US20100146278A1 - Multimedia arrangement - Google Patents
Multimedia arrangement Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100146278A1 US20100146278A1 US12/663,029 US66302908A US2010146278A1 US 20100146278 A1 US20100146278 A1 US 20100146278A1 US 66302908 A US66302908 A US 66302908A US 2010146278 A1 US2010146278 A1 US 2010146278A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- multimedia
- remote control
- data
- multimedia equipment
- pair
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
- H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
- H04N21/42212—Specific keyboard arrangements
- H04N21/42218—Specific keyboard arrangements for mapping a matrix of displayed objects on the screen to the numerical key-matrix of the remote control
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
- H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
- H04N21/42222—Additional components integrated in the remote control device, e.g. timer, speaker, sensors for detecting position, direction or movement of the remote control, microphone or battery charging device
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/418—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access
- H04N21/4182—External card to be used in combination with the client device, e.g. for conditional access for identification purposes, e.g. storing user identification data, preferences, personal settings or data
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
- H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/436—Interfacing a local distribution network, e.g. communicating with another STB or one or more peripheral devices inside the home
- H04N21/43615—Interfacing a Home Network, e.g. for connecting the client to a plurality of peripherals
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/441—Acquiring end-user identification, e.g. using personal code sent by the remote control or by inserting a card
- H04N21/4415—Acquiring end-user identification, e.g. using personal code sent by the remote control or by inserting a card using biometric characteristics of the user, e.g. by voice recognition or fingerprint scanning
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
- H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
- H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
- H04N21/4821—End-user interface for program selection using a grid, e.g. sorted out by channel and broadcast time
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
- H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
- H04N21/42212—Specific keyboard arrangements
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
- H04N21/475—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data
- H04N21/4751—End-user interface for inputting end-user data, e.g. personal identification number [PIN], preference data for defining user accounts, e.g. accounts for children
Definitions
- the invention concerns a multimedia arrangement with a remote control, multimedia equipment, and a display device for operating multimedia home electronics.
- a remote control for a set-top box which can be personalized for the specific user, which is done using biometric features of the user, such as, for example, a fingerprint reader, a voice recognition circuit, an iris scanner, a “sniffer”, or a face-recognition device.
- biometric features of the user such as, for example, a fingerprint reader, a voice recognition circuit, an iris scanner, a “sniffer”, or a face-recognition device.
- the specific user can also be required to provide a password, a specified keying sequence, or the like.
- a set-top box and other home entertainment equipment such as a video recorder, CD player, DVD player, and so on, can be controlled with a single remote control in one family or household.
- the personalization and thus most of the functions are automatically turned off when no button on the remote control has been operated for a predetermined period of time or if the set-top box or a TV is turned off. It can also be provided that each push of a button or specific function is performed only when the finger-print reader has at the same time also identified an authorized person. As a further possibility, it can also be provided that all or at least several buttons on the remote are fitted with a fingerprint reader.
- the patent WO 02/084991 A1 likewise describes a remote control which can be personalized for an interactive television system. There, it is primarily a matter of assigning buttons programmed for the specific user, in order to reduce the number of buttons. Additional functions such as, for example, “Open garage door”, can be implemented. For several users, a table can be stored, on which the assignment of individual buttons can be set up for predetermined user-specific functions. By pressing a specific button, a menu is called up, on which all users are shown and a specific user can be selected. No security measures are provided there to prevent someone from logging on under a user name that is not assigned to him.
- the U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,881 describes an interactive computer system for multimedia operation in which a user profile can be stored. This can be done both on a local computer or a host computer of a network. This computer system can also, for example, be connected to a remote transmitter by cable. Using this compiled user profile, specified data or video content can be selected.
- the U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,020 describes a remote control which can control a large number of devices. Each remote has a clearly identified code. A central control unit for several remotes is thus able to identify the individual remote and assign to it specific devices to be controlled remotely.
- the patent WO 2004/055717 shows a multimedia system with a remote-control unit, which exhibits a finger-print reading unit, for the remote control of a set-top box, to which a television is connected.
- the set-top box is connected over a network to a remotely located server.
- the set-top box establishes a connection to the remote server only when an authorized user has been identified on the remote by the fingerprint reader.
- US patent 2003/0001907 A1 describes a method and equipment for controlling an electronic device.
- fields are represented in a column and in a row, in which the rows and the columns intersect in a focus field.
- the fields of a column and the fields of a row can be moved separately.
- the column field and the row field found in the focus field are combined to bring about a predefined action.
- a variable number on the menu level is provided whereby, if need be, the elements placed in the focus field call up the next menu level. The user thereby still retains an overview, and additional information is displayed in fields adjacent to the focus field on the respective menu level.
- US 2002/0043557 A1 describes a multimedia system with a remote control which identifies a special memory card related to the equipment to be controlled.
- Multimedia systems with remote control and the highlighted representation of selectable actions are also known from WO 03/021915 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,391 B1, and WO 03/043318 A1.
- buttons buttons, with which specific functions are selected. Different functions can even be assigned to individual buttons for each user. This has the result that most users generally use only a limited number of functions. Besides, personalization also is complicated to accomplish. With most equipment, a menu is called up using a personal “menu” button, which displays several main functions and, in part, on various highly-staggered submenus, the individual functions available.
- the multimedia arrangement according to the invention has a remote control that can be personalized, which exhibits an identification device, multimedia equipment controllable by the remote control which is, for example, a so-called set-top box and display equipment attached to this multimedia equipment which, for example, is an image screen, a so-called “beamer”, a monitor, or the like.
- the multimedia equipment contains a microprocessor and a programmable memory connected to it, which contains a “user database” in which a large number of data are stored, the individual users are identified, their specific “rights” are assigned, and an individual configuration set for the multimedia equipment, which is then depicted on the display equipment.
- the user database can be both arranged in the multimedia equipment itself or entered remotely, for instance by a service provider, and be called up there over a network.
- the multimedia arrangement is so designed and configured that the remote control needs only six control functions, namely four “direction functions” for “On”, “Off', “Left”, and “Right”, one selection function, and one “Back” function.
- the functions named can be called up using the buttons of a keyboard on the remote control.
- buttons other input devices can also be used, such as, for instance, a so-called touch screen, which triggers the corresponding functions based on predefined finger motions or the like on the touch screen.
- a voice-activated control is possible or control using sensors, which records the motions of the user's hand or the like. All the functions of the multimedia equipment can be selected using three menu levels, which are laid out abstractly and hierarchically as follows:
- the elements of the individual menu level are arranged according to a type of matrix with vertical columns and horizontal rows, while all the remaining elements are not taken into consideration.
- each element is defined by its column and row coordinates, and as a result, it assigns both a row and a column. If only one row and only one column are represented, then one field is presented, which lies just at the intersection of column and row and which is designated in the following as a “focus field”, in which one focus element is therefore found.
- This focus field is located on all menu levels and is always in an unalterable, predefined location on the display equipment for all functions, and as a result it is fixed.
- the location so specified for the focus field can be changed, depending on the previously identified user. For example, in the Culture area, where the focus field is described and read from right to left, it is desirable to place the field in a location other than the Culture area where it is read from left to right. In the latter Culture area, the location of the focus field is preferred in the lower left corner of the display equipment.
- the elements of the columns are “moved” upward or downward so that, for instance, on the first menu level, the actual subject group is visible in the “focus” element, whereby the element of the subject group is then visible on the first menu level in the horizontal row and can be moved by performing the “Left” or “Right” motion function in the “focus” element.
- the selection function By operating the selection function, the subject group found in the “focus” element can then be selected and the second menu level activated, which also has the analogous arrangement or representation for elements in columns and rows.
- a subject in the “focus” element is moved, it is selected using the selection function, and the third and last menu level appears, which again has elements arranged analogously in columns and rows, in which the “focus” element then designates the action to be taken with the subject selected, which is activated by operating the selection function.
- Substantial simplification and simple operation resulting therefrom is obtained by “personalization”, whereby the entire system is configured for an individual user, in which a user profile is laid out.
- an identification device containing biometric data for one person, such as, for example, a finger-print reader
- the individual person is first identified, whereupon a user profile established previously for the identified person is called up, which is stored in a user database.
- the user database contains not just access authorization, but menu systems assigned to the individual person as well, which, for instance, contain a limited number of desired television stations, that the individual user can select when setting up his user profile.
- menu systems assigned to the individual person which, for instance, contain a limited number of desired television stations, that the individual user can select when setting up his user profile.
- the number and order of television stations generally displayed on the menu system are substantially reduced, because the unwanted TV stations are not displayed at all. With this reduction in the only elements generally displayed on the individual menu system, the consistent use of the three menu systems mentioned above is clear, and the overall system is freed
- Programmable remote controls can be obtained on the market which can read in and store data transmitted from an authentic remote control, so that it is possible to identically copy an authentic remote control and consequently log in with the copied remote control onto the multimedia equipment as an unauthorized user and to perform all the functions and as a result also to circumvent the identification device available on the remote control, such as a fingerprint reader, for instance, because the data ascertained from the identification device is sent by wireless mode to the multimedia equipment and thus can be read in by an unknown remote control.
- an authentic remote control so that it is possible to identically copy an authentic remote control and consequently log in with the copied remote control onto the multimedia equipment as an unauthorized user and to perform all the functions and as a result also to circumvent the identification device available on the remote control, such as a fingerprint reader, for instance, because the data ascertained from the identification device is sent by wireless mode to the multimedia equipment and thus can be read in by an unknown remote control.
- SIM Subscriber Identity Module
- SIM cards have proven themselves a million times over, are inexpensive to obtain, and are considered to be an extremely secure and reliable means of encryption.
- SIM cards also have the advantage that data can be stored on them, and as a result, pre-settings can also be transmitted to other equipment, for example if a device is defective.
- the invention proposes that the identification device of the remote control transmit the data read in to the multimedia equipment and evaluation of these data take place first in the multimedia equipment. If the identification device is, for example, a fingerprint reader, it reads in the image data of a fingerprint, and then these unevaluated image data are transmitted to the multimedia equipment and are evaluated there first and compared with the data stored in the user database.
- the identification device is, for example, a fingerprint reader, it reads in the image data of a fingerprint, and then these unevaluated image data are transmitted to the multimedia equipment and are evaluated there first and compared with the data stored in the user database.
- these image data should certainly be encrypted, whereby preferably an asymmetric encryption method is carried out upon using the SIM card.
- an asymmetric encryption method is carried out upon using the SIM card.
- the following data are stored on the SIM card:
- the SIM card When setting up a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment, the SIM card reads in the biometric data for the user, adds to these the personal identification code and the other key of the second pair of digital keys, and sends a data packet so constructed, with the other, encrypted key of the first pair of digital keys to the multi-media equipment.
- the multimedia equipment decrypts the encrypted data record received with the stored one key of the first pair of digital keys, extracts therefrom the other key of the second pair of digital keys, the personal identification code, and the biometric data.
- the biometric data read in was compressed before making the data record; preferably this was done according to Huffman coding.
- the data record to be transmitted from the remote control to the multimedia equipment is block-encoded and is preferably provided with forward error correction.
- the multimedia equipment also has a reader for a SIM card, in which according to a variant of the invention a connection set up between the remote control and the multimedia equipment is possible only if a related pair of SIM cards is available in both sets of equipment.
- the remote control can first store all relevant data on the SIM card found therein, whereupon the SIM card is then taken from the remote control to the multimedia equipment, in order to read in the relevant data there.
- the SIM card is only used for the configuration and can be removed for further operation of the remote, whereby a configuration is possible only with a SIM card available.
- multimedia arrangement is to be understood here in a broad sense and does not just involve entertainment and communications media but also the control of equipment and machinery in general.
- various equipment can be connected to the multimedia arrangement, monitored, and/or controlled.
- it can operate, for example, surveillance cameras, door-opening equipment, systems found in a house such as, for instance, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, lighting systems, alarm systems, and garden-watering systems, or communications systems such as telephone, fax, and Internet access, or other equipment as well, such as a kitchen stove, refrigerator, or the like.
- the multimedia equipment is universal equipment, which can also perform monitoring and control functions.
- FIG. 1 a basic circuit diagram of a multimedia arrangement according to the invention
- FIG. 2 a representation of a menu level
- FIG. 3 a flow chart to explain the initialization of a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment.
- FIG. 4 a flow chart to clarify an identification process between remote control and multimedia equipment.
- FIG. 1 shows a remote control 1 , which controls multimedia equipment 2 , in which display equipment 3 , such as an image screen, for instance, is connected to the multimedia equipment 2 .
- the remote control 1 has a keyboard 4 , which exhibits only six control keys, namely four movement buttons 5 , 6 , 7 , and 8 for the directions “On”, “Off', “Left”, and “Right”, as well as a confirmation button 9 , which triggers a selection function, and a “Back” button 10 .
- the keyboard 4 is connected in the usual manner to a microprocessor 11 , to which at least one memory 12 , a SIM-card reader 13 , a identification device 14 , and a send/receive unit 15 are attached.
- a keyboard instead of a keyboard, as mentioned above, other input devices can be used.
- the term “keyboard” with movement buttons hence illustrates only one possible example.
- the remote control 1 can establish a wireless communications link with the multimedia equipment 2 using the send-receive unit 15 , which is indicated by an arrow 16 . Customarily, this is done by means of an infrared signal.
- the multimedia equipment 2 has a corresponding send/receive unit 17 , which is connected to a microprocessor 18 . Because of that, it is indicated that, between the remote control 1 and the multimedia equipment 2 , both a bidirectional communications link is possible, as well as a monodirectional communications link, in which data are transmitted only from the remote control 1 to the multimedia equipment 2 , but not in the opposite direction.
- the microprocessor 18 here has a substantially higher performance than the microprocessor 11 of the remote control 1 .
- a memory 19 connected to the microprocessor 18 is a memory 19 , whereby this memory 19 either has itself an area designated as a “user database” 20 or an additional memory 20 is attached which contains the user database.
- the user database 20 can also be disposed externally to the multimedia equipment and, for example, can be set up by a remotely located service provider, whereby the multimedia equipment 2 can access the user database over a network.
- a SIM-card reader 21 is connected to the microprocessor, as well as one or several input/output interfaces 22 , as well as further optional, peripheral equipment 23 such as a hard drive, for instance, as well as a video card 24 for processing video signals for the display equipment 3 , which is, for example, a TV cathode-ray tube, an image screen, a beamer, or other equipment for depicting moving pictures, for instance.
- peripheral equipment 23 such as a hard drive, for instance
- a video card 24 for processing video signals for the display equipment 3 , which is, for example, a TV cathode-ray tube, an image screen, a beamer, or other equipment for depicting moving pictures, for instance.
- various devices can be connected, for example a telephone line, a DSL (broadband) connection, a radio link, a television receiver, a television antenna, and further peripheral equipment, such as, for instance, a video recorder, a DVD player, a CD player, a personal computer, a video camera, or other equipment found in a household, which can be controlled by the multimedia equipment 2 .
- DSL wireless local area network
- peripheral equipment such as, for instance, a video recorder, a DVD player, a CD player, a personal computer, a video camera, or other equipment found in a household, which can be controlled by the multimedia equipment 2 .
- the SIM-card reader 13 and the identification device 14 are provided on the remote control 1 .
- the remote control 1 is clearly identified and unauthorized remote controls are differentiated from others.
- a particular person is identified using the identification device 14 .
- a preferred identification device 14 is a fingerprint reader integrated into the remote control 1 , which reads in the image data of a user's fingerprint, as will be explained further below, and which is compared with data stored in the user database 20 in order to identify an authorized user.
- the microprocessor 18 calls up from the user database 20 a user profile stored there for the respective user, using which the multimedia equipment 2 is personalized for the user logged in, in which are established, for example, access authorization, broadcast times, selected television stations, etc., which then appear on the display equipment 3 .
- the microprocessor 18 In collaboration between the microprocessor 18 , the user database 20 , and a program memory 19 , all the possible functions are made accessible on only three menus, whereby the three menu levels are set up hierarchically as follows:
- FIG. 1 is clarified in detail using FIG. 1 as an example of a TV program. If the user has been identified, then he can be indicated on the display equipment 3 in a separate field 30 on menu level 1 . A cross-shaped image of the fields appears on the display equipment 3 , to be precise, the fields 31 arranged vertically in a column and fields arranged horizontally in a row 32 , in which, at the intersection of the column fields 31 and the row fields 32 , a so-called focus field 33 is formed which can be selected using the confirmation button 9 on the remote control 1 .
- the basic functions in the column field 31 are selectable, such as, for instance, Basic set, TV, View videos, View photos, Play audio files, etc., in which the selection and the arrangement of the fields is already personalized for the user indicated in the field 30 . All the elements of the columns 31 can be moved upward or downward using both buttons 5 and 6 , so that only one element is always visible in the focus field 33 .
- the function “TV” is selected.
- the television station available to the user who is logged in then appears in the row fields 32 .
- the desired station can then be moved into the focus field 33 and selected by operating the selection button 9 .
- the second menu level appears, on which the programs are displayed for the TV station selected, which are visualized using the electronic program guide (EPG) that is broadcast nowadays by most stations, in which a chronological grouping is set in the column fields 31 of columns according to day of the week and/or time of day, such as morning, afternoon, or evening and the individual program is displayed in the row fields 32 , including the broadcast time, if needed.
- EPG electronic program guide
- the program found in the focus field 33 can then be selected with the confirmation button 9 , whereupon the third menu level appears.
- the possible actions are displayed, such as, for instance, to View now, Record, or Program. Many different fields appear for each number of functions available.
- the selection and arrangement of the individual elements are also coordinated for the user. So, for example, on the first menu level at the menu item “TV”, the selection and arrangement of possible stations is laid out individually for a specific user, in which the station watched most often by the respective user is displayed in the focus field 33 , where this also depends on the day of the week and/or the time of day. This can also be adjusted “dynamically”, without the user having to actively enter the appropriate data into the user database 20 . If, for example, an authorized user watches a specific station more often on one particular day of the week, this “preference” is stored in the user database 20 , and on the appropriate day and hour the appropriate station and the action are placed in the focus field 33 .
- buttons on the keyboard and the three menu levels which are kept consistent for all possibilities on the equipment, the operation of the multimedia arrangement is substantially simplified and the hardware-related expense of the remote control is reduced by the small number of buttons.
- the user no longer has to remember a large number of button functions and different button positions.
- functions not desired by him or not released to him can be suppressed at the outset, and he can easily find his way around the three menu levels.
- the selection from the first menu level is restricted at the second menu level in order to select a subject.
- This XML command shows several metadata ([info]) which are used to populate the content field.
- the subject has already been selected, so that the action to be carried out with the subject is still to be selected.
- FIG. 2 shows the structure of a matrix with fields A 1 through K 23 .
- An image-screen area B designates a visible area in which the entire matrix can be adjusted so that just one detail can always be depicted in the image-screen area B.
- the image-screen area only one column, here with fields B 13 through B 23 , and one row with fields A 22 through G 22 are made visible, while all the other hatched fields represented are suppressed.
- the field B 22 which defines the focus field. This focus field contains, as shown above, all the necessary commands on the corresponding menu level. The whole matrix is moved using the movement functions.
- the field B 22 contains, at each menu level, either the commands to call up the next lower menu level or, at the last menu level, the step described above to execute the respective action. It is important that each field contain all the necessary information. Also, no associations have to be made between partial functions of a column and partial functions of a row. All fields on a menu level, as represented in FIG. 2 , consequently lie at the same hierarchical level (menu level) and are addressable by means of the movement functions, that is, they can be moved in the focus area.
- further information can be inserted, such as, for instance, a title and short description of a TV program, a preview of photos, or the like.
- the SIM cards are inserted into the SIM-card reader 13 of FIG. 1 at a step 40 .
- the SIM cards contain the following stored data:
- the SIM card further contains the following accessible data:
- the PubK 1 and PrivK 1 keys form a first
- the PubK 2 and PrivK 2 form a second, pair of keys, which are used for encryption and decryption.
- So-called asymmetric cryptography is used for this, in which one key of one of the pairs mentioned, usually the so-called public key, is used for encryption of data, and the other key of the pair, usually the so-called private key, is used for decryption.
- different keys are used for encryption and decryption.
- Decryption of data with the key used for encryption is not possible.
- the algorithms for encryption and decryption are known, in principle.
- the PIN is then retrieved (step 41 ), which is entered by means of the keyboard 4 ( FIG. 1 ) with the direction buttons in combination with the fields 31 and/or 32 of the display equipment 2 and is customarily a four-digit number.
- the SIM card is released, and the personal data mentioned above and the first private key PrivK 1 blocked by the PIN are accessible.
- the remote control 1 then sends the first private key, PrivK 1 (step 42 ) and the second public key PubK 2 (step 44 ) using the send/receive device 15 to the multimedia equipment 2 , where they are received by the send/receive device 17 and are stored in memory 19 by the microprocessor 18 (steps 42 - 45 ). Thereupon, the biometric data of the user are read in using the fingerprint reader 14 ( FIG. 1 ) (step 47 ) and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 48 ), where they are encrypted (step 49 ) with the previously received and stored public key PubK 2 .
- the personal identification code is retrieved from the SIM card and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 50 ), where it is also encrypted with the public key PubK 2 (step 51 ). Consequently, the personal data of the user are either retrieved from the SIM card or entered using the keyboard 4 and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 52 ), where they are also encrypted with the second public key PubK 2 in step 53 .
- the second public key PubK 2 which is stored in the multimedia equipment 2 in step 45 , is erased, after these processes, in step 54 .
- a user profile, made up of the stored and partially encrypted data, is then set up and stored in the user database 20 , containing the following data:
- the user can add still further data to the personal data, such as, for instance, a channel listing of preferred TV channels, button positions for buttons on the remote control, blocked TV channels, TV times, and so on.
- the initialization process described is classified as critical as long as the first private key PrivK 1 is transmitted by wireless mode and as a result can be “bugged”, if a suitable receiver is within range. With infrared transmission, the danger of a suitable receiver being in range, though, is very small, because the range is severely limited and an uninterrupted line-of-sight connection is required.
- High security is, however, provided afterward because the remaining data are encrypted with the public key PubK 2 , which is erased in the multimedia equipment 2 after initialization, and these data cannot be decrypted with the first private key PrivK 1 .
- the private key PrivK 1 can also be erased on the SIM card, so that it can be called a “more private” key, which is still only available to the equipment.
- the biometric data of the user are read in a step 55 , for example, as the user lays a finger on the finger-print reader 14 , which reads in the corresponding image data.
- These image data can be compressed in a step 56 , which is done according to known data-compression methods, such as, for instance, Huffman coding.
- step 57 These compressed image data are added in a step 57 to the personal identification code PIC, which is read out either from the SIM card or from the memory 12 ( FIG. 11 ). Furthermore, the second private key PrivK 2 is added in step 58 , which is also read out either from the SIM card or from the memory 12 .
- This entire data packet consists of the compressed biometric data, the PIC, and the key PrivK 2 .
- This data packet is encrypted with the first public key PubK 1 in a step 59 .
- block encoding and so-called “forward error correction (FEC) can be optionally performed (step 60 ).
- the data so produced are transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 over the radio link 16 (step 61 ) and received by the multimedia equipment 2 (step 62 ). There, these data are first decrypted (step 63 ) with the private key PrivK 1 stored in the user database 20 , whereupon a data record is obtained (block 64 ) with the PrivK 2 , PIC, and biometric data, from which the second private key PrivK 2 is extracted in step 65 .
- the biometric data and the PIC are temporarily stored in a cache memory 19 .
- the data stored in the user database in step 66 and encrypted with the public key PubK 2 before storage namely the PIC, the biometric data, and the personal data
- the PIC's are compared first. If these do not agree, the data received from an authorized remote control are not authorized, so that further operational steps can be called off. If necessary, a request is created for repeat transmissions, which, for example, is displayed on an image screen of the TV equipment or transmitted as a return signal to the remote control 1 over the radio link 16 and is displayed there.
- the biometric data are compared (step 67 . 1 ) and if they agree, the microprocessor 18 emits a release signal in its output to the interface 22 (step 69 ). Then secure, authorized operation of the multimedia equipment 2 and of the further equipment attached to it can be carried out using the remote control 1 .
- a receipt signal for a successful log-on is also transmitted over the radio link 16 of the remote control 1 , which erases sensitive data in the memory 12 in the remote control 1 , in particular the biometric data recorded.
- the data to be compared are also erased in the memory 19 of the equipment 2 , so that the memories 12 and 19 of the remote control 1 and of the equipment 2 are again in their initial state after successful log-on. Then normal operation is established between remote control 1 and multimedia equipment 2 , which can also be bidirectional.
- the authorized connection be cut off after a predetermined length of time and a new log-on be performed, according to the steps described in connection with FIG. 3 . It can also be provided that for specific, security-relevant control processes, a new identification be made, for example, by transmitting name, address, or credit-card number over the communications equipment connected.
- user rights can also be granted with the personal data of the particular user, for example, related to setting up or changing user profiles, so that, for instance, only specified persons who are identified by their biometric data are authorized to set up new users in the user database or to change the rights assigned to particular individual users.
- Other data which are also stored in the personal data can, on the other hand, be so arranged that the individual user can freely change them, after his identification, such as, for example, the button position on the remote control or favorite lists of individual TV stations, insofar as these are decontrolled.
- a very high level of security is attained with the invention. If the equipment itself gets into the hands of unauthorized persons without a SIM card, it is not possible to get hold of the protected biometric data and the protected personal data. Only if an unauthorized person has the equipment and the SIM card at his disposal is it then theoretically possible to decrypt the protected data stored in the user database 20 with the first key PubK 1 stored on the SIM card. For this, the user must then have immediate access to the user database 20 , which requires a highly technical effort.
- the manufacturer can provide that the corresponding memory be protected such that either no access is possible from outside or its content is automatically erased if an attempt is made to remove it from the memory. In any case, it is recommended to purge the memory containing the user database before handing the equipment over to third parties.
Abstract
The invention relates to a multimedia arrangement comprising a remote control (1) having a keypad (4) with only six control buttons (5-10). All functions of the multimedia device (2) can be controlled via three menu levels, an object group being selectable in the first menu level, an object being selectable in the second menu level, and an action to be performed with the object being selectable in the third. Elements of the object groups, objects, and actions are displayed in fields on the display device in a vertical column (31) and a horizontal line (32), the column (31) and the line (32) intersecting in a focus field (33). The elements of the fields can be moved by the control buttons (5-8) in the fixed focus field, and can be activated there by a selection button (9). Selection and arrangement of the elements is done by a user database (20) in the multimedia device depending on data determined by an identification device of the remote control.
Description
- The invention concerns a multimedia arrangement with a remote control, multimedia equipment, and a display device for operating multimedia home electronics.
- Such a multimedia arrangement is known from the patent WO 02/17627 A2.
- There, a remote control for a set-top box is described, which can be personalized for the specific user, which is done using biometric features of the user, such as, for example, a fingerprint reader, a voice recognition circuit, an iris scanner, a “sniffer”, or a face-recognition device. As an alternative to automated personalization, the specific user can also be required to provide a password, a specified keying sequence, or the like. With it, a set-top box and other home entertainment equipment, such as a video recorder, CD player, DVD player, and so on, can be controlled with a single remote control in one family or household.
- Personalization of a remote control in connection with a set-top box has a number of advantages:
-
- The set-top box can be programmed in the sense of child security, so that only selected television channels are seen and other channels are blocked;
- the set-top box can be so programmed that, also in the sense of child security, only specified television times are decontrolled, while the equipment is blocked at other times;
- the set-top box can be programmed so that for each user their television preferences are put together, particularly pre-programmed groups of TV channels, such as, for instance, sport channels, entertainment channels, educational channels, etc. For each user, the spaces reserved for individual buttons on the remote control can be changed, whereby the number of possible buttons can also be reduced;
- with interactive systems, such as interactive TV, home shopping, home banking, video-on-demand, or similar ones, the user can be identified, in which additional securities can be built into the set-top box here as well, for example overall limits for ordering goods or films, types of films (for example, suitable for those under 18), etc.
- In the patent WO 02/17627 A2 describing a remote control, the user is identified once using a fingerprint reader. The remote then remains personalized to this user as long as he is logged in by pressing a specific button again or by a new operation of the fingerprint reader. If this is forgotten that another user with the full access permission of the previous user can execute these functions.
- As a remedy, it can be provided that the personalization and thus most of the functions are automatically turned off when no button on the remote control has been operated for a predetermined period of time or if the set-top box or a TV is turned off. It can also be provided that each push of a button or specific function is performed only when the finger-print reader has at the same time also identified an authorized person. As a further possibility, it can also be provided that all or at least several buttons on the remote are fitted with a fingerprint reader.
- The patent WO 02/084991 A1 likewise describes a remote control which can be personalized for an interactive television system. There, it is primarily a matter of assigning buttons programmed for the specific user, in order to reduce the number of buttons. Additional functions such as, for example, “Open garage door”, can be implemented. For several users, a table can be stored, on which the assignment of individual buttons can be set up for predetermined user-specific functions. By pressing a specific button, a menu is called up, on which all users are shown and a specific user can be selected. No security measures are provided there to prevent someone from logging on under a user name that is not assigned to him.
- The U.S. Pat. No. 5,861,881 describes an interactive computer system for multimedia operation in which a user profile can be stored. This can be done both on a local computer or a host computer of a network. This computer system can also, for example, be connected to a remote transmitter by cable. Using this compiled user profile, specified data or video content can be selected.
- The U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,020 describes a remote control which can control a large number of devices. Each remote has a clearly identified code. A central control unit for several remotes is thus able to identify the individual remote and assign to it specific devices to be controlled remotely.
- The patent WO 2004/055717 shows a multimedia system with a remote-control unit, which exhibits a finger-print reading unit, for the remote control of a set-top box, to which a television is connected. The set-top box is connected over a network to a remotely located server. The set-top box establishes a connection to the remote server only when an authorized user has been identified on the remote by the fingerprint reader.
- US patent 2003/0001907 A1 describes a method and equipment for controlling an electronic device. To navigate through a hierarchy of groups of control commands, fields are represented in a column and in a row, in which the rows and the columns intersect in a focus field. The fields of a column and the fields of a row can be moved separately. The column field and the row field found in the focus field are combined to bring about a predefined action. At the same time, a variable number on the menu level is provided whereby, if need be, the elements placed in the focus field call up the next menu level. The user thereby still retains an overview, and additional information is displayed in fields adjacent to the focus field on the respective menu level.
- Similar devices are also described in
EP 1 185 922 B1,EP 1 291 754 A2, andEP 1 425 652 A1. Many hierarchies and menu levels are also provided there, in case any of them are needed, which complicates operation and makes it confusing. - US 2002/0043557 A1 describes a multimedia system with a remote control which identifies a special memory card related to the equipment to be controlled.
- Multimedia systems with remote control and the highlighted representation of selectable actions are also known from WO 03/021915 A2, U.S. Pat. No. 6,690,391 B1, and WO 03/043318 A1.
- The complexity of operation is, however, a problem in the known multimedia equipment with personalized remote control. Many remote controls have up to 40 or more buttons, with which specific functions are selected. Different functions can even be assigned to individual buttons for each user. This has the result that most users generally use only a limited number of functions. Besides, personalization also is complicated to accomplish. With most equipment, a menu is called up using a personal “menu” button, which displays several main functions and, in part, on various highly-staggered submenus, the individual functions available. In practice, most users are overwhelmed by this complexity and usually only the younger family members are generally able to operate such equipment, which then again is counterproductive, because functions directly related to security, such as child security, home banking, or fee-required functions that can be called up, just cannot be blocked directly against young people.
- It is a task of the invention, in order to improve the remote control of the type mentioned above, to make very simple operation possible, including personalization, by guaranteeing a large amount of access security.
- This task is resolved by the feature presented in
patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention may be drawn from the subclaims. - The multimedia arrangement according to the invention has a remote control that can be personalized, which exhibits an identification device, multimedia equipment controllable by the remote control which is, for example, a so-called set-top box and display equipment attached to this multimedia equipment which, for example, is an image screen, a so-called “beamer”, a monitor, or the like. The multimedia equipment contains a microprocessor and a programmable memory connected to it, which contains a “user database” in which a large number of data are stored, the individual users are identified, their specific “rights” are assigned, and an individual configuration set for the multimedia equipment, which is then depicted on the display equipment. The user database can be both arranged in the multimedia equipment itself or entered remotely, for instance by a service provider, and be called up there over a network.
- The multimedia arrangement is so designed and configured that the remote control needs only six control functions, namely four “direction functions” for “On”, “Off', “Left”, and “Right”, one selection function, and one “Back” function. The functions named can be called up using the buttons of a keyboard on the remote control. Instead of buttons, other input devices can also be used, such as, for instance, a so-called touch screen, which triggers the corresponding functions based on predefined finger motions or the like on the touch screen. In the same way, a voice-activated control is possible or control using sensors, which records the motions of the user's hand or the like. All the functions of the multimedia equipment can be selected using three menu levels, which are laid out abstractly and hierarchically as follows:
- Menu level 1: selection of a subject group
- Menu level 2: selection of a subject
- Menu level 3: selection of an action with the subject selected.
- This arrangement into three menu levels is kept consistent for all the functions. Always using this rigid arrangement with the three menu levels, the user can very quickly find his way around and can also always go back very easily to the first basic menu level, by calling up the “Back” function twice or by using a special function (“Home” function).
- For further ease of operability, the elements of the individual menu level are arranged according to a type of matrix with vertical columns and horizontal rows, while all the remaining elements are not taken into consideration. With a matrix, each element is defined by its column and row coordinates, and as a result, it assigns both a row and a column. If only one row and only one column are represented, then one field is presented, which lies just at the intersection of column and row and which is designated in the following as a “focus field”, in which one focus element is therefore found.
- This focus field is located on all menu levels and is always in an unalterable, predefined location on the display equipment for all functions, and as a result it is fixed. The location so specified for the focus field can be changed, depending on the previously identified user. For example, in the Culture area, where the focus field is described and read from right to left, it is desirable to place the field in a location other than the Culture area where it is read from left to right. In the latter Culture area, the location of the focus field is preferred in the lower left corner of the display equipment. Using the four motion functions named, the elements of the columns are “moved” upward or downward so that, for instance, on the first menu level, the actual subject group is visible in the “focus” element, whereby the element of the subject group is then visible on the first menu level in the horizontal row and can be moved by performing the “Left” or “Right” motion function in the “focus” element. By operating the selection function, the subject group found in the “focus” element can then be selected and the second menu level activated, which also has the analogous arrangement or representation for elements in columns and rows. Here, upon moving the four motion functions, a subject in the “focus” element is moved, it is selected using the selection function, and the third and last menu level appears, which again has elements arranged analogously in columns and rows, in which the “focus” element then designates the action to be taken with the subject selected, which is activated by operating the selection function.
- Substantial simplification and simple operation resulting therefrom is obtained by “personalization”, whereby the entire system is configured for an individual user, in which a user profile is laid out. Using an identification device containing biometric data for one person, such as, for example, a finger-print reader, the individual person is first identified, whereupon a user profile established previously for the identified person is called up, which is stored in a user database. The user database contains not just access authorization, but menu systems assigned to the individual person as well, which, for instance, contain a limited number of desired television stations, that the individual user can select when setting up his user profile. As a result, for example, the number and order of television stations generally displayed on the menu system are substantially reduced, because the unwanted TV stations are not displayed at all. With this reduction in the only elements generally displayed on the individual menu system, the consistent use of the three menu systems mentioned above is clear, and the overall system is freed of superfluous encumbrances.
- Aside from the simple operation of the multimedia equipment by means of a remote control, transmission security is increasingly important, because sensitive personal data are associated with access authorization, such as, for instance, name, address, birthdate, bank accounts, credit-card numbers, etc. Programmable remote controls can be obtained on the market which can read in and store data transmitted from an authentic remote control, so that it is possible to identically copy an authentic remote control and consequently log in with the copied remote control onto the multimedia equipment as an unauthorized user and to perform all the functions and as a result also to circumvent the identification device available on the remote control, such as a fingerprint reader, for instance, because the data ascertained from the identification device is sent by wireless mode to the multimedia equipment and thus can be read in by an unknown remote control. Hence, to increase access security, a replaceable hardware-related deterrent is proposed, with which the remote control is identified with respect to the multimedia equipment. Preferably, this hardware-related deterrent is a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card, such as is generally known with mobile telephones. Such SIM cards have proven themselves a million times over, are inexpensive to obtain, and are considered to be an extremely secure and reliable means of encryption. In addition, SIM cards also have the advantage that data can be stored on them, and as a result, pre-settings can also be transmitted to other equipment, for example if a device is defective.
- A problem resulting from demands for simpler operability and access security, then, is the hardware-related expense of the remote control, which needs a very high-performance, relatively very energy-intensive, and expensive microprocessor. To resolve this resulting problem, the invention proposes that the identification device of the remote control transmit the data read in to the multimedia equipment and evaluation of these data take place first in the multimedia equipment. If the identification device is, for example, a fingerprint reader, it reads in the image data of a fingerprint, and then these unevaluated image data are transmitted to the multimedia equipment and are evaluated there first and compared with the data stored in the user database.
- To increase security, these image data should certainly be encrypted, whereby preferably an asymmetric encryption method is carried out upon using the SIM card. In a particularly preferred manner, the following data are stored on the SIM card:
-
- a first pair of digital keys;
- a second pair of digital keys;
- a personal identification code; and
- personal data for at least one user.
In the memory of the multimedia equipment, the following data are stored after a first initialization: - only one key of the first pair of digital keys;
- only one key of the second pair of digital keys;
- biometric data for the identification device and personal data for a user, as well as the personal identification code, encrypted with the only one key of the second pair of digital keys.
- When setting up a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment, the SIM card reads in the biometric data for the user, adds to these the personal identification code and the other key of the second pair of digital keys, and sends a data packet so constructed, with the other, encrypted key of the first pair of digital keys to the multi-media equipment. The multimedia equipment decrypts the encrypted data record received with the stored one key of the first pair of digital keys, extracts therefrom the other key of the second pair of digital keys, the personal identification code, and the biometric data. Thereupon, it reads out from its memory the encrypted biometric data, the encrypted personal data, and the encrypted personal identification code and decrypts them with the other key of the second pair of digital keys, compares the decrypted personal identification code received and the decrypted personal identification code stored and only activates the multimedia equipment if they agree.
- Preferably, the biometric data read in was compressed before making the data record; preferably this was done according to Huffman coding. Furthermore, preferably the data record to be transmitted from the remote control to the multimedia equipment is block-encoded and is preferably provided with forward error correction.
- Preferably, the multimedia equipment also has a reader for a SIM card, in which according to a variant of the invention a connection set up between the remote control and the multimedia equipment is possible only if a related pair of SIM cards is available in both sets of equipment. According to an alternative, the remote control can first store all relevant data on the SIM card found therein, whereupon the SIM card is then taken from the remote control to the multimedia equipment, in order to read in the relevant data there.
- According to a further variant, the SIM card is only used for the configuration and can be removed for further operation of the remote, whereby a configuration is possible only with a SIM card available.
- Furthermore, still to be mentioned is that the term “multimedia arrangement” is to be understood here in a broad sense and does not just involve entertainment and communications media but also the control of equipment and machinery in general. So various equipment can be connected to the multimedia arrangement, monitored, and/or controlled. Here, it can operate, for example, surveillance cameras, door-opening equipment, systems found in a house such as, for instance, heating systems, air-conditioning systems, lighting systems, alarm systems, and garden-watering systems, or communications systems such as telephone, fax, and Internet access, or other equipment as well, such as a kitchen stove, refrigerator, or the like. In this sense, the multimedia equipment is universal equipment, which can also perform monitoring and control functions.
- In the following, the invention is explained in more detail using an embodiment example in association with the drawing. Shown are:
-
FIG. 1 a basic circuit diagram of a multimedia arrangement according to the invention; -
FIG. 2 a representation of a menu level; -
FIG. 3 a flow chart to explain the initialization of a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment; and -
FIG. 4 a flow chart to clarify an identification process between remote control and multimedia equipment. -
FIG. 1 shows aremote control 1, which controlsmultimedia equipment 2, in whichdisplay equipment 3, such as an image screen, for instance, is connected to themultimedia equipment 2. Theremote control 1 has akeyboard 4, which exhibits only six control keys, namely fourmovement buttons confirmation button 9, which triggers a selection function, and a “Back”button 10. Thekeyboard 4 is connected in the usual manner to amicroprocessor 11, to which at least onememory 12, a SIM-card reader 13, aidentification device 14, and a send/receiveunit 15 are attached. Instead of a keyboard, as mentioned above, other input devices can be used. The term “keyboard” with movement buttons hence illustrates only one possible example. - The
remote control 1 can establish a wireless communications link with themultimedia equipment 2 using the send-receiveunit 15, which is indicated by anarrow 16. Customarily, this is done by means of an infrared signal. Themultimedia equipment 2 has a corresponding send/receiveunit 17, which is connected to amicroprocessor 18. Because of that, it is indicated that, between theremote control 1 and themultimedia equipment 2, both a bidirectional communications link is possible, as well as a monodirectional communications link, in which data are transmitted only from theremote control 1 to themultimedia equipment 2, but not in the opposite direction. Themicroprocessor 18 here has a substantially higher performance than themicroprocessor 11 of theremote control 1. Moreover, connected to themicroprocessor 18 is amemory 19, whereby thismemory 19 either has itself an area designated as a “user database” 20 or anadditional memory 20 is attached which contains the user database. Theuser database 20 can also be disposed externally to the multimedia equipment and, for example, can be set up by a remotely located service provider, whereby themultimedia equipment 2 can access the user database over a network. Furthermore, a SIM-card reader 21 is connected to the microprocessor, as well as one or several input/output interfaces 22, as well as further optional,peripheral equipment 23 such as a hard drive, for instance, as well as avideo card 24 for processing video signals for thedisplay equipment 3, which is, for example, a TV cathode-ray tube, an image screen, a beamer, or other equipment for depicting moving pictures, for instance. - To the
interface 22 of themultimedia equipment 2, which can be a so-called set-top box, for instance, various devices can be connected, for example a telephone line, a DSL (broadband) connection, a radio link, a television receiver, a television antenna, and further peripheral equipment, such as, for instance, a video recorder, a DVD player, a CD player, a personal computer, a video camera, or other equipment found in a household, which can be controlled by themultimedia equipment 2. - For the desired personalization between a
remote control 1 andmultimedia equipment 2, the SIM-card reader 13 and theidentification device 14 are provided on theremote control 1. Using the SIM-card reader 13, theremote control 1 is clearly identified and unauthorized remote controls are differentiated from others. A particular person is identified using theidentification device 14. Apreferred identification device 14 is a fingerprint reader integrated into theremote control 1, which reads in the image data of a user's fingerprint, as will be explained further below, and which is compared with data stored in theuser database 20 in order to identify an authorized user. - If the
remote control 1 has been identified using the SIM-card reader and the user identified with theidentification device 14 with respect to themulti-media equipment 2, then themicroprocessor 18 calls up from the user database 20 a user profile stored there for the respective user, using which themultimedia equipment 2 is personalized for the user logged in, in which are established, for example, access authorization, broadcast times, selected television stations, etc., which then appear on thedisplay equipment 3. In collaboration between themicroprocessor 18, theuser database 20, and aprogram memory 19, all the possible functions are made accessible on only three menus, whereby the three menu levels are set up hierarchically as follows: - 1. Selection of a subject group,
- 2. Selection of a subject,
- 3. Selection of an activity with the subject selected, in which all the functions can be controlled using only six control buttons on the
keyboard 4. - In the following, this is clarified in detail using
FIG. 1 as an example of a TV program. If the user has been identified, then he can be indicated on thedisplay equipment 3 in aseparate field 30 onmenu level 1. A cross-shaped image of the fields appears on thedisplay equipment 3, to be precise, thefields 31 arranged vertically in a column and fields arranged horizontally in arow 32, in which, at the intersection of the column fields 31 and the row fields 32, a so-calledfocus field 33 is formed which can be selected using theconfirmation button 9 on theremote control 1. The basic functions in thecolumn field 31 are selectable, such as, for instance, Basic set, TV, View videos, View photos, Play audio files, etc., in which the selection and the arrangement of the fields is already personalized for the user indicated in thefield 30. All the elements of thecolumns 31 can be moved upward or downward using bothbuttons focus field 33. - In the embodiment example represented, the function “TV” is selected. As a result, the television station available to the user who is logged in then appears in the row fields 32. By operating
buttons focus field 33 and selected by operating theselection button 9. - Then the second menu level appears, on which the programs are displayed for the TV station selected, which are visualized using the electronic program guide (EPG) that is broadcast nowadays by most stations, in which a chronological grouping is set in the column fields 31 of columns according to day of the week and/or time of day, such as morning, afternoon, or evening and the individual program is displayed in the row fields 32, including the broadcast time, if needed. The program found in the
focus field 33 can then be selected with theconfirmation button 9, whereupon the third menu level appears. - On the third menu level, the possible actions are displayed, such as, for instance, to View now, Record, or Program. Many different fields appear for each number of functions available.
- By pressing the “Back”
button 10, a current menu level reverts to the previous one. - Correspondingly, an appropriate selection appears for all the other functions. With the function “Photos at
menu level 1”, for example, a specific “Album” is selected, such as, for instance, Vacation, Christmas, etc. At the second level, individual photos can then be selected and atmenu level 3 the appropriate action, such as View, Print, Delete, Send as e-mail, or the like. - For each authorized user, certain functions are not displayed at all. Thus, for example, the function “Home banking” is blocked for certain users and is not displayed at all for them.
- On the second menu level, for instance, broadcast times or specified types of stations can be blocked and as a result are automatically suppressed, and on the third menu level, again, other functions can be released or blocked, such as, for instance, Delete recorded programs, Delete photos, or the like.
- Using the personalization, the selection and arrangement of the individual elements are also coordinated for the user. So, for example, on the first menu level at the menu item “TV”, the selection and arrangement of possible stations is laid out individually for a specific user, in which the station watched most often by the respective user is displayed in the
focus field 33, where this also depends on the day of the week and/or the time of day. This can also be adjusted “dynamically”, without the user having to actively enter the appropriate data into theuser database 20. If, for example, an authorized user watches a specific station more often on one particular day of the week, this “preference” is stored in theuser database 20, and on the appropriate day and hour the appropriate station and the action are placed in thefocus field 33. - Using the combination of only six control buttons on the keyboard and the three menu levels, which are kept consistent for all possibilities on the equipment, the operation of the multimedia arrangement is substantially simplified and the hardware-related expense of the remote control is reduced by the small number of buttons. The user no longer has to remember a large number of button functions and different button positions. Using the personalization, functions not desired by him or not released to him can be suppressed at the outset, and he can easily find his way around the three menu levels. It is also emphasized that the arrangement of the
fields 32 into rows and intocolumns 31, with afocus field 33 through which the individual fields are moved, substantially facilitates operation because the “essentials” always appear in the same place, so that the user no longer has to search on the display equipment for where the desired function is displayed in order to subsequently maneuver there with the movement buttons. - In the following, an example of the menu structure with the three levels is explained, in which fragments of the XML data used are depicted. So-called meta-definitions for the prior selection of menu elements, as well as portions of the definition for image-screen representations, are omitted for purposes of a clear overview.
- On the main menu, a subject group is selected.
- [menu] . . . describes an entire menu,
- [item] . . . describes a menu element.
- [action] . . . described the action that will be carried out if the XML node is selected,
- app . . . designates the application or the program that will be loaded with the associated subject,
- className . . . designates the class to be established,
- menu . . . designates a new XML data file that will be loaded for the next menu level.
-
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“UTF-8”?> <menu> <!-- ... --> <item id=“overview” title=“TV Program” labelbgcolor=“#014a8d”> <icon url=“icons/mainmenu/main menu icon overview.png” /> <item id=“show_channels” title=“show all Channels”> <action className=“AppEPG” app=“apps/AppEPG” menu=“xml/AppEPG.xml”/> </item> </item> <!-- ... --> </menu> - If “show_channels” is selected, the application “apps/AppEPG” is loaded and a new instance of AppEPG is generated. The menu for the main level (subject group) is greyed out, and a new menu is produced under “xml/AppEPG.xml”. After the menu is generated, “AppEPG” is associated with the menu and displayed.
- The selection from the first menu level is restricted at the second menu level in order to select a subject.
- This XML command shows several metadata ([info]) which are used to populate the content field.
-
<?xml version=1.0″ encoding=“UTF-8”?> <menu id=“root_epg”> <!-- ... --> <item id=“bbc_world” title=“BBC World”> <item id=“bbcn” text=“BBC News”> <info url=“icons/tv/bbcn.png”> <time> <start hour=“08” min=“00” /> <end hour=“08” min=“30” /> </time> <shorttext> <span class=“headline”>BBC News</span>· <p class=“subheadline”>(News Magazine, UK 2007)</p> <p class=“description”>Hourly news from around the world.</p> </shorttext> </info> <action className=“ActionTimeline” app=“apps/ActionTimeline” menu=“xml/ActionTimeline.xml” /> </item> <!-- ... --> </item> <!-- ... --> </menu> - At the third menu level, the subject has already been selected, so that the action to be carried out with the subject is still to be selected.
- In this XML data file, the internal function “ActionTimeline” is called up, which is addressed by using its name. The three possible actions of “View”, “Record this program”, and “Record this series” are offered and activated using the selection button or selection function.
-
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“UTF-8”?> <menu id=“action_timeline” cache=“false”> <item id=“actions” title=“Actions” labelbgcolor=“#461588”> <item id=“action_view” title=“View”/> <item id=“action_record” title=“Record this Program”/> <item id=“action_record_series” title=“Record this Series”/> </item> </menu> -
FIG. 2 shows the structure of a matrix with fields A1 through K23. An image-screen area B designates a visible area in which the entire matrix can be adjusted so that just one detail can always be depicted in the image-screen area B. In the image-screen area, only one column, here with fields B13 through B23, and one row with fields A22 through G22 are made visible, while all the other hatched fields represented are suppressed. In the junction region between the visible column and visible row is the field B22, which defines the focus field. This focus field contains, as shown above, all the necessary commands on the corresponding menu level. The whole matrix is moved using the movement functions. If, for example, the field E17 is moved to the focus field, then the function “Left” has to be called up three times and the function “Down” five times. The field B22 contains, at each menu level, either the commands to call up the next lower menu level or, at the last menu level, the step described above to execute the respective action. It is important that each field contain all the necessary information. Also, no associations have to be made between partial functions of a column and partial functions of a row. All fields on a menu level, as represented inFIG. 2 , consequently lie at the same hierarchical level (menu level) and are addressable by means of the movement functions, that is, they can be moved in the focus area. - In the suppressed area represented by the hatching in
FIG. 2 , further information can be inserted, such as, for instance, a title and short description of a TV program, a preview of photos, or the like. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , the initialization will now be described. First, the SIM cards are inserted into the SIM-card reader 13 ofFIG. 1 at astep 40. The SIM cards contain the following stored data: - 1. a personal identification number (the so-called PIN),
- 2. personal data for a user, such as, for instance, name, birthdate, sex, credit-card number, etc.,
- 3. a first private key (PrivK 1), whereby the data indicated in 2 and 3 above are accessible only after entering the PIN indicated in 1 above.
- The SIM card further contains the following accessible data:
- 4. a second private key (PrivK 2),
- 5. a personal identification code (PIC),
- 6. a first public key (PubK 1), and
- 7. a second public key (PubK 2).
- As is further clarified in still more detail below, the
PubK 1 and PrivK 1 keys form a first, and the PubK2 andPrivK 2 form a second, pair of keys, which are used for encryption and decryption. So-called asymmetric cryptography is used for this, in which one key of one of the pairs mentioned, usually the so-called public key, is used for encryption of data, and the other key of the pair, usually the so-called private key, is used for decryption. Thus different keys are used for encryption and decryption. Decryption of data with the key used for encryption is not possible. The algorithms for encryption and decryption are known, in principle. Reference is made, for example, to the asymmetric RSA encryption algorithm, the Rabin cryptosystem, or the El-Gamal cryptosystem. After inserting the SIM cards, the PIN is then retrieved (step 41), which is entered by means of the keyboard 4 (FIG. 1 ) with the direction buttons in combination with thefields 31 and/or 32 of thedisplay equipment 2 and is customarily a four-digit number. As a result, the SIM card is released, and the personal data mentioned above and the firstprivate key PrivK 1 blocked by the PIN are accessible. - The
remote control 1 then sends the first private key, PrivK 1 (step 42) and the second public key PubK 2 (step 44) using the send/receivedevice 15 to themultimedia equipment 2, where they are received by the send/receivedevice 17 and are stored inmemory 19 by the microprocessor 18 (steps 42-45). Thereupon, the biometric data of the user are read in using the fingerprint reader 14 (FIG. 1 ) (step 47) and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 48), where they are encrypted (step 49) with the previously received and storedpublic key PubK 2. Similarly, the personal identification code (PIC) is retrieved from the SIM card and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 50), where it is also encrypted with the public key PubK 2 (step 51). Consequently, the personal data of the user are either retrieved from the SIM card or entered using thekeyboard 4 and transmitted to the multimedia equipment 2 (step 52), where they are also encrypted with the secondpublic key PubK 2 instep 53. - The second
public key PubK 2, which is stored in themultimedia equipment 2 instep 45, is erased, after these processes, instep 54. A user profile, made up of the stored and partially encrypted data, is then set up and stored in theuser database 20, containing the following data: -
- the unencrypted first
private key PrivK 1, the biometric data of the user encrypted with thePubK 2 key; - the encrypted personal identification code (PIC) and the encrypted personal data, currently encrypted with
PubK 2.
- the unencrypted first
- Additionally, the user can add still further data to the personal data, such as, for instance, a channel listing of preferred TV channels, button positions for buttons on the remote control, blocked TV channels, TV times, and so on.
- The initialization process described is classified as critical as long as the first
private key PrivK 1 is transmitted by wireless mode and as a result can be “bugged”, if a suitable receiver is within range. With infrared transmission, the danger of a suitable receiver being in range, though, is very small, because the range is severely limited and an uninterrupted line-of-sight connection is required. - High security is, however, provided afterward because the remaining data are encrypted with the
public key PubK 2, which is erased in themultimedia equipment 2 after initialization, and these data cannot be decrypted with the firstprivate key PrivK 1. - To further increase security, the
private key PrivK 1 can also be erased on the SIM card, so that it can be called a “more private” key, which is still only available to the equipment. - In connection with
FIG. 4 , the normal identification process will now be described, whereby a link is established between theremote control 1 and the initializedmultimedia equipment 2. It is consequently assumed that theremote control 1 is send-ready and themultimedia equipment 2 is receive-ready. - The biometric data of the user are read in a
step 55, for example, as the user lays a finger on the finger-print reader 14, which reads in the corresponding image data. These image data can be compressed in astep 56, which is done according to known data-compression methods, such as, for instance, Huffman coding. - These compressed image data are added in a
step 57 to the personal identification code PIC, which is read out either from the SIM card or from the memory 12 (FIG. 11 ). Furthermore, the secondprivate key PrivK 2 is added instep 58, which is also read out either from the SIM card or from thememory 12. This entire data packet consists of the compressed biometric data, the PIC, and thekey PrivK 2. This data packet is encrypted with the firstpublic key PubK 1 in astep 59. In addition, block encoding and so-called “forward error correction (FEC) can be optionally performed (step 60). - Thereupon, the data so produced are transmitted to the
multimedia equipment 2 over the radio link 16 (step 61) and received by the multimedia equipment 2 (step 62). There, these data are first decrypted (step 63) with theprivate key PrivK 1 stored in theuser database 20, whereupon a data record is obtained (block 64) with thePrivK 2, PIC, and biometric data, from which the secondprivate key PrivK 2 is extracted instep 65. The biometric data and the PIC are temporarily stored in acache memory 19. With the now decrypted and extracted secondprivate key PrivK 2, the data stored in the user database instep 66 and encrypted with thepublic key PubK 2 before storage, namely the PIC, the biometric data, and the personal data, are decrypted, and in the resultingstep 67, the now decrypted data from the user database and the data received are compared. Appropriately, the PIC's are compared first. If these do not agree, the data received from an authorized remote control are not authorized, so that further operational steps can be called off. If necessary, a request is created for repeat transmissions, which, for example, is displayed on an image screen of the TV equipment or transmitted as a return signal to theremote control 1 over theradio link 16 and is displayed there. - If a comparison of the PIC yields an authorized remote control, then the biometric data are compared (step 67.1) and if they agree, the
microprocessor 18 emits a release signal in its output to the interface 22 (step 69). Then secure, authorized operation of themultimedia equipment 2 and of the further equipment attached to it can be carried out using theremote control 1. A receipt signal for a successful log-on is also transmitted over theradio link 16 of theremote control 1, which erases sensitive data in thememory 12 in theremote control 1, in particular the biometric data recorded. Similarly, the data to be compared are also erased in thememory 19 of theequipment 2, so that thememories remote control 1 and of theequipment 2 are again in their initial state after successful log-on. Then normal operation is established betweenremote control 1 andmultimedia equipment 2, which can also be bidirectional. - For reasons of security, it can also be provided that the authorized connection be cut off after a predetermined length of time and a new log-on be performed, according to the steps described in connection with
FIG. 3 . It can also be provided that for specific, security-relevant control processes, a new identification be made, for example, by transmitting name, address, or credit-card number over the communications equipment connected. - With the initialization according to the operational steps described above in connection with
FIG. 3 , user rights can also be granted with the personal data of the particular user, for example, related to setting up or changing user profiles, so that, for instance, only specified persons who are identified by their biometric data are authorized to set up new users in the user database or to change the rights assigned to particular individual users. Other data which are also stored in the personal data, can, on the other hand, be so arranged that the individual user can freely change them, after his identification, such as, for example, the button position on the remote control or favorite lists of individual TV stations, insofar as these are decontrolled. - In summary, a very high level of security is attained with the invention. If the equipment itself gets into the hands of unauthorized persons without a SIM card, it is not possible to get hold of the protected biometric data and the protected personal data. Only if an unauthorized person has the equipment and the SIM card at his disposal is it then theoretically possible to decrypt the protected data stored in the
user database 20 with thefirst key PubK 1 stored on the SIM card. For this, the user must then have immediate access to theuser database 20, which requires a highly technical effort. Here the manufacturer can provide that the corresponding memory be protected such that either no access is possible from outside or its content is automatically erased if an attempt is made to remove it from the memory. In any case, it is recommended to purge the memory containing the user database before handing the equipment over to third parties.
Claims (17)
1-9. (canceled)
10. A multimedia arrangement comprising:
a remote control comprising an input device, a first microprocessor, at least one first memory, an identification device which contains biometric data for a person, and a first communications unit for data transmission;
multimedia equipment comprising a second microprocessor, a second communications unit for receiving data from the first communications unit, at least one interface, and at least one user database for storing a user profile; and
display equipment, which is connected to the multimedia equipment;
wherein the input device of the remote control is designed to call up control functions, whose functions of:
“ON”,
“OFF”,
“LEFT”,
“RIGHT”,
“SELECT”, and
“BACK” are assigned;
wherein all the functions of the multimedia equipment can be controlled on three menu levels, whereby
a subject group at the first menu level,
a subject at the second menu level, and
an action to be performed with the subject at the third menu level can be controlled,
such that elements of the subject groups, elements of the subjects, and elements of the actions are arranged on each menu level in fields of a matrix,
such that only the elements of a single vertical column and elements of a single horizontal row from the matrix fields are depicted on the display equipment;
wherein the second microprocessor delivers, upon receiving control signals from the remote control, depending on actuation of the input device, such signals to the display equipment, that a single element of the matrix is placed in a focus field that is arranged in the circular area of the column formed and of the row formed;
wherein the focus field is set up permanently, depending on the user profile;
wherein an element found in the focus field can be activated by the selection function of the input device; and
wherein the elements displayed in the column field and the row field are configured, depending on the signals from the identification device, together with the user profile stored in the user database.
11. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 10 , wherein the remote control comprises a SIM-card reader into which a SIM card can be inserted and wherein the remote control and the multimedia equipment only activate a communications connection between the first and the second communications unit if a prespecified SIM card is inserted into the SIM-card reader of the remote control.
12. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 11 , wherein the microprocessor of the multimedia equipment is configured such that signals from the input device are only processed if the identification device of the remote control has transmitted to the multimedia equipment predetermined signals which correspond to signals in the user database.
13. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 11 , wherein the multimedia equipment comprises a SIM-card reader and the microprocessor of the multimedia equipment is so configured that activation of the communications connection only results when a SIM card is inserted into the SIM-card reader of the multimedia equipment.
14. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 11 :
wherein the following data are stored on the SIM card of the SIM-card reader of the remote control:
a first pair of digital keys,
a second pair of digital keys,
a personal identification code (PIC), and
personal data for at least one user;
wherein the memory of the multimedia equipment holds the following data, based on a first initialization:
only one key of the first pair of digital keys,
only one key of the second pair of digital keys,
with only one key of which in the second pair of digital keys are encrypted biometric data and personal data, as well as the personal identification code;
wherein, upon setting up a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment, the identification device feeds in biometric data for the user and adds these to the personal identification code (PIC) and to the other key of the second pair of digital keys, reads out from the memory unit the encrypted biometric data, the encrypted personal data, and the encrypted personal identification code (PIC) and decrypts them using the other key of the second pair of digital keys, compares the decrypted personal identification code received with the decrypted personal identification code stored and if they agree, compares the decrypted biometric data received with the decrypted biometric data stored and only activates the multimedia equipment if they agree.
15. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 14 , wherein biometric data determined are compressed by the identification device of the remote control before transmission to the multimedia equipment.
16. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 15 , wherein the compression is performed in accordance with Huffman coding.
17. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 14 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is block-encoded from the remote control to the multimedia equipment.
18. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 14 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is provided by the remote control to the multimedia equipment with forward error correction.
19. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 11 , wherein the multimedia equipment comprises a SIM-card reader, and the microprocessor of the multimedia equipment is so configured that activation of the communications connection only results when a SIM card is inserted into the SIM-card reader of the multimedia equipment.
20. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 12 :
wherein the following data are stored on the SIM card of the SIM-card reader of the remote control:
a first pair of digital keys,
a second pair of digital keys,
a personal identification code (PIC), and
personal data for at least one user;
wherein the memory of the multimedia equipment holds the following data, based on a first initialization:
only one key of the first pair of digital keys,
only one key of the second pair of digital keys,
with only one key of which in the second pair of digital keys are encrypted biometric data and personal data, as well as the personal identification code;
wherein, upon setting up a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment, the identification device feeds in biometric data for the user and adds these to the personal identification code (PIC) and to the other key of the second pair of digital keys, reads out from the memory unit the encrypted biometric data, the encrypted personal data, and the encrypted personal identification code (PIC) and decrypts them using the other key of the second pair of digital keys, compares the decrypted personal identification code received with the decrypted personal identification code stored and if they agree, compares the decrypted biometric data received with the decrypted biometric data stored and only activates the multimedia equipment if they agree.
21. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 13 :
wherein the following data are stored on the SIM card of the SIM-card reader of the remote control:
a first pair of digital keys,
a second pair of digital keys,
a personal identification code (PIC), and
personal data for at least one user;
wherein the memory of the multimedia equipment holds the following data, based on a first initialization:
only one key of the first pair of digital keys,
only one key of the second pair of digital keys,
with only one key of which in the second pair of digital keys are encrypted biometric data and personal data, as well as the personal identification code;
wherein, upon setting up a connection between the remote control and the multimedia equipment, the identification device feeds in biometric data for the user and adds these to the personal identification code (PIC) and to the other key of the second pair of digital keys, reads out from the memory unit the encrypted biometric data, the encrypted personal data, and the encrypted personal identification code (PIC) and decrypts them using the other key of the second pair of digital keys, compares the decrypted personal identification code received with the decrypted personal identification code stored and if they agree, compares the decrypted biometric data received with the decrypted biometric data stored and only activates the multimedia equipment if they agree.
22. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 15 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is block-encoded from the remote control to the multimedia equipment.
23. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is block-encoded from the remote control to the multimedia equipment.
24. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 15 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is provided by the remote control to the multimedia equipment with forward error correction.
25. The multimedia arrangement according to claim 16 , wherein the data record to be transmitted is provided by the remote control to the multimedia equipment with forward error correction.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP07010957.4A EP2001223B1 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2007-06-04 | Multi-media configuration |
EP07010957.4 | 2007-06-04 | ||
PCT/EP2008/004440 WO2008148533A1 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Multimedia arrangement |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/EP2008/004440 A-371-Of-International WO2008148533A1 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Multimedia arrangement |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/527,048 Continuation US9445146B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2014-10-29 | Multimedia arrangement |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100146278A1 true US20100146278A1 (en) | 2010-06-10 |
Family
ID=38812030
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/663,029 Abandoned US20100146278A1 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2008-06-04 | Multimedia arrangement |
US14/527,048 Expired - Fee Related US9445146B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2014-10-29 | Multimedia arrangement |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/527,048 Expired - Fee Related US9445146B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2014-10-29 | Multimedia arrangement |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20100146278A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2001223B1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2690022C (en) |
WO (1) | WO2008148533A1 (en) |
Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090158345A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-06-18 | Peter Mortensen | Television user mode |
US20100109930A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2010-05-06 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia device and process for data transmission in a multimedia device |
US20100171634A1 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2010-07-08 | Wei-Kuo Liang | Function Configuration Method and Related Device for a Remote Control Device |
US20100325269A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-12-23 | Sk Telecom. Co., Ltd | Personalized service system based on smart card and method thereof, and smart card applied to the same |
EP2429183A1 (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2012-03-14 | Nagravision S.A. | Remote control with sensor |
WO2013170670A1 (en) * | 2012-05-17 | 2013-11-21 | Min Yu | Focusing device of optical fingerprinting head |
US20150199898A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-16 | Kye Systems Corp. | Remote control system for electric devices, signal conversion device, and control method for signal conversion devices |
US20160029092A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2016-01-28 | Shenzhen National Engineering Laboratory Of Digital Television Co., Ltd. | Method and system for processing interactive user operation information of digital tv |
US9445146B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2016-09-13 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia arrangement |
US9600304B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-03-21 | Apple Inc. | Device configuration for multiple users using remote user biometrics |
EP3166370A1 (en) * | 2015-11-05 | 2017-05-10 | Zumtobel Lighting GmbH | Illumination system with personal control |
US9760383B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-09-12 | Apple Inc. | Device configuration with multiple profiles for a single user using remote user biometrics |
US9786281B1 (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2017-10-10 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Household agent learning |
US10431024B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2019-10-01 | Apple Inc. | Electronic device operation using remote user biometrics |
US11830283B2 (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2023-11-28 | Arris Enterprises Llc | Apparatus and method for biometric control of a set top box |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100192096A1 (en) * | 2009-01-27 | 2010-07-29 | Sony Corporation | Biometrics based menu privileges |
GB2473910A (en) | 2009-09-10 | 2011-03-30 | Miniweb Technologies Ltd | Backup for user invoked interruptions |
EP2429184A1 (en) * | 2010-09-09 | 2012-03-14 | Advanced Digital Broadcast S.A. | Television user interface and method for controlling a video system |
EP2568369A1 (en) | 2011-09-08 | 2013-03-13 | fm marketing gmbh | Device for selecting multimedia information |
RU2504097C1 (en) * | 2012-05-28 | 2014-01-10 | Александр Игоревич Тверезовский | User interface for working with search engines and databases (versions) |
US10198148B2 (en) * | 2014-01-17 | 2019-02-05 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Radial menu user interface with entry point maintenance |
US10834592B2 (en) | 2014-07-17 | 2020-11-10 | Cirrent, Inc. | Securing credential distribution |
US9942756B2 (en) | 2014-07-17 | 2018-04-10 | Cirrent, Inc. | Securing credential distribution |
US10154409B2 (en) | 2014-07-17 | 2018-12-11 | Cirrent, Inc. | Binding an authenticated user with a wireless device |
US10356651B2 (en) | 2014-07-17 | 2019-07-16 | Cirrent, Inc. | Controlled connection of a wireless device to a network |
US10296169B2 (en) * | 2014-11-11 | 2019-05-21 | Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC | Interactive cloud based content delivery service |
Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5659883A (en) * | 1992-08-24 | 1997-08-19 | General Instrument Corporation | Selection between separately received messages in diverse-frequency remote-control communication system |
US5758257A (en) * | 1994-11-29 | 1998-05-26 | Herz; Frederick | System and method for scheduling broadcast of and access to video programs and other data using customer profiles |
US5771307A (en) * | 1992-12-15 | 1998-06-23 | Nielsen Media Research, Inc. | Audience measurement system and method |
US5861881A (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1999-01-19 | Actv, Inc. | Interactive computer system for providing an interactive presentation with personalized video, audio and graphics responses for multiple viewers |
US5920642A (en) * | 1994-10-28 | 1999-07-06 | National Registry, Inc. | Ergonomic fingerprint reader apparatus |
US6020882A (en) * | 1997-02-15 | 2000-02-01 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Television access control system |
US6130726A (en) * | 1997-03-24 | 2000-10-10 | Evolve Products, Inc. | Program guide on a remote control display |
US6137539A (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2000-10-24 | Matshushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd | Digital television status display |
US20010007592A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 2001-07-12 | California Institute Of Technology, | Biometric combination lock |
US20020043557A1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-04-18 | Tetsuya Mizoguchi | Remote controller, mobile phone, electronic apparatus, and method of controlling the electrical apparatus |
US20020059588A1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-05-16 | Thomas Huber | Personalized remote control |
US6434171B1 (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 2002-08-13 | Fujitsu Limited | Digital multiplex transmission apparatus |
US20030028872A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Rajko Milovanovic | System and method for real-time non-participatory user recognition and content provisioning |
US6628304B2 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2003-09-30 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus providing a graphical user interface for representing and navigating hierarchical networks |
US20030195969A1 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2003-10-16 | Neuman Darren D. | System and method supporting infrared remote control over a network |
US20030233667A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2003-12-18 | Abs-Cbn Broadcasting Corporation | Method and apparatus for implementing a scaled upgrading of an upgradeable set-top box |
US6690391B1 (en) * | 2000-07-13 | 2004-02-10 | Sony Corporation | Modal display, smooth scroll graphic user interface and remote command device suitable for efficient navigation and selection of dynamic data/options presented within an audio/visual system |
US6782275B2 (en) * | 2000-09-30 | 2004-08-24 | Pace Micro Technology Plc | Broadcast data receiver and method of use thereof |
US20040183756A1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-09-23 | Pedro Freitas | Methods and apparatus for rendering user interfaces and display information on remote client devices |
US6842653B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2005-01-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method and apparatus for displaying a multi-level menu |
US6850252B1 (en) * | 1999-10-05 | 2005-02-01 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Intelligent electronic appliance system and method |
US20050059588A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Regents Of The University Of California | Peptides which generate antibodies resulting in lysis of pathologically adherent erythrocytes |
US6914517B2 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2005-07-05 | Dalton Patrick Enterprises, Inc. | Fingerprint sensor with feature authentication |
US20050149870A1 (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2005-07-07 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | Clustering of task-associated objects for effecting tasks among a system and its environmental devices |
US6968565B1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2005-11-22 | Vulcan Patents Llc | Detection of content display observers with prevention of unauthorized access to identification signal |
US7039879B2 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2006-05-02 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for scrollable cross-point navigation in a user interface |
US7085566B1 (en) * | 1999-04-30 | 2006-08-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Data exchange system with a mobile component to control consumer |
US7147157B2 (en) * | 2000-11-24 | 2006-12-12 | Compagnie Industrielle Et Financiere D'ingenierie Ingenico | Secure remote-control unit |
US20080062337A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Remote control |
US7500174B2 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2009-03-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Encoding and application of extended hamming checksum |
US20090287930A1 (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2009-11-19 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Identity based symmetric cryptosystem using secure biometric model |
US20100109930A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2010-05-06 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia device and process for data transmission in a multimedia device |
US7890889B2 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2011-02-15 | Nokia Corporation | User-interface application for media file management |
US8370744B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2013-02-05 | Microsoft Corporation | User interface for operating a computer from a distance |
Family Cites Families (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE19858310B4 (en) | 1998-12-17 | 2005-06-02 | Loewe Opta Gmbh | Procedure for the authorized activation and user-specific operation of entertainment electronic devices |
WO2001056213A1 (en) | 2000-01-26 | 2001-08-02 | Citicorp Development Center, Inc. | System and method for user authentication |
AU2001224245A1 (en) * | 2000-05-23 | 2001-12-03 | Takeshi Harada | Fingerprint activated remote input device for personal id recognition and accessauthentication |
EP1433313B1 (en) * | 2001-08-29 | 2017-05-17 | Arris Group, Inc. | System and method for focused navigation within an interactive television user interface |
US6910191B2 (en) * | 2001-11-02 | 2005-06-21 | Nokia Corporation | Program guide data selection device |
NO318169B1 (en) | 2002-12-18 | 2005-02-14 | Svein Mathiassen | Device for remote control and authentication |
EP1602999B1 (en) | 2004-06-04 | 2015-09-16 | Swisscom AG | Data reproduction method |
US20060107281A1 (en) * | 2004-11-12 | 2006-05-18 | Dunton Randy R | Remotely controlled electronic device responsive to biometric identification of user |
WO2007022481A2 (en) | 2005-08-19 | 2007-02-22 | Stephanian Robert | Tethered digital butler consumer electronic device and method |
EP2001223B1 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2016-09-21 | fm marketing gmbh | Multi-media configuration |
JP4897603B2 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2012-03-14 | ソニー株式会社 | Information providing system, information receiving terminal, information providing apparatus, information providing method, and program |
-
2007
- 2007-06-04 EP EP07010957.4A patent/EP2001223B1/en not_active Not-in-force
-
2008
- 2008-06-04 US US12/663,029 patent/US20100146278A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2008-06-04 CA CA2690022A patent/CA2690022C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2008-06-04 WO PCT/EP2008/004440 patent/WO2008148533A1/en active Application Filing
-
2014
- 2014-10-29 US US14/527,048 patent/US9445146B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (34)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5861881A (en) * | 1991-11-25 | 1999-01-19 | Actv, Inc. | Interactive computer system for providing an interactive presentation with personalized video, audio and graphics responses for multiple viewers |
US5659883A (en) * | 1992-08-24 | 1997-08-19 | General Instrument Corporation | Selection between separately received messages in diverse-frequency remote-control communication system |
US5771307A (en) * | 1992-12-15 | 1998-06-23 | Nielsen Media Research, Inc. | Audience measurement system and method |
US5920642A (en) * | 1994-10-28 | 1999-07-06 | National Registry, Inc. | Ergonomic fingerprint reader apparatus |
US5758257A (en) * | 1994-11-29 | 1998-05-26 | Herz; Frederick | System and method for scheduling broadcast of and access to video programs and other data using customer profiles |
US20010007592A1 (en) * | 1996-07-25 | 2001-07-12 | California Institute Of Technology, | Biometric combination lock |
US6020882A (en) * | 1997-02-15 | 2000-02-01 | U.S. Philips Corporation | Television access control system |
US6130726A (en) * | 1997-03-24 | 2000-10-10 | Evolve Products, Inc. | Program guide on a remote control display |
US6434171B1 (en) * | 1998-03-13 | 2002-08-13 | Fujitsu Limited | Digital multiplex transmission apparatus |
US6137539A (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2000-10-24 | Matshushita Electric Industrial Co, Ltd | Digital television status display |
US6628304B2 (en) * | 1998-12-09 | 2003-09-30 | Cisco Technology, Inc. | Method and apparatus providing a graphical user interface for representing and navigating hierarchical networks |
US20050149870A1 (en) * | 1998-12-21 | 2005-07-07 | Philips Electronics North America Corporation | Clustering of task-associated objects for effecting tasks among a system and its environmental devices |
US7085566B1 (en) * | 1999-04-30 | 2006-08-01 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Data exchange system with a mobile component to control consumer |
US6850252B1 (en) * | 1999-10-05 | 2005-02-01 | Steven M. Hoffberg | Intelligent electronic appliance system and method |
US6968565B1 (en) * | 2000-02-25 | 2005-11-22 | Vulcan Patents Llc | Detection of content display observers with prevention of unauthorized access to identification signal |
US6842653B2 (en) * | 2000-03-17 | 2005-01-11 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method and apparatus for displaying a multi-level menu |
US20020043557A1 (en) * | 2000-07-05 | 2002-04-18 | Tetsuya Mizoguchi | Remote controller, mobile phone, electronic apparatus, and method of controlling the electrical apparatus |
US6690391B1 (en) * | 2000-07-13 | 2004-02-10 | Sony Corporation | Modal display, smooth scroll graphic user interface and remote command device suitable for efficient navigation and selection of dynamic data/options presented within an audio/visual system |
US20020059588A1 (en) * | 2000-08-25 | 2002-05-16 | Thomas Huber | Personalized remote control |
US6782275B2 (en) * | 2000-09-30 | 2004-08-24 | Pace Micro Technology Plc | Broadcast data receiver and method of use thereof |
US7147157B2 (en) * | 2000-11-24 | 2006-12-12 | Compagnie Industrielle Et Financiere D'ingenierie Ingenico | Secure remote-control unit |
US6914517B2 (en) * | 2001-04-17 | 2005-07-05 | Dalton Patrick Enterprises, Inc. | Fingerprint sensor with feature authentication |
US7039879B2 (en) * | 2001-06-28 | 2006-05-02 | Nokia Corporation | Method and apparatus for scrollable cross-point navigation in a user interface |
US20030028872A1 (en) * | 2001-08-03 | 2003-02-06 | Rajko Milovanovic | System and method for real-time non-participatory user recognition and content provisioning |
US20030195969A1 (en) * | 2002-04-04 | 2003-10-16 | Neuman Darren D. | System and method supporting infrared remote control over a network |
US20030233667A1 (en) * | 2002-06-17 | 2003-12-18 | Abs-Cbn Broadcasting Corporation | Method and apparatus for implementing a scaled upgrading of an upgradeable set-top box |
US8370744B2 (en) * | 2002-06-19 | 2013-02-05 | Microsoft Corporation | User interface for operating a computer from a distance |
US20040183756A1 (en) * | 2003-03-17 | 2004-09-23 | Pedro Freitas | Methods and apparatus for rendering user interfaces and display information on remote client devices |
US20050059588A1 (en) * | 2003-09-15 | 2005-03-17 | Regents Of The University Of California | Peptides which generate antibodies resulting in lysis of pathologically adherent erythrocytes |
US7890889B2 (en) * | 2004-09-27 | 2011-02-15 | Nokia Corporation | User-interface application for media file management |
US7500174B2 (en) * | 2005-05-23 | 2009-03-03 | Microsoft Corporation | Encoding and application of extended hamming checksum |
US20080062337A1 (en) * | 2006-09-07 | 2008-03-13 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Remote control |
US20100109930A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2010-05-06 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia device and process for data transmission in a multimedia device |
US20090287930A1 (en) * | 2008-05-15 | 2009-11-19 | Qualcomm Incorporated | Identity based symmetric cryptosystem using secure biometric model |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100109930A1 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2010-05-06 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia device and process for data transmission in a multimedia device |
US8279049B2 (en) * | 2007-03-30 | 2012-10-02 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia device and process for data transmission in a multimedia device |
US9445146B2 (en) | 2007-06-04 | 2016-09-13 | Fm Marketing Gmbh | Multimedia arrangement |
US20090158345A1 (en) * | 2007-12-17 | 2009-06-18 | Peter Mortensen | Television user mode |
US20100325269A1 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2010-12-23 | Sk Telecom. Co., Ltd | Personalized service system based on smart card and method thereof, and smart card applied to the same |
US8504685B2 (en) * | 2008-07-10 | 2013-08-06 | SK Planet Co., Ltd | Personalized service system based on smart card and method thereof, and smart card applied to the same |
US20100171634A1 (en) * | 2009-01-05 | 2010-07-08 | Wei-Kuo Liang | Function Configuration Method and Related Device for a Remote Control Device |
EP2429183A1 (en) * | 2010-09-08 | 2012-03-14 | Nagravision S.A. | Remote control with sensor |
WO2013170670A1 (en) * | 2012-05-17 | 2013-11-21 | Min Yu | Focusing device of optical fingerprinting head |
US9786281B1 (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2017-10-10 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Household agent learning |
US20160029092A1 (en) * | 2013-04-11 | 2016-01-28 | Shenzhen National Engineering Laboratory Of Digital Television Co., Ltd. | Method and system for processing interactive user operation information of digital tv |
US9401083B2 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2016-07-26 | Kye Systems Corp. | Remote control system for electric devices, signal conversion device, and control method for signal conversion devices |
US20150199898A1 (en) * | 2014-01-15 | 2015-07-16 | Kye Systems Corp. | Remote control system for electric devices, signal conversion device, and control method for signal conversion devices |
US9600304B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-03-21 | Apple Inc. | Device configuration for multiple users using remote user biometrics |
US9760383B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2017-09-12 | Apple Inc. | Device configuration with multiple profiles for a single user using remote user biometrics |
US10431024B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2019-10-01 | Apple Inc. | Electronic device operation using remote user biometrics |
US11210884B2 (en) | 2014-01-23 | 2021-12-28 | Apple Inc. | Electronic device operation using remote user biometrics |
EP3166370A1 (en) * | 2015-11-05 | 2017-05-10 | Zumtobel Lighting GmbH | Illumination system with personal control |
DE102015221746A1 (en) * | 2015-11-05 | 2017-05-11 | Zumtobel Lighting Gmbh | Lighting system with personal control |
US11830283B2 (en) * | 2020-07-30 | 2023-11-28 | Arris Enterprises Llc | Apparatus and method for biometric control of a set top box |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP2001223A1 (en) | 2008-12-10 |
CA2690022A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
WO2008148533A1 (en) | 2008-12-11 |
US20150058887A1 (en) | 2015-02-26 |
US9445146B2 (en) | 2016-09-13 |
CA2690022C (en) | 2013-11-26 |
EP2001223B1 (en) | 2016-09-21 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9445146B2 (en) | Multimedia arrangement | |
US11361094B2 (en) | Systems and methods for allowing a user to access blocked media | |
US6476825B1 (en) | Hand-held video viewer and remote control device | |
US8908109B2 (en) | Remote control with content management | |
US8321957B2 (en) | Controlling access to content and/or services | |
US6359661B1 (en) | Multiple user profile remote control | |
US6509908B1 (en) | Personal navigator system | |
US8924999B1 (en) | Methods and apparatus for providing individual service subscribers content related services at one or more locations | |
US10687101B2 (en) | Method and apparatus for biometric identification of a user in a broadcast communication receiver | |
EP3039877B1 (en) | Receiver of television signals, received by air, cable or internet, equipped with memory means within which said television signals are memorized, where it is possible to arrange and display the contents of said memory means |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FM MARKETING GMBH,AUSTRIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MAIER, FERDINAND;REEL/FRAME:023604/0740 Effective date: 20091201 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |