FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to live TV broadcasting; and
more particularly, to provide a virtual reality viewing experience of live
TV broadcasting content over a wireless network using a single STB.
BACKGROUND
A Direct to Home (DTH) service provides channel transmission through
satellite received with personal dish in a consumer's home. DTH
eliminates the need for a cable operator since it directly relays the
television channels to the consumer's home. A typical DTH network
includes a broadcasting center, satellites, encoders, multiplexers,
modulators and DTH receivers.
Generally, in a live television broadcasting systems employing DTH
technology, a set top box (STB) is required to descramble the content
broadcast by the head end. The STB contains a tuner, that decodes
the broadcast signal to a format that can be output to a television.
One of the function of an STB is to provide subscriber management
functions based on the subscription option selected by the customer. A
STB can be connected to a single output unit like a TV and the
subscriber can watch his/her favourite channel.
There are numerous drawbacks in the way STB's are currently
configured to view broadcast content. Firstly, only one TV or any
another display unit/ screen can be connected to the STB to watch a
broadcast channel. So, if multiple content needs to be viewed
simultaneously, multiple screens are needed and also multiple
separate STB's would need to be installed, thereby increasing the cost
of the system. Further, there are a lot of programs aired by the
government to support the poor farmers in maximizing their yield.
The farmers generally find it costly to obtain a personal STB and a
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personal TV to view these programs. So there is a need for providing a
low cost viewing options apart from television sets. Also, in such
places availability of power at all times is a challenge. So there is need
for providing a solution that would work with minimal A.C power or
power from alternate sources like a battery.
The user experience of subscribers is one of the key factors in
retaining the subscribers, especially in media communication industry.
Privacy is fast becoming a much needed user experience, where the
customers would like to watch their favourite programs, exclusively for
their viewership, or with an intention to not disturb others while they
are watching their favourite program. Further, TV sets generally do not
allow for customization in their display options apart from the ones
that are pre-programmed. However, the media content format is
evolving day by day from HD to 4K ultra HD. In order to enable the
customer to view the latest format content and further allow display
customization options like VR would certainly improve the user
experience and there is need at present for such device capability for
viewing live broadcast content.
Further viewership information provides meaningful information on
customer viewing habits. This information can be utilized to
understand the viewing habits and provide value added information
and or content, such as advertisements, offers, promotions etc.
Current set top box set up does not provide a seamless return path
information gathering capability.
Further, with the digitization and advancements in technology,
broadcasting is actually decentralized to some extent and control has
been decentralized too. This gives rise to need of return path mainly
for QoS (Quality of service), customer feedback and choices, security
and content monitoring and TRP. More particularly, TRP is still based
on selected sample data, an old techniques which might be misleading.
3
Data Over Cable Service Interface Specification (DOCSIS) technology
implements a return path for cable operators but the bad part is that it
has its own limitation in terms of huge infrastructural changes,
restructuring of cabling, technical trainings, deployment of high cost
modem or high cost DOCSIS enabled STB at customer end. So there is
a need for a mechanism to collect statistics of channels/ programs
viewed by user for accurate statistics collection and analysis at a low
cost.
Thus, there remains a need for further contributions in this area of
technology. More specifically, a need exists in the area of technology
for providing a low cost, mobile, energy efficient and customizable
viewing experience for the customers. Also, there is a need for
accurate collection of statistics related to user viewing history and a
cost effective solution for collecting these statistics.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to provide virtual reality based viewing
experience of live TV broadcast content using a wireless network to
distribute the content.
An object of the present invention is to provide viewing of multiple
different live TV broadcast content simultaneously on smart phone or
any Wi-Fi enabled devices using a single STB without consumption of
any internet connection.
An object of the present invention is to provide a return path for the
STB, using an alternate return path network. Specifically, alternate
return path network could be one of a telecom network, a mobile
network, a wireless network, a data connection network in a mobile
device etc.
An object of the present invention is to provide alternate power to a
set top box unit via a battery unit, that can work continuously even
4
when the AC main power is unavailable. Further object is to provide
solar power enabled charging of the battery unit.
The present invention relates to a set top box capable of providing a
virtual reality viewing experience of live TV broadcasting content over
a wireless network; and further providing an alternate return path
network for receiving viewership information. Further using only a
single STB, different live broadcast programs can be viewed
simultaneously in multiple different Wi-Fi enabled display devices over
a wireless network.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to a system capable of
providing a virtual reality viewing experience of live TV broadcasting
content over a wireless network.
In an embodiment, a router unit is provided that is configured to
connect one or more devices in a wireless network, a set top box
coupled to the router unit, one or more output device comprising a
user interface adapted to configure a connection with the set top box
using the wireless network and a display unit coupled to the one or
more output devices, wherein the display unit provides one or more
virtual reality viewing options that provides additional viewing effects,
for viewing the live broadcast content.
In an embodiment, the set top box further comprises a control unit, a
battery unit and a distribution unit. The control unit is adapted to
receive control information from one or more output devices and the
distribution unit distributes the live broadcast content to the one or
more output devices based on the control information.
In an embodiment, the user interface allows configuration of one or
more secondary medium for return path in the one or more output
5
devices. The one or more secondary medium for return path comprises
a cellular network, a wireless network, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-Max
network.
In an embodiment, the one or more output devices comprises a
cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop computer, a
palmtop computer, a desktop computer, a video device, a display, a
media player, a smart phone.
In an embodiment, the one or more output device is capable of
displaying information from one or more of a surveillance camera, a
web camera, a security camera, a CCTV camera connected to the set
top box.
In an embodiment, the control unit is capable of receiving control
information using one or more of an IR, RF, WLAN, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth,
NFC communication technology.
In an embodiment, the set top box further employs one or more
tuners for decoding channels from multiple transponders.
In an embodiment, the battery unit is capable of being chargeable by
solar energy apart from AC main power supply.
In an embodiment, one or more virtual reality options are included as
a viewing option that provides additional viewing effects for viewing
the live broadcast content.
In an embodiment, the process providing a virtual reality viewing
experience of live TV broadcasting content over a wireless network
comprises, providing live broadcast content to one or more output
devices, the live broadcast content is received by a set top box and
distributed to the one or more output devices, configuring a display
unit to be connected to the one or more output device, displaying on
6
the display unit one or more viewing options that provides additional
viewing effects including one or more virtual reality viewing
experience, receiving a user selection of at least one of the one or
more viewing options including the one or more virtual reality viewing
experience, displaying the live broadcast content with additional
viewing effects added to the original broadcast content based on the
user selection of the one or more virtual reality viewing experience and
providing the user selections of the one or more viewing options
through an alternate return path medium to the one or more servers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING
Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described, by way
of example only, with reference to the following diagrams wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for a virtual reality
viewing experience of live TV broadcasting content over a wireless
network.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a display unit for virtual reality
viewing experience of live TV broadcasting content .
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for experiencing virtual
reality while viewing of live TV broadcasting content.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following clearly describes the technical solutions in the
embodiments of the present invention with reference to the
accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.
Apparently, the described embodiments are merely a part rather than
all of the embodiments of the present invention. All other
embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art based on
the embodiments of the present invention without creative efforts shall
fall within the protection scope of the present invention.
7
The present invention generally relates to a virtual reality viewing
experience of live TV broadcasting content over a wireless network.
In an embodiment, a router unit is provided that is configured to
connect one or more devices in a wireless network, a set top box
coupled to the router unit, one or more output device comprising a
user interface adapted to configure a connection with the set top box
using the wireless network and a display unit coupled to the one or
more output devices, wherein the display unit provides one or more
virtual reality viewing options proving additional effects, for viewing
the live broadcast content.
In an embodiment, the set top box further comprises a control unit, a
battery unit and a distribution unit. The control unit is adapted to
receive control information from one or more output devices and the
distribution unit distributes the live broadcast content to the one or
more output devices based on the control information.
FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 100 for virtual reality
viewing experience of live TV broadcasting content over a wireless
network, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
As illustrated, the system comprises of a set top box (STB) 102. The
STB 102 is capable of receiving live broadcast content for display on
one or more of output devices 106. The STB has all the conventional
components like processor, storage, USB port, line in, line out etc. In
general, the STB 102 includes required hardware capable of
performing the functions of demodulating, de-multiplexing and
decoding of live broadcast content. The STB 102 is connected to a
conventional dish antenna 110 through standard coaxial cable
connection. The dish antenna 110 receives the over the air broadcast
signals. Different types of antennas can be used depending on the
types of channels and the distance of the viewer from the broadcasting
towers. One or more tuners 118 are present in the STB 102 to
8
process the received signal. The tuner(s) 118 decodes the broadcast
signals in to a format that can be output to any of the output devices
106. The use of multiple tuners enables programs from multiple
transponders to be decoded simultaneously for viewing by one or more
output devices 106. The STB 102 also has a battery unit 116, a
control unit 120 and a distribution unit 122. The battery unit is
connected to a conventional AC main power supply 114 and also to a
conventional solar panel 112 that is capable of providing solar energy.
The solar energy acts as an alternative power source for the system
100. The battery unit 116, is capable of receiving power and charging
the battery both from AC main power supply 114 and also the solar
panel 112. When there is a power outage, the battery unit 118
provides power to the STB for uninterrupted functioning of the STB
102. Further, during power outages of longer durations, to avoid
draining of battery power, the battery unit 118 can recharge using the
energy from the solar panel 112. This way it is ensured that the STB
102 is always powered-on irrespective of power outages, thereby
enabling an uninterrupted viewing experience. In an embodiment, the
battery unit 118 is a 12V DC rechargeable battery unit. However
batteries with different voltage output can also be utilized without
departing from of the invention. The use of rechargeable battery helps
in further reduction of the total system cost as it can be reused many
times until the life of the battery is worn out.
In an embodiment, a router unit 104 is connected to the STB 102.
The router unit 104 is shown to be connected to the STB 102 via a
universal serial bus USB interface. As illustrated in the figure, a USB
Wi-Fi adapter or dongle is shown to be plugged into a USB port of the
STB, thereby creating a wireless network or hotspot. Alternatively, the
router unit 104 can be integrated in to the STB 102 as one of the
components of the STB. The purpose of connecting the router unit 104
to the STB 102 is to provide a Wi-Fi enabled STB. In order to achieve
9
this purpose, it should be noted that any type of connection or
integration can be employed without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention.
In an embodiment, one or more output devices 106 is connected to
the STB 102 via the wireless network provided by the router unit 104.
A user interface (not shown in the figure) is provided on the output
devices 106. One of the functions of the user interface is to configure
the output device to connect to the wireless network provided by the
router unit. Once configured, the output device is capable of viewing
live broadcast content provided by the STB 102 via the wireless
network. The control unit 120, receives control information/commands
from the one or more output devices 106. Based on the control
information, the STB 102 decodes the appropriate channel with the
help of tuner 118 and provides the appropriate live broadcast content
to the distribution unit 122. The distribution unit 122 then distributes
the broadcast content via the wireless network to the appropriate
output device 106. One or more of output devices 106 is capable of
connecting with a display device 108. The display device 108 can be
worn by a user to view the live broadcast content provided by the STB
102. The display device 108 can be connected to the output devices
106 by any suitable means know in the prior art. The connection can
be a wired and/or a wireless connection. Further, the display device is
capable of displaying one or more viewing options for providing
additional effects on original broadcast content. The display device is
capable of rendering the display of broadcast content based on a user
selection of at least one of the viewing option. In another embodiment,
the viewing options can be provided directly on the display of the
output device 106. Thus a user can view the original broadcast
content with additional effects directly on the display of the output
device without the need for a separate display unit.
10
In an embodiment, a single STB can be connected to support multiple
TV's for viewing same content in different places such as hotels, malls,
public gatherings, hostels, airports, hospitals, railway stations etc. In
an embodiment, any number of users can connect their output devices
106 to the STB 102 via the wireless network. In an embodiment, the
number of users who can connect can be in the range of 1-10 users.
In an embodiment, the system is extensible to cater to any number of
additional users. In such an embodiment, one or more additional
router units (not shown) can be connected to the wireless network.
The additional router units is capable of extending the range of
wireless network. Exemplary places of where such an extensible
arrangement can be used are hotels, malls, public gatherings, hostels,
airports, hospitals, railway stations etc. In general, such an
arrangement can be used in all such places where the number of users
are large. The exemplary output devices that can be connected to the
STB are: a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop
computer, a palmtop computer, a desktop computer, a video device, a
display, a media player, a smart phone.
In an embodiment, the STB 102 is capable of distributing different
broadcast content to different output devices 106 simultaneously
using only a single STB 102. For example, after connecting a first
output device 106(1) to the wireless network, a first user can select
from the user interface of first output device 106(1), a first channel
"Channel 1", for viewing. Based on the selection, a control information
is generated and transferred to the control unit 118 in the STB 102.
The STB will decode the selected channel with the help of an
appropriate tuner 120 and the distribution unit 122 will distribute the
content to the output device 106(1). Thus a first user is able to view
his/her selection of broadcast content. Simultaneously, a second user
and/or a third user can perform the same steps as performed by the
first user on their output devices 106(2) and 106(3) respectively.
11
The STB 102 will distribute the broadcast content to the respective
output devices 106(2) and 106(3), based on the user selection of
channel to view. It should be noted that, the users are free to choose
any channel that is available for viewing. The users could all select the
same channel or all the users could each select a different channel.
Thus, multiple users are able to view different content simultaneously
using a single STB 102. It should be noted that one of the advantage
of such an arrangement is the reduction is cost of installing multiple
set top boxes for simultaneously viewing multiple different channels by
multiple users.
FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a display unit for virtual reality
viewing experience of live TV broadcasting content. In an embodiment,
as illustrated, the display unit 200 consist of an outer frame or screen
202. Two lenses 204 are provided on the screen for displaying the live
broadcast content 208. The lenses are placed between the screen 202
and the eye (not shown). The lenses adjust the display of content
based on individual eye movement and positioning. Different virtual
reality based viewing options 206 are provided on the screen to help
render the original broadcast content 208 with additional viewing
effects. Based on user selection of a viewing option, the broadcast
content is rendered with additional effects on the lenses 204. While
viewing a particular broadcast content, the user can switch to a
different broadcast content by selecting appropriate controls from the
user interface of the output device 106. The newly selected broadcast
content is then displayed on the display unit. The history of selected
broadcast content made by the user during viewing of the broadcast
content over a period, is stored and transmitted to a remote central
monitoring server 212 via a return path network 210. In order to
preserve the privacy of the user, the history of selected broadcast
content is encrypted before transmitting to the central monitoring
server 212. Ideally, the history is stored in the STB or the output
12
device. It should be appreciated that the STB, display unit and output
unit are communicably connected to each other and can employ a
push type or pull type communication model to access the latest
history for transmitting to the central monitoring server. In an
embodiment, the return path network 210 includes, a telecom
network, a mobile network, a wireless network, a data connection
network in a mobile device a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-
Max network etc.
Now the virtual reality viewing experience is described. After the user
selects a particular channel for viewing, the live broadcast content is
decoded and provided to a buffer (not shown). In order to provide
content to both the lenses, the live broadcast content from the STB
102 is duplicated and stored in two separate buffers. This is to ensure
separate viewing display content for each eye and avoid interaction
amongst the eye while viewing. Also, any interaction with the real
world is avoided by this arrangement. The output device 106 provides
the different viewing options 206 to be displayed on the screen 202 of
the display unit 200. The user interface in the output device provides
the configuration information for the different types of viewing options
206 that are stored in the output device 106. Based on a user
selection of a viewing option, the contents in the buffer is processed,
and rendered with the additional effects provided by the respective
viewing options 206, on the lenses 204 of the display unit 200. The
exemplary different types of viewing options 206 are a magnified
view, a skewed view, a 3D view, an interlaced view, an avatar view, a
stereoscopic view, a blurred view, an anaglyph view etc. It should be
noted that, same viewing option or different viewing option can be
selected for each of the lenses and the contents in the buffer is
rendered accordingly.
The contents of the buffer are processed at a slightly different angle to
provide a 3D perception of the content. The processing of the content
13
has to be fast so as to avoid any lag in image rendering. An exemplary
processing rate is a minimum of 60 frames/second for slow moving or
static scenes like news reading, documentaries that are mainly audio
based etc. For fast moving action scenes the processing has to be
faster to avoid any jitter/lag while viewing of the broadcast content. A
graphics processing accelerator can also be employed for jitter free
viewing experience.
In another embodiment, the viewing options can be provided directly
on the display of the output device 106. Thus a user can view the
broadcast content directly on the display of the output device without
the need for a separate display unit 200.
It should be appreciated that, without use of multiple camera feeds at
different angles or extra components at the transmission side, a low
cost virtual reality viewing experience of live broadcast content is
achieved by the invention.
FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating a process for experiencing virtual
reality while viewing of live TV broadcasting content. As illustrated, in
step 302, the live TV broadcast content is received by the STB 102. In
step 304, the received broadcast content is decoded and stored in a
buffer. The content from the buffer is then provided to various output
devices 106 that are already wirelessly connected to the STB. In step
306, a display unit 200 is configured to respective output devices
106. In this step the user interface in the output device has the
configuration information, that provides for connecting the display unit
with the output device. In step 308, the configuration information also
provides for displaying of various virtual reality based viewing options
206 on the screen 202 of the display unit 200. In step 310, the
display unit waits for a user selection of a viewing option while
traversing the "N" path of the decision box. Once a user selection of a
viewing option is received, the "Y" path of the decision box is
14
traversed, and the user selection is transmitted to the STB via the
output unit. Once user selection of viewing option is received in the
STB, the buffer content is distributed to the output unit. In step 312,
the output unit renders the content based on the selected viewing
option 206, on the two lenses 204 of the display unit 200. In step
314, the user selections of various channels and/or viewing options is
provided to a central monitoring server via a return path.
Return path is defined as communication link used to send user and/or
STB information back to the head end of the broadcast system or to
any other authorized server/system. In an embodiment, the return
path used for transmitting the user statistics is by using
telecommunication path. The history of user selections, channels
viewed, duration of viewing of a particular channel, history of viewing
options, signal strength and quality etc are collected and analysed at
the STB 102. These statistics is then encrypted and stored as a log file
in the STB for user privacy issues. Periodically, this file can be
transmitted to the central monitoring server via internet or Wi-Fi
connection available in the output device 106. The benefit of using
return path to collect user statistics can provide a better user
experience. The interests of the users, their likes/dislikes, the
favourite channels watched etc can be analysed from the collected
data and future programs recommended/notified. Further, feedback on
the quality of service of the provider, the quality of content etc can be
collected and used to provide a better user experience. In an
embodiment, the return path includes, a telecom network, a mobile
network, a wireless network, a data connection network in a mobile
device, a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-Max network etc. By
implementing the return path via telecommunication network, a cost
effective solution to implement return path is being achieved by the
invention.
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ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The present disclosure overcomes one or more disadvantages
associated with conventional systems.
The present invention provides a virtual reality viewing experience of
live broadcast content.
The present invention provides multiple different live TV broadcast
content simultaneously on smart phone or any Wi-Fi enabled devices
using a single STB
The present invention provides a low cost return path for transmitting
the STB usage statistics using an alternate return path network in the
form of a telecom network.
The present invention provides alternate power to a set top box unit
via a battery unit, that can work continuously even when the AC main
power is unavailable.
The present invention generally relates to a set top box capable of
providing a virtual reality viewing experience of live TV broadcasting
content over a wireless network; and further providing an alternate
return path network for receiving viewership information. Further
using only a single STB, different live broadcast programs can be
viewed simultaneously in multiple different Wi-Fi enabled display
devices over a wireless network.

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A system for providing virtual reality experience in a live
broadcast content comprising;
a router unit configured to connect one or more devices in a
wireless network;
a set top box coupled to the router unit;
one or more output devices, wherein the one or more output
devices comprises a user interface adapted to configure a
connection with the set top box using the wireless network; and
a display unit coupled to the one or more output devices, wherein
the display unit provides one or more virtual reality viewing
options for viewing the live broadcast content.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set top box comprises a
control unit, a battery unit and a distribution unit, the control unit
adapted to receive control information from one or more output
devices, and the distribution unit distributes the live broadcast
content to the one or more output devices based on the control
information.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the user interface comprises
configuration information for configuring one or more secondary
medium as return path in the one or more output devices.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the one or more secondary
medium as return path comprises a telecom network, a mobile
network, a wireless network, a data connection network in a
17
mobile device a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a Wi-Max
network.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more output devices
comprises a cellular phone, a personal digital assistant, a laptop
computer, a palmtop computer, a desktop computer, a video
device, a display, a media player, a smart phone.
6. The system of claim 2, wherein the battery unit is capable of being
chargeable by solar energy.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the control unit is capable of
receiving control information using one or more of an IR, RF, Wi-
Fi, WLAN, Bluetooth, NFC communication technology.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more output device is
capable of displaying information from one or more of a
surveillance camera, a web camera, a security camera, a CCTV
camera connected to the set top box.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the set top box comprises one or
more tuners.
10. A method for providing virtual reality viewing experience of live
broadcast content comprising;
providing live broadcast content to one or more output devices,
wherein the live broadcast content is received by a set top box
and distributed to the one or more output devices;
configuring a display unit to be connected to the one or more
output device;
displaying on the display unit one or more viewing options
including one or more virtual reality viewing experience;
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receiving a user selection of at least one of the one or more
viewing options including one or more virtual reality viewing
experience;
displaying the live broadcast content based on the user selection
of the one or more viewing options including one or more virtual
reality viewing experience; and
providing the user selections of the one or more viewing options
through an alternate return path medium to one or more servers.