Media synchronization within home network using set-top box as gateway
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for media synchronization, the computer-implemented method comprising:
- receiving, at a set-top box from an electronic device, a request to receive at least one data message corresponding to a specific television channel to which the set-top box is tuned;
receiving television signals at the set-top box from an external source, the television signals corresponding to television channel programming, the television signals including the data message embedded in the television signals, the data message including synchronization data;
extracting the data message including the synchronization data from the received television signals; and
transmitting audio and video of the specific television channel and the data message including the synchronization data from the set-top box to the electronic device for display,wherein transmitting the synchronization data to the electronic device includes transmitting resource identifiers that identify content retrievable via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection, the resource identifiers including at least;
a first uniform resource locator (URL) string for a location of an application, the application being operative to manage and present, within the application, at least content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data; and
a second URL string for displayable content, the second URL string corresponding to a source of the content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Techniques disclosed herein include systems and methods for transmitting TV program related content to IP connected devices on a home network, or other local area network. Users can watch television while simultaneously receiving content related to TV programs currently being displayed on a television. TV centric and TV program related content can be transmitted to IP connected devices. Moreover, this TV program related content can be displayed at the same time as a television program is being displayed on a television. As such, the system can provide media synchronization within home network using the set-top box as a gateway for delivering the content. Users can watch TV at home, and at the same time receive TV program related content on a laptop, tablet computer, mobile phone, etc.
17 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for media synchronization, the computer-implemented method comprising:
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receiving, at a set-top box from an electronic device, a request to receive at least one data message corresponding to a specific television channel to which the set-top box is tuned; receiving television signals at the set-top box from an external source, the television signals corresponding to television channel programming, the television signals including the data message embedded in the television signals, the data message including synchronization data; extracting the data message including the synchronization data from the received television signals; and transmitting audio and video of the specific television channel and the data message including the synchronization data from the set-top box to the electronic device for display, wherein transmitting the synchronization data to the electronic device includes transmitting resource identifiers that identify content retrievable via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection, the resource identifiers including at least; a first uniform resource locator (URL) string for a location of an application, the application being operative to manage and present, within the application, at least content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data; and a second URL string for displayable content, the second URL string corresponding to a source of the content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A computer system for media synchronization, the computer system comprising:
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a processor; and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the system to perform the operations of; receiving, at a set-top box from an electronic device, a request to receive at least one data message corresponding to a specific television channel to which the set-top box is tuned; receiving television signals at the set-top box from an external source, the television signals corresponding to television channel programming, the television signals including the data message embedded in the television signals, the data message including synchronization data; extracting the data message including the synchronization data from the received television signals; and transmitting audio and video of the specific television channel and the data message including the synchronization data from the set-top box to the electronic device for display, wherein transmitting the synchronization data to the electronic device includes transmitting resource identifiers that identify content retrievable via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection, the resource identifiers including at least; a first uniform resource locator (URL) string for a location of an application, the application being operative to manage and present, within the application, at least content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data; and a second URL string for displayable content, the second URL string corresponding to a source of the content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer-implemented method for media synchronization, the computer-implemented method comprising:
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transmitting, from an electronic device towards a set-top box, a request to receive at least one data message corresponding to a specific television channel to which the set-top box is tuned; receiving, at the electronic device from the set-top box, audio and video of the specific television channel and the data message including synchronization data, the synchronization data having been embedded in and extracted from a television signal received at the set-top box, the television signal corresponding to the specific television channel to which the set-top box is tuned; and displaying, on the electronic device, the audio and video of the specific television channel and content from the data message, such that the displayed content appears synchronized with the audio and video content of the specific television channel, wherein receiving, at the electronic device, the synchronization data includes transmitting resource identifiers that identify content retrievable via an Internet Protocol (IP) connection, the resource identifiers including at least; a first uniform resource locator (URL) string for a location of an application, the application being operative to manage and present, within the application, at least content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data; and a second URL string for displayable content, the second URL string corresponding to a source of the content from the data message corresponding to the synchronization data. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification