WO2016041440A1

WO2016041440A1 - Method and system for broadcasting content to smart devices using a specialized gateway box

Info

Publication number: WO2016041440A1
Application number: PCT/CN2015/088616
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chiranjib Chakraborty
Original assignee: Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2014-09-19
Filing date: 2015-08-31
Publication date: 2016-03-24
Also published as: CN107079271B; CN107079271A

Abstract

An echo system (100) and method (300) thereof for transmitting contents, operating in a network (104) having reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the content is disclosed. The echo system (100) comprises of source (s) of the content (102) to transmit the content; gateway box (106) having a multimedia content interface engine (108) to receive the content from the source; and store usage of the smart devices related to the access of the content, and user preferences of the content. The gateway box is CHARACTERIZED by a content local storage and analyzer engine (110) to extract user preferences from the engine (108); match the content based on the user preferences; and push the content to the users based on the content matched to the user preferences, using specific beacon frames. The devices (112) in receives the contents pushed by the engine (110).

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BROADCASTING CONTENT TO SMART DEVICES USING A SPECIALIZED GATEWAY BOX

TECHNIAL FIELD

The present subject matter described herein, in general, relates to methods and systems for transmitting content, and more particularly to method and system for broadcasting content to smart devices using a specialized gateway box.

BACKGROUND

In database systems, Set Top Boxes are becoming smarter day by day. Current trend is Hybrid Set top boxes which come in many flavors like Headed Gateway, Headless Gateway and IP clients. Gateways act as Access Point for wireless network, through which all the smart devices like mobile, pad and the like devices in house can access Internet and OTT services. Smart clients also access live broadcast channels via. Gateways. The Internet and OTT traffic goes via broadcaster cloud giving broadcaster immense opportunity reading client’s usage pattern and can push add to gateway as per usage. The usage pattern of gateway is not just of gateway itself but it can be usage pattern of all smart devices that access internet and Over-the-top content (OTT) via. Gateway AP. Further, it is also well known that the Cable TV networks are a widespread solution for transmission of multimedia content from a central location to a multitude of subscribers. This gives an immense opportunity for pushing content (e.g. advertising content but not limited to it) to all those smart devices in home or nearby proximity.

However, there is a need for reliable and simple means of receiving and transmitting content (such as uploaded by users or content that exist on different parts of the internet or various broadcasters) to individual subscribers and receiving consent of the receiving subscribers to such transmission (e.g. of advertising content) .

However all smart devices in home may not explicitly access the gateway at same time. So there also exists a need of an implicit method by which constantly smart devices can be notified about the content or the new content pushed by the broadcaster.

Also, traditionally, the transmitted content or advertising revenues are based primarily on delivering linear ad’s to mass audiences-with all viewers watching the same channel and seeing the same ad (s) at the same time. But slowly broadcaster recognized that the media landscape is changing, with video consumption becoming more personalized and extending across new smart devices like tablets, Smartphone’s , Gaming consoles, and more. They knew their advertisers wanted to provide more relevant and targeted ads, but existing technology limited its ability to serve ads more selectively or strategically.

SUMMARY

This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to method and system for prioritizing and vacuuming for hot database tables and the concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is it intended for use in determining or limiting the scope of the claimed subject matter.

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, an echo system (100) for transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network having a multiplicity of reception smart devices at which respective users have access to the multimedia content that include interactive services, the echo system comprising:

one or more source of the multimedia content configured to transmit the multimedia content；

one or more gateway box having

an multimedia content interface engine configured to

receive the multimedia content from the source of the multimedia content； and

store usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content；

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT comprising:

a content local storage and analyzer engine configured to

extract user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine；

match the multimedia content based on the user preferences； and push the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames； and

the smart devices configured to receive the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, a gateway box for receiving and transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network having a multiplicity of reception smart devices at which respective users have access to a multimedia content pushed that include interactive services, said gateway box is CHARACTERIZED IN THAT COMPRISING:

a content local storage and analyzer engine configured to

extract user preferences；

match the multimedia content received based on the user preferences extracted； and

push the multimedia content received to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames.

In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, a method for displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system operating in a network, the method comprising:

scanning, using a sniffer in a smart device, for multimedia content pushed by content local storage and analyzer engine of a gateway box using one or more specific beacon frames；

receiving, using the smart device, the pushed one or more specific beacon frames；

checking, using the smart device, information associated with the one or more specific beacon frames received, wherein the information comprises:

a payload information；

an information related to a total length of the multimedia content pushed； and

the multimedia content；

confirming, using the smart device, a complete multimedia content is received；

matching, using the smart device, user preferences of the multimedia content and the complete multimedia content received； and displaying, on an interface of the smart devices, the complete multimedia matched to the user.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, a method for transmitting and displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network, the method comprising:

transmitting, using one or more source of the multimedia content, the multimedia content；

receiving, using an multimedia content interface engine of one or more gateway box, the multimedia content transmitted；

storing, in a database using the multimedia content interface engine of the one or more gateway box, usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content；

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT

extracting, using a content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine stored；

matching, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, the multimedia content based on the user preferences；

pushing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames；

receiving, using the smart devices, the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine； and

displaying, on an interface of the smart devices, the complete multimedia matched to the user.

Technical problem to be solved: Traditionally, the available gateway box that may be a set-of-box (Set of Box or STB) , are dumb as they are the standalone device (s) mostly showing live channel (contents) from headend (broadcasters) . The broadcaster show pre-identified ad’s send over private service over private (pid) . Also the contents or Ad’s are only targeted to specific gateway boxes or STB and not to other smart devices at home. Hence exposure is limited. More versatile solution is needed where more users can be approached at same time, and also customize ad can be given along with localized ad’s .

Technical solution proposed: The main objective of this invention is to create an echo system and method thereof where the broadcasters can reach out to more users for a single ad sent to gateway box, and can provide customized and even localized contents or ads thereby, reduce network complexity, cost and response time. This will draw more user attention and hence help the broadcaster to enhance their capabilities and also to generate more revenue. In one example, an Original equipment manufacturer (OEM) may use this system and also share the revenue generated by broadcaster.

In one implementation, an echo system and method thereof that may be used in Set top Box or any gateway, where Wi-Fi beacon (s) is a transfer technology is disclosed.

In one implementation, another objective of the present invention is to enhance the working of existing set top box not only to be used for live TV but also for OTT service (s) , Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) based services, Miracast based services, router based services, a gateway device based services, and combination thereof and also act as gateway device in the house.

In one implementation, a content analyzer component in Gateway or Set top box which help in analyzing the content and send user preference content to specific user is disclosed.

In one implementation, a method of broadcasting contents using a broadcasting model for broadcaster through hybrid headed and headless gateway within home and/or the proximity within are disclosed.

In one implementation, a system of broadcasting contents using a broadcasting model for broadcaster through hybrid headed and headless gateway within home and/or the proximity within are disclosed.

In one implementation, a profitable advertisement revenue generation model is disclosed for broadcasters with advent of hybrid gateways.

In one implementation, a mechanism for using existing Wi-Fi (wifi) network that can be used to access most of the in home smart devices to push broadcasting content (e.g., Ad) by using the gateway, there by maximizing broadcaster revenue is disclosed.

In one implementation, a mechanism for transmitting content using Wi-Fi Beacon frames which are sent by gateway to all those smart devices in proximity of 100 to 200 meters scanning for AP is disclosed.

In one implementation, a mechanism for parsing and displaying broadcasting content (e.g., Ad) pushed by using the gateway over wifi beacon is disclosed.

In one implementation, a mechanism for parsing and displaying broadcasting content on smart devices pushed by using the gateway over wifi beacon is disclosed.

In one implementation, a mechanism for providing more relevant and target specific contents or ads is disclosed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit (s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer like features and components.

Figure 1 illustrates an echo system (100) for transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network (104) having a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the multimedia content that include interactive services is shown, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 2 illustrates a method (200) for displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) , in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 3 illustrates a method (300) for transmitting and displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) , in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 4 illustrates an overall echo system of broadcaster of Pushing Ad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 5 illustrates a mechanism by which user preference is stored per unique_id and how it is fetched by Ad analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 6 illustrates receive the Wifi packet by smart devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 7 illustrates the parsing of the wifi beacon for Ad, and a new beacon format, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 8 illustrates a beacon frame format as available in the prior-art, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

Figure 9 illustrates a general frame format of information element as available in the prior-art, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVNENTION

Nowadays most of the user in home prefer to access OTT and Live Channel services by smart device in home which can be a mobile phone or pad or even smart TV. Preferred method of connecting Gateway Access Point (AP) is Wi-Fi. Hence each and every smart device at home will scan for AP and will probe for Hybrid Gateway, which itself acting as AP. This means every smart device at home will receive beacon frame from gateway. It will be understood by the person skilled in that art that the smart devices can connect to the gateway when within range by sending a probe request to the gateway, in response to which the gateway send a probe response to the smart devices in the form of frames or beacons. Also, the connection between smart devices and the gateway may be achieved by conventional 802.11 Frame Types for connection wherein the 802.11 management frames enable stations to establish and maintain communications. The management frames may include but not limited to Authentication frame, De-authentication frame, Association response frame, Re-association request frame, Re-association response frame, Disassociation frame, Beacon frame, Probe request frame, Probe response frame, and the like. Further, the gateway access points may be managed by a Controller like WLAN controller which handles automatic adjustments to RF power, channels, authentication, and security. The beacon frame may have enough space to put forward or transmit contents (that may include but not limited to advertisement) data and push it to every client smart devices. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art, for understanding the present invention, “data” , “content” , “multimedia content” , may be alternatively used. Further, it will be also understood that, the data /content pushed /transmitted may include but not limited to advertisement.

Traditionally, there are various approaches proposed in the art suggesting the beacon frame to send private data without hampering actual wifi protocol. Following the paper published in IEEE by R Chandra and Team on “Beacon Stuffing” , and “Bit Stuffing in 802.11 Beacon Frame” by Vishal Gupta and Mukesh Kumar Rohil, the present invention may use existing beacon frame to send private data without hampering actual wifi protocol. Hence, beacon frame can become an intelligent method of pushing data (that may include but not limited to advertisement) to smart devices by Gateway.

Moreover considering hybrid gateway becoming an access point to the entire client’s traffic, same may be passed through broadcaster cloud, resulting broadcaster learning user usage pattern and push content (that may include but not limited to advertisement) accordingly. This will lead to more meaningful ad to user. Also since broadcaster cloud can access location of gateway localized content can be pushed.

The existing mechanisms for pushing content or data via. Wi-Fi Beacon Frame is given below:

Usage of Wi-Fi Beacon Frame: Beacon Frames are used to announce the presence of a Wi-Fi network. As a result, an 802.11 client receives the beacons from all nearby APs, even when it is not connected to any network. In fact even when a client is connected specific AP, it periodically scans all the channels to receive beacons from all nearby APs to keep track of networks in its vicinity. The gateway hence will push beacon frames to all clients trying to scan APs. The data can be pushed via beacon frame through three methods:

1. Service Set Identifier (SSID) Concatenation:

The SSID field in the Beacon carries the name of the wireless network. The maximum length is 32 bytes. Assuming the UNIQUE ID is 1 byte and Sequence Number and MoreFlag can fit in 1 byte, the beacon is left with 29 bytes for the InfoChunk. Fragments are transmitted in successive beacons. The maximum length of unique message is 3712 bytes. This is easy to implement. But this has a drawback. Most of the client devices such as handheld or laptop computers include an application that displays the SSIDs of the network within the range of the device. Unless this application is modified, the user interface of this application will get swamped with large number of bogus SSId’s which might obscure actual SSId’s .

2. Basic Service Set Identification (BSSID) Concatenation:

BSSID’s are 6 bytes unique identifier of an AP. Generally they are set to be equal to the MAC address of the wireless NIC in the AP. However they can set to any value. Assuming once again that the UniqueID is 1 Byte and Sequence Number and MoreFlag can fit in 1 byte, we can transmit 4 bytes of message in a beacon. This gives us a maximum length of 512 bytes of Unique Message.

3. Beacon Information Element:

The existing general Beacon Information Elements are illustrated in figure 8 and figure 9. Figure 8 illustrates a beacon frame format as available in the prior-art, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, and figure 9 illustrates a general frame format of information element as available in the prior-art, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

As shown in figures 8, the header is followed by the variable length Frame Body, which can be upto 2320 octets long. The frame body consists of series of field that are not Information Element followed by fields that are Information Elements. Information Elements appear in a fixed relative order and identified by respective unique Element ID.

As shown in figure 9, Each Information Element has following three fields:

a) 1 octet long Element ID (EID) field uniquely identifies the Information Element. Hence 256 unique Information Elements are possible. As per 802.11-2012, upto 53 EID’s can be part of Beacon Frame.

b) 1 octet long Length Field

c) Information Data field. This can be 255 bytes long.

Though the INFORMATION field is a variable length field, the minimum and maximum length is been fixed by 802.11 standard. In other words, the minimum and maximum value which can be stored in the LENGTH field of each ELEMENT ID is known and fixed. Since one octet is assigned to LENGTH field and there are many Information Fields whose maximum length will always be less than or equal to 255, it is these LENGTH field of Information Elements which makes its suitable for carrying additional Information. For e.g. BSS Average Access Delay Information Element (with Element ID 63) can have MAXIMUM length of INFORMATION field to be one octet only. So the length field will always contain the value 1, thus leaving 7 most significant bits contain value 0 always. The 7 significant bits may be used to mark length of wifi AD data which can be carried in Information field. Apart from the vendor specific information in Beacon may be carried as a part of specific Element ID and carry data in Information Element. IEEE 802.11 standard allows AP vendors to add 253 bytes of Vendor Specific Beacon Information Elements (BIEs) in its beacon.

The present invention uses this feature to define a special BIE for broadcasting information wherein, each message is fragmented into 253 byte chunks and sent in successive beacons. All beacons have their SSID set to a fixed, well-known SSId’s such as Wi-Fi contents. The Wi-Fi driver at client devices are recognized this BIE and pass it to the User Level. This approach provides a Bandwidth of 200 Kbps. It may not spam the Wireless UI of client device. Only drawback client driver modification is needed. For this the calculation may be taken from IEEE paper R Chandra and Team on “Beacon Stuffing” , and/or any of the existing techniques/IEEE papers.

While aspects of described as create an echo system and method thereof where the broadcasters can reach out to more users for a single ad sent to gateway box, and can provide customized and even localized contents or ads may be implemented in any number of different computing systems, environments, and/or configurations, the embodiments are described in the context of the following exemplary system.

Referring now to figure 1, an echo system (100) for transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network (104) having a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the multimedia content that include interactive services is disclosed. The echo system (100) comprises of one or more source of the multimedia content (102) configured to transmit the multimedia content； one or more gateway box (106) having an multimedia content interface engine (108) configured to receive the multimedia content from the source of the multimedia content； and store usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content；

The gateway box (106) is CHARACTERIZED by having a content local storage and analyzer engine (110) configured to extract user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine； match the multimedia content based on the user preferences； and push the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames.

The smart devices (112) in the echo system (100) are configured to receive the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine.

In one implementation, the gateway box (106) may be implemented in a variety of computing systems, such as a laptop computer, a desktop computer, a notebook, a workstation, a mainframe computer, a server, a network server, and the like. It will be understood that the gateway box (106) may be accessed by multiple users through one or more smart devices (herein after, device) or client machine (112) , or applications residing on the user devices (112) . Examples of the device (112) may include, but are not limited to, a portable computer, a personal digital assistant, a handheld device, and a workstation. The gateway box (106) may be communicatively coupled to one or other devices (112) using a network (104) .

In one implementation, one or more source of the multimedia content (102) may be a content broadcasting source selected form a group comprising of an internet, a cloud, a live channel, and combination thereof. It will be understood that the one or more source of the multimedia content (102) may transmit the content to the gateway box (106) which may be accessed by one or more devices (112) . The gateway box (106) may be communicatively coupled to one or more source of the multimedia content (102) using a network (104) .

In one implementation, the network (104) may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof. The network can be implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as intranet, local area network (LAN) , wide area network (WAN) , the internet, and the like. The network may either be a dedicated network or a shared network. The shared network represents an association of the different types of networks that use a variety of protocols, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) , Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) , Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) , and the like, to communicate with one another. Further the network may include a variety of network devices, including routers, bridges, servers, computing devices, storage devices, and the like.

In one implementation, one or more smart devices (112) comprises of a user interface or interface/sfor displaying the content transmitted by the source of contents (102) . The user interface may include a variety of software and hardware interfaces, for example, a web interface, a graphical user interface, and the like. The user interface may allow the device (112) to interact with a user directly or through the other devices. Further, the user interface may enable the device (112) to communicate with other gateway box (106) . The user interface may facilitate multiple communications within a wide variety of networks and protocol types, including wired networks, for example, LAN, cable, etc., and wireless networks, such as WLAN, cellular, or satellite. The interface may include one or more ports for connecting a number of devices to one another or to another server.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are Wifi Beacon frames.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are pushed using wireless transfer mechanism selected from a group comprising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) , Near Field Communication (NFC) , and combination thereof.

In one implementation, the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to push multimedia content to the smart devices in response to the content transmission command received from the smart devices.

In one implementation, the multimedia content interface engine stores the user preferences per smart device operated by respective user against one unique identifier (id) .

In one implementation, the content local storage and analyzer engine matches the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) , wherein the multimedia content comprises of one unique content identifier (id) for matching.

In one implementation, the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to temporarily store the multimedia content received from the multimedia content interface engine till the matching of the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) .

In one implementation, the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to analyze the multimedia content and push the respective multimedia content to the specific user.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are pushed continuously by the content local storage and analyzer engine to the multiplicity of reception smart devices.

In one implementation, the multiplicity of reception smart devices is configured to receive a customized multimedia content and a localized multimedia content.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are pushed to the multiplicity of reception smart devices using at least one method selected from a group comprising of a service set identifier (SSID) concatenation technique, a basic service set identification (BSSID) concatenation technique, a beacon information element and combination thereof.

In one implementation, the source of the multimedia content is a content broadcasting source selected form a group comprising of an internet, a cloud, a live channel, and combination thereof.

In one implementation, the multimedia content interface engine is configured to store user preferences by scanning the users activity while contacting the gateway box to access an internet and over the top (OTT) data, wherein the activity is related to movie, other entertainment content, internet sites, other data, and combination thereof.

In one implementation, the gateway box is used to provide various services selected from a group comprising watching live TV, over the top (OTT) service, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) based services, Miracast based services, router based services, a gateway device based services, and combination thereof.

In one implementation, the gateway box (106) may includes the memory coupled to the processing unit for executing a plurality of modules present in the memory, the plurality of modules comprises of the multimedia content interface engine (108) , and the content local storage and analyzer engine (110) .

In one implementation, the gateway box (106) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions.

In one implementation, the memory may include any computer-readable medium known in the art including, for example, volatile memory, such as static random access memory (SRAM) and dynamic random access memory (DRAM) , and/or non-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) , erasable programmable ROM, flash memories, hard disks, optical disks, and magnetic tapes.

In one implementation, the modules stored in the memory include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In one implementation, the modules may include may include programs or coded instructions that supplement applications and functions of gateway box (106) .

In one implementation, a gateway box (106) for receiving and transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network (104) having a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to a multimedia content pushed that include interactive services is disclosed. The gateway box (106) comprises of : a content local storage and analyzer engine (110) configured to extract user preferences； match the multimedia content received based on the user preferences extracted； and push the multimedia content received to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames.

In one implementation, multimedia content interface engine (108) allows content local storage and analyzer engine (110) to extract user preferences.

Referring now to figure 2 illustrates a method (200) for displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) is disclosed.

The method (200) and (300) may be described in the general context of computer executable instructions. Generally, computer executable instructions can include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, functions, etc., that perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types. The method (200) and (300) may also be practiced in a distributed computing environment where functions are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, computer executable instructions may be located in both local and remote computer storage media, including memory storage devices.

The order in which the method (200) and (300) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement the method and (300) or alternate methods. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method (200) and (300) without departing from the protection scope of the subject matter described herein. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method (200) and (300) may be considered to be implemented in the above described echo system (100) .

At block 202, a smart device scans for multimedia content pushed using one or more specific beacon frames.

At block 204, the smart device receives the pushed one or more specific beacon frames.

At block 206, the smart device checks for information associated with the one or more specific beacon frames received, wherein the information comprises: a payload information； an information related to a total length of the multimedia content pushed； and the multimedia content.

At block 208, the smart device confirms if a complete multimedia content is received.

At block 210, the smart device matches the user preferences of multimedia content and the complete multimedia content received.

At block 212, the complete multimedia matched to the user is displayed on the interface of the smart devices.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frame comprises of a plurality of fields including an element identifier, a length of current payload, to length of the multimedia content, an end of the whole multimedia content, and the multimedia content.

In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are Wifi Beacon frames.

In one implementation, a method (300) for transmitting and displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) is disclosed.

At block 302, the multimedia content (s) are transmitted using one or more source of the multimedia content.

At block 304, the multimedia content transmitted is received using a multimedia content interface engine of one or more gateway box.

At block 306, usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content is stored in a database using the multimedia content interface engine of the one or more gateway box.

At block 308, user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine stored are extracted using a content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box. In one implementation, the user preferences per smart device operated by respective user against one unique identifier (id) are stored.

At block 310, the multimedia content based on the user preferences is matched using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box. In one implementation, the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) is matched, wherein the multimedia content comprises of one unique content identifier (id) for matching.

At block 312, the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames is pushed using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box. In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are Wi-Fi Beacon frames, and pushing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, pushes the specific beacon frames using wireless transfer mechanism selected from a group comprising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) , Near Field Communication (NFC) , and combination thereof.

At block 314, the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine are received by using the smart devices. In one implementation, the specific beacon frames are pushed in response to the content transmission command received from the smart devices.

At block 316, the complete multimedia matched is displayed to the user using an interface of the smart devices. In one implementation, the multimedia content received from the multimedia content interface engine is stored thereby scans the unique identifier (id) to check all the user preferences and then push the multimedia content received to the smart devices that matches the users preferences. In one implementation, if the device is connected for first, there is no user preference to match and hence all ads are pushed. Also if the smart device is not connected, then all ads pushed to the smart device that just scans the AP.

In one implementation, the multimedia content are pushed to the respective multimedia content to the specific user are analyzed using the content local storage and analyzer engine. Further, the specific beacon frames may be pushed using at least one method selected from a group comprising of a service set identifier (SSID) concatenation technique, a basic service set identification (BSSID) concatenation technique, a beacon information element and combination thereof.

In one implementation, a customized multimedia content and a localized multimedia content are received using the smart devices.

In one implementation, the smart devices performs the method for displaying the pushed multimedia content, at which the users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system operating in a network.

Referring now to figure 4 illustrates an overall echo system of broadcaster of Pushing Ad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, the system as shown in figure 4 comprises of a plurality of smart devices which are capable of scanning for access points. Every smart device will scan AP for Wifi connection. Smart device to access internet or access live TV will get connected to gateway. If the smart device is not connected to AP, since the AP is not the preferred AP for the smart device, still the smart device can receive the beacon packets from corresponding AP.

Once connected to a AP, smart devices uses this AP to access internet via broadcaster cloud and also live channel of the broadcaster via gateway.

AD Interface Engine: as shown in figure 4, any client sending request to gateway will pass via Ad interface engine. The Ad Interface engine will analyze each request from client and try to generate metadata about client preference. Like whether client wishes to watch sports or movies or news and the like. This data will be shared to broadcaster cloud. Of course utmost care will be taken for client data privacy. If client do not wish to share, same can be disabled. By default it will be on.

Ad interface engine once generate metadata will store it in local DB per unique ID for the connected smart device.

BROADCASTER CLOUD: As shown in figure 4, the broadcaster cloud will analyze this data and will generate or send ad as per this preference. The whole processing since done in cloud, local gateway saves a lot of CPU MIPS. Even it helps to generate localized ad however this is totally upto the broadcaster to decide on the policy of sending ad’s . The Ads will be passed again back to gateway box or to broadcaster headend.

BROADCASTER HEADEND:

The broadcaster headend receives ad from cloud which will insert into transport stream as private pid. This will be part of live channels that are multiplexed and send to all gateways.

AD Analyzer Engine:

AD analyzer engines will get the ad either from internet interface or from live channels from broadcaster headend. Once received it will check the ad type and will match with the user preference per Unique_id. It will then push ad to smart client per user preference over beacon frames. If the smart client is already connected to the gateway or previously connected to gateway, it can still receive the localized and personalized ad’s . If the smart client is not connected to AP ever or first time connected, in that case there is no user preference data and hence any ad can be pushed. Of course it may happen that broadcaster may have some MUST PUSH ADs, those will have more preference.

SMART DEVICE:

Smart device App will receive the beacon frames using wifi sniffer. The wifi sniffer is the entity which receives full wifi beacon packets. This may need tweak in kernel. Generally kernel parses the wifi packet. Sniffer will ensure that it sniffs the entire packet. The concept will be close to network sniffer, but may be configured to fetch whole wifi packet.

Once the packets are received, application parses the packet and creates the AD. An Ad can be send over multiple beacon frames. Hence provision is provided in beacon frame structure to indicate end of an AD. Once all the packets are received the packets will be parsed and AD will be generated. This AD will then be displayed taking care whether smart device user want see this ad or not. Options will be provided to user.

In one implementation, an echo system about how broadcaster can create meaningful Ad for user and push to gateway as well as smart devices contacting gateway, trying to generate more revenue from Ad is shown in figure 4 as an exemplary embodiment. Each smart device in home scanning for Access Point (AP) will get receive Beacon Frame from Gateway Box (considering Gateway Box itself behave as AP) . Gateway, while sending beacon frame can push Ad’s received from broadcaster and stored locally.

Referring now to figure 5 illustrates a mechanism by which user preference is stored per unique_id and how it is fetched by Ad analyzer, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. It may be understood that the components as described in figure 4 are not described again in components of figure 5 in order to avoid confusion.

In one implementation, Gateway may have an Ad Interface Engine which will be in self learning mode. It will learn user preference and taste for each client contacting gateway box to access Internet and OTT data. This can be in field of data, movie, other entertainment content, internet sites etc. This data can be passed onto Broadcaster Cloud. Ad Interface Engine will store the user preference details with respect to unique ID for each client contacting gateway. Hence when Ad will be pushed to smart clients corresponding preference of clients can be used.

Broadcaster analyzing the user preference can select Ad and push to gateway either via OTT services or push the data to live channel Headend. Headend can push this ad to gateway through special services as private PID. Ad will be stored locally. An analyzer module will be there which will analyze those Ads and try to match Ad with client tastes and push those Ads through Wifi Beacon frame to respective client. For new client which will connected for first time, this filter may not be possible. Further, smart device may also not to be connected to AP. Since smart device scan AP, so all ads can be pushed to smart device from AP even smart device is not connected. The scenario will be same as device getting connected to gateway for the first time. Apart from User Preference Ad , several other types of Ad possible:

1. Localized Ad- (Cloud learn position of gateway and push local Ad of relevance)

2. Coupon Offer- (Can send offer coupons for product which need to be advertised)

3. Short Audio Jingles- (Can send short Audio Jingle Ad)

Referring now to figure 6 illustrates receive the Wi-Fi packet by smart devices, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, every smart device in the home having gateway box can install this broadcaster app along with broadcaster app for live TV. This even can be a cloud based app. The app will use wifi packet sniffer to sniff all the packets and takes correct decision for wifi beacon frames. The working of figure 6 is already explained in the description of figure 4 and hence the repetition of the content is avoided.

Referring now to figure 7 illustrates the parsing of the wifi beacon for Ad, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In one implementation, the application installed at the smart device can parse the beacon frames and display the ad carried by beacon frame. For achieving the beacon information frame can be splitted to carry ad over multiple beacon packets. In one implementation, a specific new beacon information element may be used. The new specific element comprises of changed definition of few field in the existing beacon information element format. The 3^rd byte (1 byte for total ad length) , 4^th byte (1 bit LSB denote end of whole Ad and rest 7 bit is reserved) , and display the ad in every smart device, coming over wifi beacon. Further, the wifi sniffer concept may be used to receive the raw wifi packet and then parse as per the present invention. This method is workable for any OS like Android, Linux or IOS. In one implementation, in order to receiving wifi raw packet from Android kernel or IOS kernel, the kernel need to be tweaked to get the raw packet.

WORKING EXAMPLE: The delivery of advertisements over the Internet has become a huge market, and one key reason for this success is that the ads are targeted –ads delivered to the end-user are relevant to the search queries typed by that user. It seems location sensitive Ad–that is Ad that is targeted to a user based in part on the physical location of that user will be a very important market in near future.

Existing approaches to delivering location–sensitive ads requires two capabilities: the user must have reasonable connectivity to internet and there must be automatic method for indicating user’s location to the ad delivery service. Ad Interface engine and Broadcaster cloud will take care of it. Most of the existing systems rely on GPS for location (which doesn’ t work indoors) , and Internet connectivity on the go can be both costly and difficult to maintain a reasonable quality of services. Moreover Broadcaster need wide variety scope to give Ads so that it not only satisfy clients by giving targeted ads but also open huge revenue earning model for itself by creating Ad model for all corners of business group. OEM will be benefited by allowing the broadcaster cloud know to user preference data for targeted ad and can share revenue model with broadcaster.

The present invention is based on “push model” of ad delivery. By overloading 802.11 beacons to carry ad messages, any 802.11 client can receive advertisements sent from any nearby AP, regardless of that client’s connection status. Even when a client is connected to specific AP, it periodically scans all the channels to receive the beacons from other nearby APs to keep track other nearby networks in its vicinity. The client doesn’ t have to send anything to receive the beacon. It has to listen.

One benefit of the beacon stuffing approach is that it is implicitly location-aware , because ads are sent from Wi-Fi access points whose location are known and whose “reach” is limited by the propagation of 802.11 signals (typically 100 meters when the access point is kept at ground level) .

An additional benefit of this approach is that it eliminates the need to explicitly locate the client, which as a side effect improves privacy model. Previous approaches to location sensitive advertising require revealing the location if the client to some centralized Internet Infrastructure.

This approach helps broadcaster to increase the scope of distributing ads to more than one targeted STB. Hybrid gateway as AP helps broadcaster to push ad to all smart device in vicinity, even one that is not connected to gateway. This will impact positively to revenue generation model for broadcaster. OEM facilitate this model can share this revenue generation.

Another big advantage is hybrid box is in self learning mode for client usage. So more in home smart devices uses hybrid gateway as access point and browse several internet site and OTT services, chances of giving more targeted increases. The Ad Interface Engine takes care of user preference.

Not only Ad, broadcaster can also push offer coupons for specific product to clients, giving very positive impact to product marketing and revenue generation. In one implementation, different types of ad’s may be transmitted that may include but not limited to Targeted Ads, Location Specific Ads, Audio Jingle Ad (Raw PCM) , Coupon Offer’s , and the lime. This mechanism can be extended for pushing more intelligent data which will benefit client and thereby helping broadcaster and echo system along with it.

Exemplary embodiments discussed above may provide certain advantages. Though not required to practice aspects of the disclosure, these advantages may include:

1. The present invention can be extended for other medium of wireless transfer like BLE (Blue Tooth Low Energy) , NFC, and the like.

2. The present invention during initial exchange between gateway and client device content to be transmitted can be fit in.

3. The present invention can be extended from home to enclosed public places like coffee shops, mall, and the like.

4. The present invention enables the operator and /or the broadcasters to give customize and localized content through gateway set top box.

5. The content analyzer component in Gateway box of the present invention help analyzing the ad and send user preference ad to specific user.

6. The present invention provides a novel method to parse the ad and display the ad in every smart device, coming over wifi beacon.

7. The present invention provides a unique mentioned for the transmission of contents using Wi-Fi beacons which can be extended for other wireless transfer mechanism like BLE and NFC.

Although implementations for method and system for broadcasting content to smart devices using a specialized gateway box have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the appended claims are not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as examples of implementations for method and system for broadcasting content to smart devices using a specialized gateway box.

Claims

An echo system (100) for transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network (104) having a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the multimedia content that include interactive services, the echo system (100) comprising:

one or more source of the multimedia content (102) configured to transmit the multimedia content；

one or more gateway box (106) having

an multimedia content interface engine (108) configured to

receive the multimedia content from the source of the multimedia content； and

store usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content；

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT comprising:

a content local storage and analyzer engine (110) configured to

extract user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine；

match the multimedia content based on the user preferences； and push the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames； and

the smart devices (112) configured to receive the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the multimedia content interface engine stores the user preferences per smart device operated by respective user against one unique identifier (id) .
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 and 2, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine matches the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) , wherein the multimedia content comprises of one unique content identifier (id) for matching.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 3, wherein the specific beacon frames are Wifi Beacon frames.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 4, wherein the specific beacon frames are pushed using wireless transfer mechanism selected from a group comprising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) , Near Field Communication (NFC) , and combination thereof.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 5, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to push multimedia content to the smart devices in response to the content transmission command received from the smart devices.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 6, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to temporarily store the multimedia content received from the multimedia content interface engine thereby scans the unique identifier (id) to check all the user preferences and then push the multimedia content received to the smart devices that matches the users preferences.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 7, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to analyze the multimedia content and push the respective multimedia content to the specific user.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 8, wherein the specific beacon frames are pushed continuously by the content local storage and analyzer engine to the multiplicity of reception smart devices.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 9, wherein the multiplicity of reception smart devices are configured to receive a customized multimedia content and a localized multimedia content.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 10, wherein the specific beacon frames are pushed to the multiplicity of reception smart devices using at least one method selected from a group comprising of a service set identifier (SSID) concatenation technique, a basic service set identification (BSSID) concatenation technique, a beacon information element and combination thereof.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 11, wherein the source of the multimedia content is a content broadcasting source selected form a group comprising of an internet, a cloud, a live channel, and combination thereof.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 12, wherein the multimedia content interface engine is configured to store user preferences by scanning the users activity while contacting the gateway box to access an internet and over the top (OTT) data, wherein the activity is related to movie, other entertainment content, internet sites, other data, and combination thereof.
The echo system (100) as claimed in claims 1 to 13, wherein the gateway box is used to provide various services selected from a group comprising watching live TV, over the top (OTT) service, Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) based services, Miracast based services, router based services, a gateway device based services, and combination thereof.
Agateway box (106) for receiving and transmitting multimedia content, operating in a network (104) having a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to a multimedia content pushed that include interactive services, said gateway box (106) is CHARACTERIZED IN THAT COMPRISING:

a content local storage and analyzer engine (110) configured to extract user preferences；

match the multimedia content received based on the user preferences extracted； and

push the multimedia content received to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames.
The gateway box (106) as claimed in claim 15 comprises of multimedia content interface engine (108) configured to:

receive the multimedia content from the source of the multimedia content；

store usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content per smart device operated by respective user against one unique identifier (id) ； and

allows content local storage and analyzer engine (110) to extract user preferences.
The gateway box (106) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine matches the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) , wherein the multimedia content comprises of one unique content identifier (id) for matching.
The gateway box (106) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to temporarily store the multimedia content received from the multimedia content interface engine thereby scans the unique identifier (id) to check all the user preferences and then push the multimedia content received to the smart devices that matches the users preferences.
The gateway box (106) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the content local storage and analyzer engine is further configured to analyze the multimedia content and push the respective multimedia content to the specific user.
A method (200) for displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) , the method comprising:

scanning (202) , using a sniffer in a smart device, for multimedia content pushed by content local storage and analyzer engine of a gateway box using one or more specific beacon frames；

receiving (204) , using the smart device, the pushed one or more specific beacon frames；

checking (206) , using the smart device, information associated with the one or more specific beacon frames received, wherein the information comprises:

a payload information；

an information related to a total length of the multimedia content pushed； and

the multimedia content；

confirming (208) , using the smart device, a complete multimedia content is received；

matching (210) , using the smart device, user preferences of the multimedia content and the complete multimedia content received； and

displaying (212) , on an interface of the smart devices, the complete multimedia matched to the user.
The method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the specific beacon frame comprises of a plurality of fields including an element identifier, a length of current payload, to length of the multimedia content, an end of the whole multimedia content, and the multimedia content.
The method (200) as claimed in claim 15 and 16, wherein the specific beacon frames are Wifi Beacon frames.
The method (200) as claimed in claim 15 to 17, wherein the specific beacon frames are pushed using wireless transfer mechanism selected from a group comprising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) , Near Field Communication (NFC) , and combination thereof.
The method (200) as claimed in claim 15 to 18, wherein the specific beacon frames are pushed to the multiplicity of reception smart devices using at least one method selected from a group comprising of a service set identifier (SSID) concatenation technique, a basic service set identification (BSSID) concatenation technique, a beacon information element and combination thereof.
A method (300) for transmitting and displaying a pushed multimedia content on a multiplicity of reception smart devices (112) at which respective users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system (100) operating in a network (104) , the method (300) comprising:

transmitting (302) , using one or more source of the multimedia content, the multimedia content；

receiving (304) , using an multimedia content interface engine of one or more gateway box, the multimedia content transmitted；

storing (306) , in a database using the multimedia content interface engine of the one or more gateway box, usage of the smart devices related to the access of the multimedia content, and user preferences of the multimedia content；

CHARACTERIZED IN THAT

extracting (308) , using a content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, user preferences from the multimedia content interface engine stored；

matching (310) , using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, the multimedia content based on the user preferences；

pushing (312) , using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, the multimedia content to the respective users based on the multimedia content matched to the user preferences, using one or more specific beacon frames；

receiving (314) , using the smart devices, the multimedia contents pushed by the content local storage and analyzer engine； and

displaying (316) , on an interface of the smart devices, the complete multimedia matched to the user.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20, wherein storing, using the multimedia content interface engine, stores the user preferences per smart device operated by respective user against one unique identifier (id) .
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 and 21 comprises of matching, using the content local storage and analyzer engine, the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) , wherein the multimedia content comprises of one unique content identifier (id) for matching.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 22, wherein the specific beacon frames are Wifi Beacon frames, and pushing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, pushes the specific beacon frames using wireless transfer mechanism selected from a group comprising Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) , Near Field Communication (NFC) , and combination thereof.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 23, wherein pushing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, pushes the specific beacon frames in response to the content transmission command received from the smart devices.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 24 comprises storing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine, the multimedia content received from the multimedia content interface engine till the matching of the multimedia content with the unique identifier (id) .
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 25 comprises analyzing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine, the multimedia content and push the respective multimedia content to the specific user.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 26, wherein receiving, using the smart devices, a customized multimedia content and a localized multimedia content.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 27, wherein pushing, using the content local storage and analyzer engine of the one or more gateway box, pushes the specific beacon frames using at least one method selected from a group comprising of a service set identifier (SSID) concatenation technique, a basic service set identification (BSSID) concatenation technique, a beacon information element and combination thereof.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 28 comprises storing user preferences by scanning the users activity while contacting the gateway box to access an internet and over the top (OTT) data, wherein the activity is related to movie, other entertainment content, internet sites, other data, and combination thereof, using the multimedia content interface engine.
The method (300) as claimed in claim 20 to 29, wherein the smart devices performs the method as claimed in claim 15 to 19 for displaying the pushed multimedia content, at which the users have access to the pushed multimedia content that includes interactive services in an echo system operating in a network.