Method for managing access to content that is currently being broadcast.

Abstract

TITLE: Method for Managing Access to Content Being Broadcast The invention relates to a method for managing access to content (C2) being broadcast in the form of successively transmitted content segments, characterized in that a request for access (REQ(C2);REQ(C2,MNF1)) to the content segments broadcast in real time is followed by the retrieval of content segments on a delayed basis. Figure for the abstract: Figure 5

Description

Title of the invention: Method for managing access to content being broadcast. technical field

[0001] The field of the invention is that of managing access by a reading device to content broadcast in real time.

[0002] The reading device refers to all data processing devices equipped with processors capable of receiving and reading or rereading content broadcast from a content server.

[0003] Such a reading device is, for example, a digital television decoder.

[0004] The content referred to here is multimedia content. This content is, for example, a Television content. This content can be broadcast in real time or recorded and broadcast later. The content can also originate, for example, from a television channel and may concern a scene filmed live (for example, using a camera; the content is captured live in this case); this concerns sporting events, for example, such as a tennis match, a football match, etc.; the content can also come from a recorded scene. State of the art

[0005] When accessing multimedia content, such as a film or a filmed event (e.g., Olympic Games, football match, etc.), a playback device sends a request to a content server indicating the selected multimedia content (video and / or audio). The playback device then receives a digital data stream related to this content.

[0006] The received data is then decoded by the reading device, and then displayed in the form of the corresponding multimedia content.

[0007] The content server can transmit content in several ways, namely in multicast mode (for example IPTV), in unicast mode, etc. After receiving the content, the playback device decodes the content and requests playback on a playback device.

[0008] HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS) allows video content to be streamed in OTT mode, offering the best possible quality to the user based on the available network bandwidth. This streaming relies on the exchange of a description file (also called a "manifest" by those skilled in the art) between an HAS content delivery server and a client playback device. This description file generally describes (in the form of URLs) the The latest video segments that have been produced. These segments generally all have the same duration (for example, 2 seconds).

[0009] When a user accesses content, the segments received are the latest segments produced on the content server; these latest segments correspond to the Live stream.

[0010] The content in question may have started some time ago; the user experience is not optimal when the user wishes to access a moment of broadcast prior, for example, to the start of the content.

[0011] In addition to content playback, some playback devices offer a function known to those skilled in the art as "Start Over" (or "Rewind" or "Play from the beginning") which allows a user, for example when watching live-streamed content (a channel broadcasting "Live"), to replay a portion of the live-streamed content later. This function allows users to replay content from a desired point in time, for example, from the beginning. For example, if a live-streamed film starts at 9:00 PM and the user accesses the corresponding live stream by switching to the channel at 9:40 PM, the user can request, by selecting a command related to the rewind function, that playback resume from a desired point, such as 9:05 PM, or even from the beginning of the film, namely 9:00 PM. In this case, the user switches from real-time playback to rewind playback.

[0012] A return to the beginning of the content therefore requires receiving Live content, and executing a "startover" command in order to return to a time before, for example, the beginning of the content.

[0013] The user experience is not optimal either, particularly when going back results in images being displayed that may spoil parts of the content.

[0014] The invention improves the situation. The invention

[0015] To this end, according to a first functional aspect, the invention relates to a method of managing access to content being broadcast in the form of successively transmitted content segments, characterized in that a request for access to the content segments broadcast in real time is followed by obtaining the content segments on a delayed basis.

[0016] According to the invention, unlike the prior art in which, following access to live content, the segments played are not the last segments requested but segments produced previously, for example, to allow the content to be played from the beginning. Accessing the content from the beginning therefore requires a simple request to access the content broadcast in real time. In other words, a request to access segments of content broadcast in real time is treated as a request to access segments on a delayed basis.

[0017] The invention is of particular interest for live-captured content such as a sporting event like a football match. In the prior art, a user who accesses such content after it has started, for example thirty minutes later, and wishes to go back to the beginning would activate the startover mode; during the rewind, images are often displayed to illustrate the progress of the rewind; in this case, not only does rewinding take time, but the user also sees the displayed images and may inadvertently glimpse scenes from the match; this rewind in the content can have the effect of revealing an event such as a goal.

[0018] Thanks to the invention, returning from the beginning is almost instantaneous, only a request transformation is carried out without user intervention; moreover, a user is guaranteed that when the content is read and a return to the beginning is executed, for example reading from the beginning, that no image is rendered so as not to spoil the part of the content concerned, this in a minimum of time.

[0019] Note that the invention is implemented indifferently during an initial access to a channel or after switching to a channel.

[0020] Note that content being broadcast in the form of segments aims at broadcasting segments successively or at broadcasting groups of segments successively.

[0021] Let us specify here that the invention is not limited to a return to the content from the beginning; a return to the content may concern a return to any earlier time situated between the time of the start of the content and the current time of broadcast.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment of the invention, since the content being broadcast has a start time, delayed playback begins at that start time. This mode allows, as mentioned above, for a return to the content and therefore delayed playback of the content without explicit user intervention.

[0023] According to another method, which can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous one, since content is associated with a type, the process is executed for a specific type of broadcast content. This method makes it possible to avoid implementing the processing for all content; indeed, not all content needs to be read from the beginning; this method allows the process to be implemented only for certain content, particularly content resulting from live recording, commonly referred to as a live program or even a live broadcast.

[0024] According to another method which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the preceding ones, the type of content is content whose segments are derived from a live recording. As indicated above, content Broadcast like a sporting event which is the subject of a rewind can be spoiled; this mode allows you to reread content from the beginning without spoiling the content.

[0025] According to another method, which may be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the preceding ones, the process includes providing information indicating that the content is being read with a delay. Since the processing is carried out without the user's knowledge, this method allows the user to be notified that there is a delay with the stream being broadcast in real time.

[0026] According to a first material aspect, the invention relates to a management entity, referred to as the first entity in the following, for access to content being broadcast in the form of successively transmitted content segments, characterized in that it includes a processing module capable of obtaining delayed content segments following a request for access to the content segments broadcast in real time.

[0027] a receiver capable of receiving a request for access to segments and a transmission module capable of transmitting in response segments other than the requested segments

[0028] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a reading device comprising a management entity as defined above.

[0029] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a computer program suitable for implementation 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 process defined above.

[0030] According to another material aspect, the invention relates to a data carrier on which at least one series of program code instructions for the execution of a management process as defined above has been stored.

[0031] According to a second functional aspect, the invention relates to a method for managing the transmission of content during its broadcast in the form of successively transmitted segments, characterized in that a reception of a request for access to the content segments broadcast in real time is followed by a delayed transmission of the content segments.

[0032] According to an embodiment related to this second functional aspect, a content being associated with a type, the process is executed for a type of content broadcast.

[0033] According to another mode linked to this second functional aspect, which can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous one, the type of content is content whose segments come from a live capture.

[0034] According to another mode linked to this second functional aspect, which can be implemented alternatively or cumulatively with the previous ones, a transmission of a request for restitution of data informing that the content is read on delay.

[0035] The invention also relates to a second entity for managing access to content being broadcast in the form of successively transmitted content segments, characterized in that it comprises a processing module capable of, upon receiving a request for access to the content segments broadcast in real time, transmitting segments of the content in a delayed manner.

[0036] The invention also relates to a server comprising the second management entity defined above.

[0037] The invention also relates to a computer program suitable for implementation on the second management entity as defined above, the program comprising code instructions which, when executed by a processor, carries out the steps of the process defined with reference to the second functional aspect defined above.

[0038] The invention also relates to a data carrier on which at least one series of program code instructions for the execution of a management process has been stored with reference to the second functional aspect.

[0039] The medium referred to above may be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, a medium may include a storage means, such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), for example a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit ROM, or a magnetic recording means, for example a hard drive. On the other hand, an information medium may be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, which may be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by radio, or by other means. The program according to the invention may, in particular, be uploaded to 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 process in question.

[0040] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0041] [Fig-1] represents a computer system in which the invention can be implemented.

[0042] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates the hardware structure of a server capable of transmitting description files;

[0043] [Fig.3] schematically illustrates the material structure of a reading device capable of reading multimedia streams;

[0044] [Fig.4] illustrates an embodiment of the method of the invention. This figure is an enlargement of a portion of [Fig.1] illustrating the management of content storage in the server's memory during their respective broadcasts; the entity manages the storage of content following its broadcasts in order to allow for delayed reading of the content.

[0045] [Fig.5] illustrates a message exchange between the reading device and the server during access to content according to a first, non-exhaustive embodiment.

[0046] [Fig.6] illustrates a message exchange between the reading device and the server during access to content according to a second, non-limiting embodiment.

[0047] [Fig.7] illustrates a message exchange between the reading device and the server during access to content according to a third, non-limiting embodiment.

[0048] Detailed description of embodiments of the invention

[0049] Figure 1 represents a computer system SYS in which a Content Distribution Network (CDN) is implemented, from which content is transmitted to client devices or content playback devices, along with description files associated with the multimedia content. The content delivery server, referred to in this text as the content server, broadcasts over several broadcast channels associated with television channels.

[0050] In our example, for the sake of simplicity, the SYS system comprises a single STB reading device. However, the invention applies to any number of reading devices, as the principle of the invention can be implemented on all or part of the STB reading devices.

[0051] The reading device is for example a digital reading device such as a decoder.

[0052] The multimedia content referred to here is video content from a television channel. This content is broadcast from a server that transmits so-called live television programs, that is, programs broadcast in real time; in other words, images from a camera are encoded into segments that are made available as soon as they are produced. Accessing the latest segments means that the STB playback device accesses the content broadcast in real time; conversely, accessing content other than the latest segments means that access to the segments is delayed.

[0053] Among the broadcast content are live, real-time broadcasts. This type often concerns sporting events such as the Olympic Games. It will be seen later that the invention is particularly well-suited to this type of content.

[0054] In our example, the STB reading device is connected to a TV output terminal such as a television. The device can transmit data to be output to the TV output device.

[0055] In our example, the STB reading device is connected to a port of the TV playback device; the STB reading device and the TV playback device could also form a single device.

[0056] In our example, the STB reading device is located in a local area network (LAN) managed by a GTW home gateway.

[0057] The GTW gateway is capable of communicating via a communication link LU which may be a telecommunications network such as a WAN known to a person skilled in the art.

[0058] In our example, the SYS computer system implements a content distribution network called a CDN (Content Distribution Network) by those skilled in the art, from which content is transmitted to STB content reading devices.

[0059] The CDN network consists of networked servers in the wide area network; these servers cooperate to make multimedia content available to users. To simplify the description of the invention, a single SRV content server will be shown in [Fig. 1] to represent the CDN. In our example, the SRV content server is located in the wide area network (WAN).

[0060] The SRV content server, for example, receives content from digital television channels via a broadcast television network (not shown) and makes it available in real time to client terminals, in this case the STB playback device, via broadcast channels. The content may be recorded or captured live by cameras.

[0061] Figure 2 represents the architecture of an STB reading device. This STB device typically comprises MEM1 memories associated with a CPU1 processor. The memories can be of the ROM (Read Only Memory) or RAM (Random Access Memory) type, or even Flash.

[0062] The STB reading device can transmit content to be displayed to the TV display device via a COM 12 communication module. This COM 12 module is, for example, an HDMI link.

[0063] The STB reading device communicates with the gateway via an Ethernet module for wired local communication or via a Wi-Fi radio module for wireless local communication with the GTW residential gateway. The module in question is referenced CM011 in [Fig.2].

[0064] In our example, the STB reading device includes a H AS (http Adaptive Streaming) streaming mode download module, not shown, capable of managing the downloading of content segments when the content is transmitted over the LU network in the form of segments in accordance with the so-called adaptive streaming technique known to the person skilled in the art.

[0065] Let us briefly recall here that when a user accesses a Live stream broadcast via HTTP Adaptive Streaming (HAS), the STB playback device receives successive description files at regular intervals, generally every two seconds, hereafter referred to as real-time description files, each of which generally describes the last sixty seconds of the stream (30 segments of 2 seconds) by providing URL-type addresses of segments corresponding to these last sixty seconds. Using the received segment addresses, the STB playback device can download the segments and play them one after the other.

[0066] With reference to [Fig.3], the SRV server is also equipped with at least one CPU2 processor and MEM2 memories for performing computer processing.

[0067] The SRV server communicates with the GTW gateway via a WAN network. The server includes a communication module, referenced COM2, for communication with the WAN network.

[0068] Sometimes it happens that you miss the beginning of a television program (movie, series, etc.) broadcast in real time, or you want to replay content from a specific point in time. A function called "play from the beginning" or "catch-up" (also called "Start Over" or "Restart" by those skilled in the art) allows you to resume the program currently being broadcast at any time from a point earlier than the current time; for example, playback can be resumed from the beginning, or from a point chosen by the user. For example, if a movie starts at 9:00 PM and the user changes the channel at 9:40 PM, they can request that playback resume from the beginning of the movie. In this case, the viewing mode switches from real-time to time-shifted viewing.

[0069] To access content in delayed playback mode, the SRV server stores the portions of content that have been broadcast. In our example, as indicated above, the portions are content segments. The broadcast segments are stored in MEM2 memory immediately after their respective broadcasts.

[0070] These content parts are stored for a certain period of time. Description files are created accordingly and include not only the addresses of the last produced segments but also the addresses of the stored segments; these files are then placed on the STB reading device so that the segments can be accessed by downloading them using the URL addresses included in these files.

[0071] Note that, in our example, the segments that have been broadcast are stored on a time range preceding the current broadcast time.

[0072] According to one embodiment, time slots PLn are associated with different broadcast channels CHn by varying the time slots over time. In our example, the entity will manage the time slots in such a way as to only store the content currently being broadcast on the respective broadcast channels. Description files are created accordingly.

[0073] Ultimately, in our example embodiment, the time ranges may differ from one channel to another. The invention is not limited to this use case; the ranges temporal aspects could be identical for all broadcast channels and independent of the start time of the content in question on a given channel.

[0074] Figure 4 schematically illustrates, at the SRV server level, a list of contents derived from the respective television channel broadcast channels CH1-CH3.

[0075] Time slots PLn (n corresponds to a CHn channel, n is an integer) are also represented in connection with each broadcast channel. The time slots precede the current broadcast time by a certain duration. As explained above, this slot is managed in such a way that the chosen duration ensures that the channels only store the content being broadcast from its beginning. Note that this is only one embodiment; other embodiments can be imagined in which the time slot can be constant and therefore independent of the start time of the content being broadcast.

[0076] Access to the segments is achieved through specific description files. Indeed, a request to access the segments can be made in different ways depending on whether the description files are description files:

[0077] - including a description of the last segments only; hereinafter referred to as " short file";

[0078] - or including not only the last segments but also segments on a a given time range as explained previously, referred to below as a "long file"; this type of file allows you to go back in the content in order to read the content later.

[0079] The [Fig.4] includes a state of the storage of contents at a first instant te.

[0080] At this current instant given you, said current instant, the chains are in the process of real-time streaming of content Cl, C2, C3 respectively:

[0081] A first content Cl whose dissemination started at time tl;

[0082] a second content C2 whose broadcast started at time t2

[0083] a third content C3 whose broadcast started at time t3.

[0084] Let us now suppose that a user wishes to read the C2 content broadcast live in real time. To do this, in our example, this user selects the second channel CH2.

[0085] A management entity is capable of receiving a request for access to C2 multimedia content segments currently being broadcast and of obtaining, following receipt of the request, segments of the same content on a delayed basis.

[0086] According to the invention, a receipt of a request to access content broadcast in real time is treated as a deferred access request.

[0087] We will see later in embodiments that the management entity treats a request for access to content in real time as a request for access to content in asynchronous mode.

[0088] The location of the ENT management entity is irrelevant; it can be located on the STB reading device, on the SRV server, or elsewhere on the network. When the transformation is performed on the STB reading device, the entity is referenced as ENTL. When the transformation is performed on the server, the entity is referenced as ENT2. In the following, it is assumed that the entity is installed on the STB reading device.

[0089] In other words, although having received a request to access the segments broadcast in real time, the STB reading device receives older segments from the SRV server; the reading of the content then takes place in delayed mode.

[0090] We now describe, with reference to [Fig. 5], an embodiment in which the access request is transformed into a content access request from the beginning. The invention is obviously not limited to this embodiment; the time of delayed reading can be at any time.

[0091] This [Fig.5] includes axes associated with the SRV server and the STB reading device.

[0092] In this mode, it is assumed that the entity ENT1 is located in the STB reading device. It is also assumed that the STB reading device periodically receives long description files as described above in order to read content on a delayed basis.

[0093] The steps are as follows.

[0094] It is assumed that content segments are produced in real time on the SRV server and are made available following their respective productions.

[0095] Following the production of C2 content segments by the server, long description files MNF1-MNF4 are created and transmitted successively upon requests from playback devices. The first description file produced, MNF1, is the first description file created; it describes the first segments of the content in question, corresponding to the beginning of the content (typically the beginning of a television program); the second file, MNF2, describes the following segments, and so on.

[0096] In a first step, the management entity ENT1 receives a request to access content C2 from a command interface.

[0097] In a subsequent step, the STB reading device transmits a content access request REQ(C2) to the SRV server.

[0098] Next, the STB reading device receives in return a long description file describing the URLs of the segments present in the PL2 range described above.

[0099] In a later step, in order to obtain deferred segments, the management entity ENT1 transforms the content access request C2 into a deferred access request; for this purpose, the management entity ENT1 requests access to the first and subsequent content segments using the received long description file.

[0100] In a later step, the STB reading device receives the first and subsequent segments successively and reproduces them.

[0101] This mode clearly shows that a request to access real-time segments is treated as a request to access deferred content.

[0102] Fig. 6 illustrates another embodiment in which the received description files are short files.

[0103] In a first step, the management entity receives a request to access the C2 content from a command interface.

[0104] In a subsequent step, the STB reading device transmits a content access request REQ(C2,MNF1) including as a parameter a content identifier C2 and a request to receive a long description file MNF1 so as to be able to read the content on a deferred basis.

[0105] In a later step, the STB reading device receives in return a long description file describing the URLs of the segments present st in the PL2 range described above.

[0106] In a subsequent step, the management entity ENT1 requires deferred access to the C2 content.

[0107] Ultimately, the initial request received by the entity, requesting access to the stream broadcast in real time, is transformed into a request for access to the C2 content in delayed mode.

[0108] Another embodiment is described with reference to [Fig.7]. In this embodiment, as in the embodiment described with reference to [Fig.5], the STB reading device receives short description files describing the last content segments produced.

[0109] Unlike the mode in [Fig. 5], following the transmission of a request to access content C2, the SRV server receives the request and transmits in return description files successively created since the beginning of the broadcast of content C2. The STB playback device then receives the first description file MNF1, the second MNF2, and so on. The STB playback device can read the content in a delayed fashion.

[0110] In this mode, the SRV server takes the initiative to transmit the description files necessary for delayed playback. The transformation therefore takes place within the SRV server. In this mode, the STB playback device is thus relieved of part of the processing related to transforming a request to access the real-time stream into a request to access the delayed content.

[0111] More generally, the process managed by the second entity ENT2 is characterized in that a reception of an access request (REQ(C2);REQ(C2,MNF1)) to the content segments broadcast in real time is followed by a transmission of the content segments in delayed mode.

[0112] The modes described above can be implemented in isolation or in combination.

[0113] The embodiments described above may be subject to variations.

[0114] According to one variant, transforming the initial reading request into a delayed reading request results in the return of data indicating that the content is being read later. Since the initial request aims for real-time reading of the content, it is necessary to inform the user that the transmitted and returned segments are segments that have already been broadcast.

[0115] According to another variant, following the playback of the delayed content, a "return to live" command is offered to allow users to return to the content being broadcast in real time. This command is accessible from the screen on which the content is displayed. Returning to the live stream is therefore very quick, simply by selecting the live playback command directly on the screen.

[0116] According to another variant, the transformation referred to above is only performed for a specific type of content, such as live content; this is the case for sporting events, a presidential speech, etc. In this case, there is often an advantage to viewing the content in question from the beginning as quickly as possible and without risking that rewinding would spoil the content.

[0117] Finally, let us clarify here as well that the term "entity" can refer to a software component, a hardware component, or a set of hardware and software components. A software component itself corresponds to one or more computer programs or subprograms, 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. Similarly, 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

Demands

1. Method of managing the transmission of content (C2) during its broadcast in the form of successively transmitted segments, characterized in that a reception of an access request (REQ(C2);REQ(C2,MNF1)) to the content segments broadcast in real time is followed by a delayed transmission of the content segments.

2. Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that content is associated with a type and in that the method is executed for a type of content disseminated.

3. Management method according to claim 2, characterized in that the type of content is content whose segments are derived from a live capture.

4. Management method according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a transmission of a request for restitution of data informing that the content is read on a delay.

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