Patent Abstract:
A digital terrestrial television signal is received by an antenna embedded into a subsequently applied case for a mobile device. The case includes a receiver that receives the signal and processes it into a format that the mobile device can easily implement in applications residing on the mobile device. An optional battery embedded in the case facilitates in providing power to the receiver and/or the mobile device. The receiver can communicate the reformatted signals to the mobile device in a wired and/or wireless manner.

Full Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The present principles relate generally to digital terrestrial television broadcasting, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for viewing digital terrestrial television broadcasting on a portable or mobile device. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Digital terrestrial television (“DTTV”) systems heretofore transmit video and audio over the airwaves by way of radio signals. DTTV systems can transmit a compressed digital video/audio stream using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing modulation (“OFDM”) or Vestigial Sideband (“VSB”). DTTV is generally regarded as having higher fidelity than regular analog television. DTTV is further recognized for providing quality images at lower operating costs. Analog television transmission can be stationary and can require a user to point an antenna (e.g., roof antenna) towards the nearest transmitter to obtain the reception. Thus, legacy analog transmissions are being replaced with DTTV, due to the inefficient use of the frequency spectrum by typical analog transmission systems. Various DTTV standards are used throughout the world. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Methods and apparatus provide means to receive DTTV in a mobile device. In one embodiment, an apparatus can comprise an antenna embedded into the apparatus; a receiver to detect a digital terrestrial television broadcast received by the antenna; and at least one processor to convert the digital terrestrial television broadcast into a digital media stream compatible with at least one application of a mobile device. 
         [0004]    In a further embodiment, the at least one processor can be further configured to transmit the digital media stream to the mobile device over a wired or wireless connection. 
         [0005]    In another embodiment, the receiver can further comprise a tuner to detect multiple channels in the digital terrestrial television broadcast. 
         [0006]    In another example, the digital media stream can be an MPEG-DASH video stream. 
         [0007]    In a further embodiment, a method can comprise detecting, using a receiver, a digital terrestrial television broadcast received by an antenna; and converting, using at least one processor, the digital terrestrial television broadcast into a digital media stream compatible with at least one application of a particular mobile device. 
         [0008]    In yet a further embodiment, an apparatus can comprise a case to provide a protective enclosure around a mobile device. The case can further comprise a battery. The apparatus can also comprise an interface to electrically couple the battery with the mobile device and a receiver having an antenna. The receiver can be embedded into the case and can be configured to detect a digital terrestrial television broadcast received by the antenna. The battery can be electrically coupled to the receiver so as to enable the battery to also provide power to the receiver. The apparatus can also have at least one processor to convert the digital terrestrial television broadcast into a digital media stream that is compatible with at least one application of a mobile device. 
         [0009]    In another example, the at least one processor can be further configured to detect an MPEG-2, an H.264/AVC, or an H.265/HEVC video stream modulated in the digital terrestrial television broadcast. In yet another embodiment, the at least one processor can be configured to demodulate the digital audio/video stream from the digital terrestrial television broadcast. 
         [0010]    In a further example, the at least one processor can be configured to alter a packet format of the digital media stream such that the packet format is compatible with the at least one application of the mobile device. 
         [0011]    In another example, the at least one application comprises an HTMLS web browser. 
         [0012]    In yet another embodiment, a method can include detecting, using an antenna, a digital terrestrial television broadcast; converting, using at least one processor in a receiver, the digital terrestrial television broadcast into a digital media stream that is compatible with at least one application of a mobile device; providing, using the at least one processor, power to the mobile device through an interface between a battery and the mobile device. The interface can be formed in a case providing a protective enclosure around the mobile device. The method can also comprise providing power to the receiver from the battery. 
         [0013]    The embodiments, features and advantages of the present principles will be appreciated when considered with reference to the following description of examples and accompanying figures. The following description does not limit the application; rather, the scope of the disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0014]      FIG. 1  depicts a block diagram of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2  depicts a close up illustration of an exemplary apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0016]      FIG. 3  depicts a block diagram of an exemplary e broadcasting system in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0017]      FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary receiver in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  depicts a flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  depicts a further flow diagram of an exemplary method in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  depicts a working example in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  depicts a further working example in accordance with an embodiment of the present principles. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]    In a typical setting, DTTV signals can be detected by a digital set-top box or tuner in a television set. However, the advent of mobile devices has led to an increased demand for viewing DTTV broadcasts while in transit. In particular, there is an increased demand for viewing DTTV broadcasts in public places away from the home network. Unfortunately, some solutions for viewing DTTV broadcasts in public places can require special software to be installed and/or an antenna to be attached the device. The installation of additional software can be cumbersome for a user in some instances. The attachment of an antenna can be unwieldy and not aesthetically pleasing. 
         [0023]    The apparatus and methods disclosed herein can allow a user to receive DTTV broadcasts seamlessly while away from home, without needing to download special media playback software and without having to attach an awkward antenna to the device. Broadcast transmission is a one way transmission (i.e., a transmitter sends a signal but the receiver does not reply to the transmitter) and the techniques herein can convert the broadcast transmission to an IP based two-way network media stream (i.e., replies or acknowledgements can be sent by the receiver in accordance with a protocol). Furthermore, the apparatus and method can prolong the battery life of the mobile device while viewing the DTTV broadcast. 
         [0024]      FIG. 1  presents one example of an apparatus in accordance with embodiments of the present principles. In the example of  FIG. 1 , the apparatus comprises a case  104  to provide a protective enclosure around a mobile device  102 . Mobile device  102  can include all the components normally used in connection with a mobile device and can be, for example, a tablet PC, a personal media device (e.g., music player/video viewer and the like) and/or a smartphone, etc. Mobile device  102  can, optionally, be enabled to process wireless communication technology that includes, but is not limited to, GSM, GPRS, EDGE, CDMA, WCDMA, and/or Wi-Fi 802.11. Mobile device  102  can be, for example, further configured to request information from a service provider via a cellular service and to request information from an Internet service provider over the cellular service and/or over a Wi-Fi connection and the like. 
         [0025]    Case  104  can further comprise an interface  112  to electrically couple an optional battery pack  106  with mobile device  102 . Battery pack  106  can be a battery pack that includes a rechargeable battery (e.g., lithium-polymer, lithium ion etc.) that can be separately charged. In the example of  FIG. 1 , interface  112  can be electrically coupled to the mobile device through a port  114 . This allows optional battery pack  106  to provide additional power to mobile device  102 . That is, battery pack  102  can provide power that supplements the power provided by a battery already installed in mobile device  102 . Mobile device  102  can already be equipped with its own rechargeable battery. Interface  112  can be compliant with a standard suitable for charging a battery of mobile device  102 . For example, mobile device  102  can have an interface  112  with a micro-USB and/or a lightning connector and/or 30-pin connector and the like. 
         [0026]    In the example of  FIG. 1 , mobile device  102  can slide into case  104  through opening  116 . However, it is understood that case  104  is merely illustrative and that mobile device  102  can be inserted into case  104  in a variety of ways, including from the front, side and/or bottom and the like. The case itself can also clamp to the phone and/or include multiple pieces that snap and/or slide together to hold the phone in proximity of the case, etc. 
         [0027]    Case  104  can also include a receiver  110 . As will be discussed in more detail below, receiver  110  can include at least one processor to convert a DTTV broadcast into a digital media stream. Such converted digital media stream can be compatible with at least one application of mobile device  102 . The battery pack  106  can also be electrically coupled to receiver  110  to provide power to receiver  110  as it detects and converts the DTTV broadcast. While receiver  110  is shown embedded into case  104 , it is understood that receiver  110  can also be embedded into mobile device  102 . The receiver  110  can also be electrically coupled to the mobile device  102  such that the receiver is powered by the mobile device  102  instead of the optional battery back  106 . 
         [0028]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a close up illustration of case  104  is shown. In this example, receiver  110  can detect a radio frequency (“RF”) signal, such as an ultra-high frequency (“UHF”) or very-high frequency (“VHF”) signal. In turn, receiver  110  can transmit a digital stream  202  to mobile device  102  based on the received RF signal. UHF is a frequency band used primarily for television broadcasts. UHF can be between approximately 474 Megahertz (“MHz”) and 862 MHz. VHF is a lower band between approximately 200 MHz and 300 MHz. In the example of  FIG. 2 , receiver  110  can transmit the digital media stream to mobile device  102  over a wireless connection. Such wireless connection can employ a personal area network protocol that can include, but is not limited to, Bluetooth®, wireless USB, and/or ZigBee® and the like. While the example of  FIG. 2  shows the digital stream transmitted over a wireless connection, it is understood that the digital stream can also be transmitted over a wired connection. The wired connection can be through interface  112  and/or port  114  and/or through an additional electrical connection between the receiver  110  and the mobile device  102 . Also, it is understood that optional battery pack  106  and receiver  110  can be arranged anywhere within case  104 . That is, the placement of the optional battery pack  106  and receiver  110  shown in  FIG. 2  is illustrative and is not meant to limit this example. 
         [0029]    The example in  FIG. 2  also illustrates how optional battery pack  106  can be electrically coupled to both receiver  110  and mobile device  102 . In this example, the optional battery pack  106  can extend the battery life of mobile device  102  while simultaneously supplying power to receiver  110 . The inclusion of the optional battery pack  106  is advantageous, since the receipt, conversion, and viewing of the DTTV broadcast can require a considerable amount of power. However, in other embodiments the receiver  110  can use power supplied by the mobile device  102 . 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a high level depiction of a DTTV broadcast system  300  is shown. Video subsystem  302  and audio subsystem  304  can be a source of video and audio. Such video and audio can be transmitted over the airwaves. In one example, these systems can be part of any entity that offers video content, such as an over-the-top (“OTT”) content video stream. In one example, the video and audio can be compressed and can be in accordance with a media streaming and compression format that can include, but is not limited to, MPEG-1, MPEG-2, H.264 Advanced Video Coding (“AVC”), or H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (“HEVC”) and the like. It is understood that the foregoing is a non-exhaustive list and that other media streaming and compression formats can be employed. A data sub system  306  can include any metadata associated with the video and audio supplied by video subsystem  302  and audio subsystem  304 . This data can also be transmitted along with the video and audio. The video subsystem  302 , the audio subsystem  304 , and the data subsystem  306  can be provided as input to multiplexer  308 . 
         [0031]    Multiplexer  308  can transmit the video subsystem  302 , audio subsystem  304 , and data subsystem  306  over a single channel to modulator  310 . Modulator  310  can modulate the video, audio, and associated data onto a carrier signal using, for example, OFDM or COFDM.  FIG. 3  further illustrates a broadcast antenna  312  aerially transmitting a broadcast  314  that carries the video, audio, and associated data. As noted above, the broadcast  314  can be a VHF/UHF broadcast. Broadcast  314  can be detected by receiver  110  embedded in the case  104 . As will be discussed in more detail below, receiver  110  can include circuitry for receiving and processing the broadcast  314 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a high level diagram of an example receiver  110  is shown. Receiver  110  can have a processor  402  to manage the components within receiver  110 . Processor  402  can be any number of processors that can include, but are not limited to, processors from Intel ® Corporation, STMicroelectronics 551x family, NEC EMMA2, ATI Xilleon, or Broadcom BCM3560 and the like. In another example, processor  402  can be an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”). Memory  408  can store instructions and data that can be retrieved and executed by processor  402 . Memory  408  can comprise any one of many physical media including, but not limited to, a read-only memory (“ROM”), an erasable programmable read-only memory, a random access memory (“RAM”) device or multiple memory segments organized as dual in-line memory modules (“DIMMs”). Memory  408  can also include any combination of one or more of the foregoing and/or other devices as well. While only one processor and one memory block are shown in  FIG. 4 , it is understood that receiver  110  can actually comprise additional processors and memories. Furthermore, it is understood that the techniques executed in receiver  110  can be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software. 
         [0033]    Receiver  110  can also include an antenna  404  for receiving or absorbing an RF signal, such as a signal in the VHF/UHF frequency band. Since there is a correlation between the physical dimensions of an antenna and its performance, antenna  404  can be designed to allow the receiver  110  to receive signals while maintaining a neat and aesthetically pleasing look for the case  104 . Thus, antenna  404  can be, in one embodiment, incorporated inside the case  104  without diminishing the range of frequencies detectable by the antenna  404 . In other embodiments, antenna  404  can be an external antenna mounted on and/or in the case  404  or external to the case and electrically coupled to the receiver  404 . Tuner  416  can include circuitry to tune antenna  404  and, in one embodiment, allow the antenna to detect an entire VHF/UHF frequency band. Therefore, tuner  416  can enable antenna  404  to detect multiple channels in the broadcast. 
         [0034]    Demodulator  406  can be used to extract the video, audio, and other data embedded in the carrier RF signal. Demodulator  406  can also apply error correction to produce the original stream. De-multiplexer  410  can separate the video, audio, and associated data streams to reproduce the original channels that were input into multiplexer  308  in the DTTV broadcast system  300 . The bit stream encoded in the VHF/UHF signal of broadcast  208  can be rearranged in time with forward error correction protection. Thus, the original transport stream can be recovered from the signal. The original media stream can include various ultra-high definition (“UHD”), high definition (“HD”) and/or standard definition (“SD”) channels and the like that can be detected by tuner  416 . The stream modulated in the carrier signal can also be IP multicast packets using a multicast IPv4 address space and/or a multicast IPv6 address space and the like. 
         [0035]    The example of  FIG. 4  also shows a hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”) packetizer that can obtain the video, audio, and associated data from the carrier and bundle that information into packets that are in accordance with HTTP. HTTP is an application layer protocol designed within the framework of the Internet Protocol Suite. While the examples herein refer to the conversion of the incoming RF signal to a stream of packets compliant with HTTP, it is understood that the incoming signal can be converted into a stream compatible with other protocols. 
         [0036]    Streamer  414  can stream the HTTP directly to, for example, a web browser application in mobile device  102 . Thus, HTTP packetizer can alter the packet format of the video, audio, and associated data so that it is compatible with a browser application of mobile device  102 . As noted above, it is understood that another component can replace the HTTP packetizer so as to rearrange the data into another format compatible with a different type of application. HTTP is used herein for convenience and for illustrative purposes. It is further understood that multiple components can be utilized to convert the digital stream into a stream compatible with more than one application that is installed and/or can be installed in the mobile device  102 . Streamer  414  can forward the digital media stream directly to at least one application of the mobile device (e.g., an HTMLS web browser). Streamer  414  can employ adaptive streaming that can adjust the bit rate of the packets in accordance with the bandwidth and CPU processing power of mobile device  102 . By way of example, the broadcast transmission can comprise a two layered transmission that allows streamer  414  to receive both layers or ignore one of the layers in accordance with the screen size or processing power of the mobile device  102 . One example of a two layered transmission is signal to noise ratio (SNR) scalable video, in which video is coded in the broadcast at different qualities of resolution. Streamer  414  can monitor the status of mobile device  102  to ensure the stream is played back continually. 
         [0037]    Both the DTTV broadcasting system  300  and receiver  110  can comply with a DTTV standard. In one example, some embodiments of receiver  110  and DTTV broadcasting system  300  can be in compliance with the Advanced Television Systems Committee (“ATSC”) standards. However, it is understood that some embodiments of DTTV broadcasting system  300  and receiver  110  can comply with other standards that include, but are not limited to, terrestrial integrated services digital broadcasting (“ISDB-T”), terrestrial integrated services digital broadcasting (“DVB-T”) and digital terrestrial multimedia broadcasting (“DTMB”) and the like. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , a flow diagram of an example method  500  for displaying DTTV on a mobile device is shown. At block  502 , a DTTV broadcast can be detected. As noted above, processor  402  can detect a broadcast using an antenna of a receiver, such as antenna  404  shown in  FIG. 4 . The original data stream can be extracted using a demodulator, such as demodulator  406 . At block  504 , the broadcast can be converted into a digital media stream that is compatible with at least one application of a mobile device. As shown in the example receiver of  FIG. 4 , the extracted media stream can be converted into an HTTP stream that is compatible with, for example, an HTMLS web browser installed in a mobile device. As noted above, the extracted media stream can be converted into a stream compatible with any other type of application that is installed and/or can be installed in the device. 
         [0039]    Working examples of the apparatus and method are shown in  FIGS. 6-8 . In particular,  FIG. 6  illustrates a further flow diagram of an example method  600  for displaying DTTV on a mobile device.  FIGS. 7-8  are working examples corresponding to the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 . The actions shown in  FIGS. 7-8  will be discussed below with regard to the flow diagram of  FIG. 6 . 
         [0040]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , in block  602 , video and audio frames can be extracted from a received carrier signal. This can also include decompression and reassembly of the original video, audio, and associated data. Referring now to  FIG. 7 , antenna  404  is shown detecting a signal  702 , which can be UHF or VHF signal carrying the video, audio and/or associated data. The demodulator  406  can extract the data in the carrier and de-multiplexer  410  can separate the signal into a video, audio and/or data stream in accordance with its original format. 
         [0041]    Referring back to  FIG. 6 , the frames can be aggregated, as shown in block  604  and the frames can be packetized, as shown in block  606 , so that the digital media stream can be compatible with at least one application of a mobile device. Referring now to  FIG. 8 , HTTP packetizer  412  can receive the video, audio, and associated data from de-multiplexer  410 . In turn, the HTTP packetizer  412  can alter the packet format of the stream to comply with HTTP and forward these packets to streamer  414 .  FIG. 8  demonstrates how the HTTP packetizer  412  can generate a stream of packets  802  compliant with HTTP and forward them to streamer  414 . As noted above, streamer  414  can monitor the bandwidth and CPU processing power of mobile device  102  and adjust the bit rate accordingly. In one example, the streaming protocol can be in accordance with an adaptive streaming protocol, such as MPEG-DASH. 
         [0042]    Advantageously, the foregoing apparatus and method allow a user to watch a DTTV broadcast on a mobile device while in and/or away from home. In this regard, the receiver can detect a VHF/UHF signal and convert the signal into a digital stream compatible with at least one application that can run on the device. Furthermore, the receiver can be incorporated into a protective case equipped with an optional battery pack to provide extra power to the receiver and the device. This extra power can prolong the user&#39;s DTTV viewing experience, since the conversion of the RF signal to a digital media stream can require a significant amount of energy to maintain. 
         [0043]    Although the disclosure herein has been described with reference to particular examples, it is to be understood that these examples are merely illustrative of the principles of the disclosure. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications can be made to the examples and that other arrangements can be devised without departing from the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, while particular processes are shown in a specific order in the appended drawings, such processes are not limited to any particular order unless such order is expressly set forth herein; rather, processes can be performed in a different order or concurrently and steps can be added or omitted.

Technology Classification (CPC): 7