user.

[0037] In the example of [Fig. 1], the graphical interface 31 comprises a content list 32, itself containing a set of sub-elements 32b, 322...32n. These sub-elements can correspond to n content items or content chains, while the container 32 can correspond to a list called VZL for "Virtual Zapping List" in the case of a graphical interface offered by a "Livebox" reading terminal from the company Orange. Obviously, other embodiments exist, depending on the manufacturers and types of reading terminals, but generally speaking, the graphical interfaces 31 offer one or more elements 32, 32b, 322...32n, which are displayed concurrently with a main content item.

[0038] In general, visual elements such as icons, images, videos and text are arranged in such a way as to intuitively guide users in their navigation. For example, the options can be grouped by categories or organized in a logical order.

[0039] The collaboration between the remote control 10 and the graphical interface 31 enables spatial navigation by the user among the available content. Spatial navigation refers to how users move and interact with the visual elements and functionalities offered on their television screen. This includes how users navigate menus, select options, launch applications, and access content.

[0040] Because of this role, it is important to maximize its interoperability with the user, in order to optimize the ergonomics of the overall system.

[0041] It is thus proposed that at least one element 32 of the graphical interface be positioned according to the laterality of the user of the remote control 10. In the example of [Fig.1], the element whose location depends on laterality is the VZL list, but obviously other options are possible, as well as several elements can be rearranged in the interface according to the laterality of the user.

[0042] By default, this element 32 can be positioned arbitrarily or according to a statistically majority user profile. Thus, in [Fig. 1], element 32 is positioned on the right side of the screen because the majority of users are right-handed.

[0043] Depending on the laterality of the user manipulating the remote control 10, this element 32 can be repositioned.

[0044] In particular, to improve the ergonomics of the interface, it is proposed to position a VZL element allowing the user to choose multimedia content on the side corresponding to the user's laterality, i.e. on the right side of the screen if the user is right-handed or on the left if the user is left-handed.

[0045] On [Fig.1], if the user is left-handed, element 32 would thus be repositioned in zone 33. Similarly, elements 32b, 322, ..., 32n, which are attached to element 32, would also be repositioned in zone 33, according to the user's laterality.

[0046] Fig. 2 illustrates a flowchart of a process enabling such a repositioning of the constituent elements of the graphical interface according to the laterality of the user.

[0047] In a step SI, the user's laterality is determined by means of the remote control 10.

[0048] According to one embodiment, this determination is carried out by comparing values ​​measured by at least one sensor embedded in said remote control.

[0049] In a step SI 1, values ​​of these at least two sensors are measured, then in a step S12, a comparison is made from these measured values ​​in order to obtain the laterality of the user.

[0050] Fig. 3 illustrates very schematically an example of a functional architecture for a remote control.

[0051] This remote control 10 may include at least one sensor 13i, 132 and a processor 12 adapted to, in collaboration, determine the laterality of a user of said remote control,

[0052] According to one embodiment, this (or these) sensor(s) is / are located substantially near a lateral edge. According to one embodiment, at least one sensor 132 is positioned near a right lateral edge, and at least one sensor 13i is positioned near a left lateral edge of the remote control.

[0053] The proximity of the lateral edge depends on the dimensions, particularly the width, of the remote control. The sensors must be sufficiently close to the edge to allow for differentiation between measurements taken on different sensors. For example, they can be placed against a lateral face of the remote control, and / or contained within a narrow band representing, for example, 10 to 20% of the remote control's width. In this way, measurements taken on either side of the central longitudinal axis of the remote control will accurately reflect the user's laterality.

[0054] According to one embodiment, these sensors are intended to measure a local interaction of the user with the remote control.

[0055] From a more functional than structural point of view, the sensors could be described as associated with a lateral edge (rather than "near" an edge), in order to denote their technical effect of measuring a user interaction on a lateral area of ​​the remote control.

[0056] Since holding the remote control in a user's hand is not symmetrical, this measurement of a local interaction in the area corresponding substantially to that of the sensor located near an edge of the remote control makes it possible to estimate whether the user is holding the remote control in their right or left hand.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates a remote control 10 being held in a user's hand. This purely illustrative figure shows that one edge of the remote control is in contact with the palm of the hand, while the other is held more loosely by the fingers of the same hand. This figure illustrates the asymmetrical grip on the remote control.

[0058] It therefore appears that by measuring a local interaction near at least one lateral edge of the remote control, we can deduce the type of grip and therefore the laterality of the user.

[0059] Different types of sensors can be used. According to one embodiment, all the sensors on board the remote control are of the same type, but it is possible to consider different types of sensors in order to provide greater robustness and precision in the determination of laterality.

[0060] Also, sensors can be provided outside the proximity zones of the lateral edges.

[0061] An example of a sensor is a pressure sensor.

[0062] Each pressure sensor records the amount of pressure exerted on the respective area of ​​the remote control. When the remote control is held, the pressure distribution on the sensors may vary depending on the hand used.

[0063] Different types of pressure sensors can be used.

[0064] For example, piezoelectric sensors generate an electrical charge in response to mechanical pressure. Thus, the processor 12 can measure an electrical current whose value depends on the charge induced by the pressure, and thus, indirectly, on the pressure itself. The electrical current measured for all the sensors then makes it possible to deduce the positioning of the hand around the remote control, and consequently, the user's laterality.

[0065] Another sensor technology includes flexible resistance pressure sensors (FSR for "Force-Sensing Resistor"): these sensors measure pressure by detecting the electrical resistance that changes according to the pressure exerted on the surface of the sensor.

[0066] Another technology involves diaphragm pressure sensors. These operate by measuring the deformation of a flexible diaphragm in response to external pressure. When a force is applied to the diaphragm, it deforms, resulting in changes in the electrical or mechanical properties of the sensor, thus enabling the measurement of the applied pressure. One possible model of such a sensor is a thin film force sensor.

[0067] Another example of a sensor is a heat sensor.

[0068] This heat sensor can detect the heat emitted locally by the hand holding the remote control. This heat is greater on the side corresponding to the palm of the hand, thus allowing laterality to be detected.

[0069] An infrared thermometer-type heat sensor measures the infrared radiation emitted by the user's hand when it comes into contact with the remote control. Humans naturally emit heat in the form of infrared radiation, which allows the sensor to detect the presence of the hand.

[0070] Other possible heat sensor technologies include semiconductor temperature sensors, optical fiber temperature sensors, resistance temperature sensors, RTDs (for "Resistance Temperature Detector"), etc.

[0071] Another example of sensors is the capacitive sensor. This type of sensor can include certain pressure sensors that also operate in a capacitive mode, but some capacitive sensors are not necessarily intended for measuring pressure but only the presence or proximity of an object, such as the hand, to the sensor.

[0072] One example is capacitive proximity sensors, which are used to detect the presence of nearby objects without direct physical contact. They are often used in smartphones to turn off the screen when it is near the face during a call, or to activate contactless features in electronic devices.

[0073] We can also mention capacitive motion sensors, capacitive presence sensors, etc.

[0074] Other technologies and other types of sensors are also possible, insofar as they can detect the presence of a hand locally on a part of the remote control

[0075] According to one embodiment, in a step S12, the values ​​measured by the different sensors are compared in order to determine the laterality of the user.

[0076] To do this, it may be necessary to compare a value measured by at least one sensor located near a lateral edge with that measured by at least one other sensor located near an opposite lateral edge.

[0077] If several sensors are located near the same lateral edge (or associated with that same lateral edge), then an average value can be established, for example. The average values ​​of the sensors near the same lateral edge can then be compared to the average values ​​of the sensors near the opposite lateral edge.

[0078] Furthermore, this comparison can be performed over a given period of time. Within this period, measured values ​​can be averaged over time. The duration of this period can be arbitrary and corresponds to the period over which the graphical interface can be adapted. Since a user does not, a priori, have any particular reason to quickly switch the remote control from hand to hand or to pass the remote control to another user very frequently, this period can be relatively long, for example, on the order of a few tenths of a second. A value that is too high (on the order of a second or more) could result in unpleasant latency for the user.

[0079] Thus, at each period, laterality is determined again: if the user passes the remote control to another user (for example, another family member), laterality will be updated automatically.

[0080] Other implementations are also possible.

[0081] For example, it is possible to compare the measurement values ​​of the sensors to threshold values, and thus determine whether the lateral edge associated with the sensor is in contact with a palm of the hand, fingers of the hand, or nothing.

[0082] This embodiment is possible with a single sensor, located near a single lateral edge.

[0083] Once the user's laterality has been determined (step S1), in step S2, information indicating this laterality is transmitted. This transmission is carried out by the remote control 10 to the multimedia content playback terminal 20.

[0084] The transmission is carried out using conventional technological means and in accordance with the pre-established transmission protocol between the two devices.

[0085] The transmission is typically wireless, for example: - Infrared, - Radio frequency Wi-Fi, - Bluetooth, etc.

[0086] Laterality is encoded as information (for example, binary) transmitted via the protocol established between the remote control and the reading device 20. This protocol may be, in particular, one of the standardized or industry-standard protocols such as: - The protocol established by the IrDA (Infrared Data Association). The IrDA is an infrared communication standard that defines the specifications for the wireless exchange of data between electronic devices, including remote controls and multimedia devices. - The Bluetooth HID protocol (for "Human Interface Device"). The Bluetooth HID profile is used for wireless communication between input devices, such as remote controls, and Bluetooth-enabled host devices, such as smart TVs and media players.

[0087] In addition, many proprietary protocols exist, since the remote controls are associated with the reading terminals by the manufacturer itself (and are generally sold in the same package).

[0088] Fig. 5 illustrates very schematically an example of the functional architecture of a multimedia content reading terminal 20.

[0089] In this embodiment, the multimedia content reading terminal 20 includes a communication interface 21 adapted to receive information indicating the user's laterality, transmitted by the remote control 10.

[0090] It also includes a processor 22 capable of adapting the associated graphical interface 31 to the multimedia content reading terminal 20 by positioning at least one element 32 of this graphical interface according to laterality.

[0091] The processor is therefore intended to detach the laterality transmitted by the remote control, and then to control the positioning of at least one element 32, as previously described.

[0092] This control can be carried out locally if the screen is embedded in the same equipment as the terminal 20 (in the case of a smart television, for example), or remotely, via a communication protocol and an interface 23 (in the case where the television and the terminal 20 correspond to two separate pieces of equipment).

[0093] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the examples and embodiment described and illustrated, but is defined by the claims. In particular, it is susceptible of numerous variations accessible to those skilled in the art.

Claims

Demands

1. Method of adapting a graphical interface associated with a multimedia content reading terminal to a user of a remote control associated with said reading terminal, - determination (SI) of the laterality of said user by said remote control, by comparison (S 12) of values ​​measured (SI 1) by a single sensor located substantially near a lateral edge of said remote control, with threshold values ​​to determine whether said lateral edge is in contact with a palm of hand, fingers of hand, or nothing, - transmission (S2) of information indicating said laterality by said remote control to said reading terminal, and - adaptation (S3) of said graphical interface by positioning at least one element of said graphical interface according to said laterality.

2. A method according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one sensor is a pressure sensor.

3. Method according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is a heat sensor.

4. Method according to claim 2, wherein said at least one sensor is a capacitive sensor.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one element is positioned to the right of said graphical interface if said information indicates that said user is right-handed, and, respectively, to the left if said information indicates that said user is left-handed.

6. A remote control (10) comprising at least one sensor (13i, 132) and a processor (12) adapted to jointly determine the laterality of a user of said remote control by comparing (S 12) measured values ​​(SU) by a single sensor located substantially near a lateral edge of said remote control with threshold values ​​to determine whether said lateral edge is in contact with a palm, fingers, or nothing, and a communication interface (11) adapted to transmit a information indicating said laterality towards a multimedia content reading terminal (20) associated with said remote control.

7. A computer program capable of being implemented on a multimedia streaming terminal (20) and on a remote control (10), comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, performs the steps of the process defined in claims 1 to 5.

8. Data carrier on which at least one series of program code instructions for the execution of a method according to any one of claims 1 to 5 has been stored.

Images