Analysis of Packet-Based Video Content

1 . A method of operating a system for receiving and decoding packet-based video signals, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving a packet-based data stream encoding a video signal;

(b) maintaining a set of rules, each rule specifying a content-matching condition and a corresponding action to be taken;

(c) providing an interface for a user of the receiving and decoding system to edit said set of rules;

(d) analysing the content of the packet-based data stream to determine whether the content thereof matches a condition specified in one of said rules;

(e) upon determination of a matching condition in said analysing step, implementing a corresponding action specified in said one of said rules, said action being effective to control a component which is under the control of said receiving and decoding system.

2 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the step of analysing the content of the packet-based data stream comprises decoding the packet-based data stream and analysing the decoded signal.

3 . A method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the step of analysing the decoded signal comprises analysing an audio component of the decoded signal to detect audio content matching said condition in one of said rules.

4 . A method as claimed in claim 3 , wherein the step of analysing an audio component comprises applying speech analytics techniques to match detect a match with one or more spoken words or word patterns specified by said user in said interface for editing said set of rules.

6 . A method as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the step of analysing the decoded signal comprises analysing a video component of the decoded signal to detect video content matching said condition in one of said rules.

7 . A method as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the step of analysing a video component comprises applying pattern-matching techniques to identify a match with a visual element specified by said user in said interface for editing said set of rules.

8 . A method as claimed in claim 7 , wherein said visual element comprises a string of text.

9 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said step of implementing a corresponding action comprises implementing an action effective to control a component of said receiving and decoding system.

10 . A method as claimed in claim 9 , wherein said component of said receiving system is selected from: a decoder, a picture processor, a data stream controller, a channel selection system, a video or audio recording system, a “watch later” list, a program queue, a scene selection system for choosing between multiple scenes or viewing angles, an alerting system, an equipment display, an integral communications client (e.g. email, voice or video telephony, instant messaging, unified communications), and an embedded browser.

11 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said step of implementing a corresponding action comprises implementing an action effective to control a component of a system which is associated with and controllable by said receiving and decoding system.

12 . A method as claimed in claim 11 , wherein said associated and controllable system is selected from: a remote control unit, a television set, a display screen, a personal computer, a web server, a video recording system, and any other system which has been configured to grant permission to be controlled by the receiving and decoding system.

13 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said receiving and decoding system is implemented as a set-top box.

14 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said receiving and decoding system is implemented as a computer system operating suitable software to implement receiving and decoding functionality.

15 . A method as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said packet-based data stream is not selected for viewing by a user of the receiving and decoding system.

16 . A computer program product comprising a program carrier encoding instructions which, when executed by a system for receiving and decoding packet-based video signals, are effective to cause the system to:

(a) maintain a set of rules, each rule specifying a content-matching condition and a corresponding action to be taken;

(b) provide an interface for a user of the receiving and decoding system to edit said set of rules;

(c) analyse the content of a received packet-based data stream encoding a video signal to determine whether the content thereof matches a condition specified in one of said rules;

(d) upon determination of a matching condition in said analysing step, implement a corresponding action specified in said one of said rules, said action being effective to control a component which is under the control of said receiving and decoding system.

17 . A system for receiving and decoding packet-based video signals, comprising:

(a) a network connection for receiving a packet-based data stream encoding a video signal;

(b) a memory storing a set of rules, each rule specifying a content-matching condition and a corresponding action to be taken;

(c) an interface operable by a user of the receiving and decoding system to edit said set of rules;

(d) a content analysis system for analysing the content of the packet-based data stream to determine whether the content thereof matches a condition specified in one of said rules;

(e) a processor programmed to, upon determination of a matching condition in said analysing step, implement a corresponding action specified in said one of said rules, said action being effective to control a component which is under the control of said receiving and decoding system.