(19) United States
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2006/0107299 A1
`Bartfeld et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`May 18, 2006
`
`US 200601 07299A1
`
`(54) METHOD FOR ASSOCATION BETWEEN
`TELEPHONY AND TELEVISION NETWORK
`EQUIPMENT
`
`(76) Inventors: Eyal Bartfeld, Lexington, MA (US);
`Giora Keinan, Rishon LeZion (IL);
`Nimrod Gal-Oz, Lehavim (IL)
`Correspondence Address:
`SALTAMAR INNOVATIONS
`3O FERN LANE
`SOUTH PORTLAND, ME 04106 (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`10/904,552
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov. 16, 2004
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`H04N 7/16
`(2006.01)
`HO)4N 7/173
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........................... 725/110; 725/109; 725/139
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A method for user assisted association between a television
`and a telephony device is provided. A set-top box requests
`an identification code from a server. The server identifies the
`set-top box, generates the code and transmits it to the set-top
`box. The set-top box displays the code and a user transmits
`the code back to the server via a telephony device. The
`server identifies the telephony device, and using the code,
`associates between the set-top box and the telephony device.
`
`Set-Top Box
`
`Agent is
`resident 100
`
`Activate
`agent
`
`evice
`desired?
`110
`
`y
`
`Request
`ldentifier 115
`
`Receive and
`display
`identifier 125
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Telephone
`
`Center
`
`ldentify and
`store STB
`address 120
`
`Generate
`and Send
`Identifier 120
`
`Retrieve
`Calle MTA
`address 140
`
`Compare
`generated
`identifier to
`user entered
`identifier 145
`
`Store STB
`and MTA
`addresses
`
`L 150
`Assign 1
`telephony
`device a
`
`
`
`assigned
`telephone
`
`User calls
`Center,
`enters
`ldentifier 130
`
`the 155
`
`
`
`Comcast, Ex. 1018
`
`1
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 1 of 3
`
`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`Center
`
`User premises
`
`Server 20 -T-10
`
`TelevisOn 70
`
`Database
`40
`
`Telephone 90
`
`
`
`Fig. 1
`
`2
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 2 of 3
`
`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`Telephone
`
`Center
`
`Set-Top Box
`
`Agent is
`resident 100
`
`Activate
`agent
`
`eWCe
`desired?
`110
`y
`
`ldentifier 115
`
`Receive and
`display
`identifier 125
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`User Calls
`center,
`enterS
`Identifier 130
`
`ldentify and
`Store STB
`address 120
`
`Generate
`and Send
`Identifier 120
`
`retrieve
`Retrieve
`Caller MTA
`address 140
`
`Compare
`generated
`identifier to
`user entered
`identifier 145
`
`Store STB
`and MTA
`addresses
`
`
`
`L 150
`Assign
`telephony
`device a
`telephone
`
`twww.I Iwi Iw
`
`
`
`assigned
`telephone
`
`the 155
`
`3
`
`

`

`Patent Application Publication May 18, 2006 Sheet 3 of 3
`
`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`To sign up for TV telephony
`services click the 'Select
`rar
`rar rarr ra rarrrr.
`a
`
`Click "Escape' to return to the
`previous screen
`
`Fig. 3
`
`
`
`To activate your services, please dial
`1-8000-123-4567
`When asked, please enter code No.
`98765
`
`Fig. 4
`
`4
`
`

`

`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`METHOD FOR ASSOCATION BETWEEN
`TELEPHONY AND TELEVISION NETWORK
`EQUIPMENT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`0001. This invention relates generally to television/tele
`phony networks, and more particularly to a method for
`automatic matching between telephony equipment and tele
`vision network equipment Such as set-top boxes.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`0002 Television distribution networks are offering more
`and more services such as data, messaging and telephony.
`Similarly, telephony networks offer television services. It is
`desirable to provide integration between the services of both
`telephony and television. Examples of services that are
`enabled by having such integration are caller identification
`(Caller ID, or CID) on television, utilizing a television for
`call management of telephone calls, Voicemail, and the like.
`These services benefit from the large display format offered
`by a television screen. Delivery of multiple services on a
`single network is commonly accomplished by utilizing
`different interface equipment between the distribution net
`work and the different types of service. For example, in a
`television distribution network television services require a
`converter or receiver commonly referred to as a Set-Top Box
`(STB). Telephony service in such network are most often
`accomplished by a Media Terminal Adapter (MTA) which is
`commonly embedded within a cable modem, however other
`equipment may also be used such as computers or other
`telephony to cable interface equipment. Similarly, a tele
`phony network that Supplies television services accom
`plishes this task by utilizing telephones and separate inter
`face devices for video and/or data. Some distribution
`networks may provide a variety of services over a con
`verged, often IP-based, network where separation of ser
`vices occurs at a central home gateway device.
`0003. Yet another example of the convergence between
`different services is the case of separate networks that are
`cross linked. Thus for example a cellular network provider
`may link services with a television provider for example in
`order to display voice message arrival or in Some cases caller
`ID services using a television screen.
`0004 For clarity, the present invention will be described
`in terms of a television distribution network, but those
`skilled in the art will recognize the applicability of the
`present invention to telephony networks, as both are used as
`a television distribution networks with the main distinction
`being their traditional role prior to integrating other Ser
`vices. Therefore the invention should be construed as
`extending to any distribution network that is adapted to carry
`television and telephony signals, as well as to a plurality of
`networks, where associations of television and different
`communication devices and/or interfaces is desired.
`0005. As this application will utilize a cable television
`network example for clarity, the term set-top box (STB for
`short) will be used hereinafter to denote any addressable
`interface between a television or video capable network and
`a television or a video display device. Thus for example the
`set-top box may be a cellular device, wireless device,
`satellite enabled device, and the like, coupled to, or embed
`ded within, a device capable of displaying video signals. The
`
`term MTA will be used hereinafter to denote any addressable
`interface between a network that is adapted to carry tele
`phony signals and a telephony device. An MTA may be
`embedded in other devices such as a cable modem, and in
`Some cases even within the telephony device, for example
`within an IP enabled telephone, cellular telephones, or PBX
`(Private Branch exchange). The telephony network, the data
`network, and the television network may be the same
`network, or different networks each combining one or more
`of the services. Those networks extend to the like of cable,
`wireless, telephony network, cellular network, and the like.
`Telephony devices may be individual telephones, cellular
`telephones, cable modems, satellite phones, IP telephones,
`PBX systems, and the like.
`0006 Each set-top box and an MTA is individually
`addressable. Each user may have one or more set-top boxes
`that need to be associated with a corresponding user MTA.
`Network operators oftentimes meet difficulties in associat
`ing the different interfaces associated with individual users.
`Such association is done either manually or by programming
`that oftentimes needs to interface two separate software
`systems, at significant programming effort. If one of the
`systems changes, the programming needs to change as well,
`with additional expenses and with the risk of interrupted
`service. Even for networks utilizing a central home gateway
`devices, it is desired to identify the addresses of various
`end-user interfaces and to be able to associate between
`different devices, as these devices may be replaced due to
`failure or may be purchased individually by the end user.
`This information is not always readily available to the
`service providers. The present invention is directed to over
`coming those difficulties.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`0007. In its broadest form, the present invention therefore
`provides a method of association between a television and
`telephony device, and/or other communication devices in a
`user premises. Therefore, there is provided a method for user
`assisted association between a television and a telephony
`device. The method comprising the steps of sending a code
`request from an addressable set-top box located at a user
`premises. In a server, identifying the set-top box address;
`generating a code; associating the code with the set-top
`address; and transmitting the code back to the set-top box.
`The set-top box displays the code either directly or prefer
`ably on a television screen if available. Using a telephony
`device having an address associated therewith, the code is
`transmitted by a user, to the server. The server identifies the
`telephony device address (either automatically or manually),
`and using the code, associates the telephony device with the
`set-top box.
`0008. The telephony device may be a private branch
`exchange, a central home gateway device, or an Internet
`Protocol telephone device. However, preferably, the tele
`phony device is a telephone, or a cellular telephone. In some
`cases the telephony device may be an MTA, optionally
`embedded within a cable modem. The telephony device and
`the set-top box may be coupled to a single distribution
`network, or to a plurality of distribution networks. Examples
`of the distribution networks include a telephone network, an
`electrical distribution network, a data distribution network,
`a cable television distribution network, a wireless distribu
`
`5
`
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`

`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`tion network, a cellular distribution network, a satellite
`distribution network, a terrestrial distribution network, and
`the like.
`0009 Preferably identifying the telephone number is
`carried out automatically, and more preferably using a
`telephone caller identification method (e.g. caller ID). The
`address of the telephony device may be a telephone number,
`or another address such as a MAC (Media Access Code)
`address of a cable modem.
`0010 Optionally, the set-top box may be embedded in a
`wireless device. By way of example, the set-top box may be
`satellite television enabled, terrestrial radio enabled, or
`cellular communication enabled. To aid in identifying, the
`set top box may send its own address with the code request
`or the server may identify the set-top box automatically such
`as by its MAC address.
`0011
`Preferably, the set-top box is equipped with a
`Software agent adapted to perform the steps of sending,
`receiving and displaying.
`0012. In another aspect of the present invention there is
`provided a method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device comprising the steps of at
`a server, receiving a code request from a set-top box having
`an address, identifying the set-top box address, associating
`the code with the set-top box address, sending a code to the
`set-top box, for displaying the code to a user, receiving the
`code from a telephony device having, an address associated
`therewith, identifying the telephony device address, and
`using the code, associating the address of the set-top box
`with the address of the telephony device.
`0013 In yet another aspect of the invention, there is
`provided a method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device, the method comprising
`the steps of sending code request from an addressable
`set-top box, receiving a code from a server, displaying the
`code to a user, and having a user to transmit the code
`utilizing an telephony device having an address associated
`therewith, for associating the set-top box with the telephony
`device.
`
`SHORT DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
`0014) The invention will be better understood with the
`aid of the accompanying drawings in which:
`0.015
`FIG. 1 depicts a typical system appropriate for
`operation of the invention.
`0016 FIG. 2 depicts a simplified flow diagram for an
`aspect of the present invention.
`0017 FIG. 3 depicts a sample screen proposing activa
`tion.
`0018 FIG. 4 depicts a sample instructions screen.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`FIG. 1 depicts a typical system in which the
`0.019
`invention operates. A central location (e.g. a head-end)
`contains a server 20 and a database. The database is con
`figured to contain at least pairs of Telephone addresses and
`STB addresses. The center is coupled to the network 10,
`directly or indirectly. A plurality of networks of different
`types may be utilized.
`
`0020. The user premises contain at least a television
`interface, such as STB 50, and an MTA 80. The STB is
`coupled to a television 70 and the MTA is coupled to a
`telephone 90.
`0021. An agent software 60 is provided in the STB 50.
`The agent may be supplied with the STB, or may be
`downloaded to it as desired. Downloading can be done to
`every STB in the network, or may be done selectively such
`as for new installations, by geographic area, as part of a
`special sale, and the like.
`0022. The agent software 60 may be activated automati
`cally and/or by the user. Such as by selecting the function
`from a menu. If desired, the agent Software may also be
`downloaded on demand after a user action. The agent
`Software may be activated automatically on power-up of the
`STB. Alternatively, a network operator may download an
`agent to the STB to advertise the services offered.
`0023 FIG. 2 is a simplified flow diagram of the operation
`of the preferred embodiment of the invention. The agent is
`made resident in the STB 100 by any desired method. When
`the agent is activated 105 it displays a message proposing to
`the user to activate or otherwise register the desired ser
`vices, such as telephony services, TV caller ID services, and
`the like. FIG. 3 contains an example of Such message.
`0024. If the user does not desire the services, the process
`terminates as shown by the Narrow from the decision box
`depicted as 110. If however the user is interested, the client
`requests 115 an identifier from a server 20. The server is
`coupled to network 10 either directly or indirectly. The agent
`may include in the request an explicit identification of the
`initiating STB, or such identification may be derived by any
`other convenient means such as those common to commu
`nications between an STB and other nodes on the network
`Such as for example a packet header.
`0025 The server generates and sends to the STB an
`identifier 120. The identifier may be selected by any con
`venient manner Such as random number generation, selec
`tion from a list, hashing the STB number, using a counter,
`and the like. The identifier need not be long or complex as
`its lifespan is considered short—only until activation of the
`service is accomplished—but may be complex if so desired.
`However the server needs to verify that no two identifiers are
`identical within a pre-selected timeframe. Clearly, a never
`repeating identifier may be used, but this carries the disad
`vantage of having to deal with long number once a large
`number of users utilized the service. The server also stores
`the identifier and the associated STB identifier in a list of
`active identifiers, for later use.
`0026. The STB receives the identifier and displays it to
`the user 125. Preferably a clear message such as the one
`depicted in FIG. 4 is used, instructing the user of the next
`steps. The user can then call the number provided 130 and
`transmit the identifier, for example by dialing, or voice. The
`server retrieves the Telephone identification 140 by any
`convenient means such as preferably by the packet header,
`a caller ID arrangement, or by querying the sending MTA or
`the telephone device. A less preferred method is to ask the
`user to provide the telephone number.
`0027. The server then uses the stored active identifiers list
`to match with the identifier entered by the user 145. It
`retrieves the STB identification associated with the associ
`
`6
`
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`

`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`ated Stored identifier. The server Stores 150 the STB iden
`tifier and the associated MTA identifier, preferably in a
`database, for future use. The agent Software may then
`terminate 155 after accomplishing the required task.
`0028 Optionally, a telephone number may be assigned to
`the user 160. This may be useful for example in a first
`activation of a cable television based telephony service. In
`Such a case, all MTA's default to contacting the server, and
`upon activation the server assigns the MTA a telephone
`number. The telephone number may then be sent to the user
`165 by the telephone, or to the set-top box, for display on the
`screen. This optional step may be independently desired for
`verification that the correct telephone number has been
`associated with the correct television.
`0029. The invention is also useful for user self installa
`tion of MTA or telephone equipment or STB equipment. The
`method presented here also offers direct association and
`optionally verification by the end-user, which reduces the
`chance for errors.
`0030. It is noted again that the invention further extends
`to other devices such as cellular telephones being used as
`telephones and/or set-top boxes and display devices.
`0031. The order of the steps described and claimed herein
`will be recognized by the skilled in the art as a recommen
`dation and other orders of executions may be utilized
`without departing from the scope of the invention. Similarly
`other intervening steps may be incorporated without depart
`ing from the scope of the invention. The server function may
`be distributed between a plurality of servers, and a plurality
`of networks or network types may be used, including
`different networks for coupling between the MTA, STB, and
`the server.
`0032. As mentioned above the invention is applicable to
`all manner of networks, as main distribution networks or
`with intervening networks such as wireless data networks,
`and wide area wireless network such as WiMAX (World
`wide Interoperability for Microwave Access) and similar
`terrestrial networks. In Summary the invention is applicable
`to association between communications service interfaces.
`0033. It will be appreciated that the invention is not
`limited to what has been described hereinabove merely by
`way of example. While there have been described what are
`at present considered to be the preferred embodiments of
`this invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art
`that various other embodiments, changes, and modifications
`may be made therein without departing from the spirit or
`Scope of this invention and that it is, therefore, aimed to
`cover all Such changes and modifications as fall within the
`true spirit and scope of the invention, for which letters patent
`is applied.
`
`What is claimed is:
`1. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device, the method comprising
`the steps of:
`receiving a code request from a set-top box having an
`address;
`identifying the set-top box address;
`associating the code with the set-top box address;
`
`sending a code to the set-top box, for displaying the code
`to a user,
`receiving the code from a telephony device having an
`address associated therewith:
`identifying the telephony device address;
`using the code, associating the address of the set-top box
`with the address of the telephony device.
`2. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the displayed code is transmitted by the user.
`3. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1,
`wherein the telephony device is a private branch exchange,
`a central home gateway device, a cable modem or an
`Internet Protocol telephone device.
`4. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the step of identifying the telephone number is
`carried out automatically.
`5. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 4
`wherein the step of identifying the telephony device address
`is carried out using a telephone caller identification method.
`6. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the address of the telephony device is a telephone
`number.
`7. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`further comprising the step of assigning the telephony
`device a telephone number.
`8. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 7
`further comprising the step of transmitting the telephone
`number to the set-top box.
`9. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 7
`further comprising the step of transmitting the telephone
`number to the telephony device.
`10. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the set-top box is embedded in a wireless device.
`11. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the set-top box is satellite television enabled.
`12. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the set-top box and the telephony device are
`coupled to a single distribution network.
`13. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 1
`wherein the telephony device is a telephone.
`14. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim
`1
`wherein the telephony device is a cellular telephone.
`15. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim
`1
`wherein the telephony device is an MTA.
`16. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device, the method comprising
`the steps of:
`sending code request from an addressable set-top box;
`receiving a code:
`displaying the code a user;
`
`7
`
`

`

`US 2006/01 07299 A1
`
`May 18, 2006
`
`having a user to transmit the code utilizing an telephony
`device having an address associated therewith, for
`associating the set-top box with the telephony device.
`17. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`further comprising the step of sending an address of the
`set-top box.
`18. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16.
`wherein the set-top box is equipped with a software agent
`adapted to perform the steps of sending, receiving and
`displaying.
`19. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 18
`wherein the Software agent initiates the step of sending
`responsive to a user activation.
`20. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 18
`wherein the Software agent is activated automatically or
`remotely.
`21. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the step of displaying further comprises instructions
`for transmitting the code.
`22. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the telephony device is a telephone.
`23. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the telephony device is a cellular telephone.
`24. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the telephony device is a MTA.
`25. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the telephony device and the set-top box are
`coupled to a single distribution network.
`26. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 16
`wherein the telephony device address is a telephone number.
`27. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device, the method comprising
`the steps of:
`sending a code request from an addressable set-top box
`located at a user premises;
`in a server, identifying the set-top box address; generating
`a code;
`associating the code with the set-top address; and trans
`mitting the code to the set-top box;
`displaying the code:
`using a telephony device having an address associated
`therewith, transmitting the code to the server;
`at the server, identifying the telephony device address;
`and using the code, associating the telephony device
`with the set-top.
`28. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27,
`wherein the telephony device is a private branch exchange,
`a central home gateway device, or an Internet Protocol
`telephone device.
`29. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the telephony device is a telephone.
`
`30. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the telephony device is a cellular telephone.
`31. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the telephony device is a MTA.
`32. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the telephony device and the set-top box are
`coupled to a single distribution network.
`33. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 32
`wherein the distribution network is selected from a group
`consisting of a telephone network, an electrical distribution
`network, a data distribution network, a cable television
`distribution network, a wireless distribution network, a
`cellular distribution network, a satellite distribution net
`work, and a terrestrial distribution network.
`34. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the step of identifying the telephone number is
`carried out automatically.
`35. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 34
`wherein the step of identifying the telephony device address
`is carried out using a telephone caller identification method.
`36. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the address of the telephony device is a telephone
`number.
`37. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the set-top box is embedded in a wireless device.
`38. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the set-top box is satellite television enabled.
`39. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the step of sending further comprises the step of
`sending the address of the set-top box.
`40. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27,
`wherein the set-top box is equipped with a software agent
`adapted to perform the steps of sending, receiving and
`displaying.
`41. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 40
`wherein the Software agent initiates the step of sending
`responsive to a user activation.
`42. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 40
`wherein the Software agent is activated automatically or
`remotely.
`43. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the step of displaying further comprises instructions
`for transmitting the code.
`44. A method for user assisted association between a
`television and a telephony device as claimed in claim 27
`wherein the server is adapted to detect the address of the
`set-top box automatically.
`
`8
`
`