Modifying playback of alternative content in response to detection of a remote control signal that modifies operation of a playback device

Abstract

In one aspect, an exemplary method includes: (i) providing, by a playback device, replacement media content for display; (ii) when the playback device displays the replacement media content, determining, by the playback device, that a remote control transmits to the playback device instructions that are configured to cause a modification of the operation of the playback device; (iii) determining, by the playback device based on the instructions, an overlay for display that the playback device is configured to provide in conjunction with the modification; (iv) determining, by the playback device, an area within a display of the playback device that corresponds to the overlay; and (v) when the playback device provides the overlay for display, modifying, by the playback device, a transparency of the area so that the overlay is visible through the replacement media content.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application, and its original application is a PCT application with application number PCT / US2019 / 040546 and application date July 3, 2019, and entered the Chinese national phase on January 14, 2021. The national application number is 201980047223.4, and the name is "Modifying the playback of replacement content in response to detection of a remote control signal that modifies the operation of a playback device."

[0002] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0003] The present invention claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 698,781 filed on July 16, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0004] Usage and terminology

[0005] In the present invention, unless stated otherwise and / or unless the specific context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms “a” or “an” mean at least one, and the term “the” means the at least one.

[0006] In this disclosure, the term "connection mechanism" means a mechanism that facilitates communication between two or more components, devices, systems, or other entities. The connection mechanism may be a relatively simple mechanism, such as a cable or system bus, or a relatively complex mechanism, such as a packet-based communication network (e.g., the Internet). In some examples, the connection mechanism may include non-tangible media (e.g., in cases where the connection is wireless).

[0007] In the present invention, the term "computing system" means a system that includes at least one computing device. In some examples, a computing system may include one or more other computing systems. Technical Field

[0008] The present application relates to methods, computer systems, and computer-readable media for modifying the playback of alternative content in response to the detection of a remote control signal. Background Art

[0009] In the coming years, it is expected that the replacement of media content advertisements by targeted advertisements will become an increasingly important advertising method. For example, in a dynamic advertisement insertion (DAI) system, a content provider may insert a generic advertisement into an advertisement slot that interrupts a media content sequence (e.g., live or pre-recorded content). Each advertisement slot may include a group of advertisements arranged in a predetermined order. In addition, one particular advertisement may be designated or dynamically selected to be replaced by an alternative media content, such as a targeted advertisement.

[0010] Using this arrangement, before displaying a specific advertisement, the playback device can obtain replacement media content and then provide the replacement media content for display to replace the specific advertisement. For example, in response to determining that the playback device is playing or will play content immediately before the specific advertisement to be replaced, the playback device can retrieve a target advertisement from a database and then provide the target advertisement for display to replace the specific advertisement at an appropriate time. Summary of the invention

[0011] In one aspect, an example method is disclosed. The method includes: (i) providing, by a playback device, alternative media content for display; (ii) determining, by the playback device, when the playback device displays the alternative media content, that a remote control transmits to the playback device instructions configured to cause a modification of the operation of the playback device; (iii) determining, by the playback device based on the instructions, an overlay that the playback device is configured to provide for display in conjunction with the modification; (iv) determining, by the playback device, an area within a display of the playback device that corresponds to the overlay; and (v) when the playback device provides the overlay for display, modifying, by the playback device, a transparency of the area so that the overlay is visible through the alternative media content.

[0012] In another aspect, an example non-transitory computer-readable medium is disclosed. The computer-readable medium has program instructions stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, cause a set of actions to be performed, including: (i) providing alternative media content for display; (ii) when the playback device displays the alternative media content, determining that a remote control is to transmit instructions to the playback device that are configured to cause a modification of the operation of the playback device; (iii) based on the instructions, determining that the playback device is configured to provide an overlay for display in conjunction with the modification; (iv) determining an area within the display of the playback device that corresponds to the overlay; and (v) when the playback device provides the overlay for display, modifying the transparency of the area so that the overlay is visible through the alternative media content.

[0013] In another aspect, an example computing system is disclosed. The computing system is configured to perform a set of actions including: (i) providing alternative media content for display; (ii) when the playback device displays the alternative media content, determining that a remote control transmits to the playback device an instruction configured to cause a modification of the operation of the playback device; (iii) based on the instruction, determining an overlay for display that the playback device is configured to provide in conjunction with the modification; (iv) determining an area within the display of the playback device that corresponds to the overlay; and (v) when the playback device provides the overlay for display, modifying the transparency of the area so that the overlay is visible through the alternative media content. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device.

[0015] Figure 2 is a simplified block diagram of an example dynamic advertisement insertion (DAI) system.

[0016] Figure 3 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of a reference fingerprint generator, a query fingerprint generator, and a video recognition system according to an example embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of a playback device and an alternative content server according to an example embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a display diagram illustrating an overlay according to an example embodiment.

[0019] Figure 6 is another display diagram illustrating overlay according to an example embodiment.

[0020] Figure 7 is yet another display diagram illustrating overlay according to an example embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flowchart of the instance method.

[0022] Fig. 9 It means that it can be combined Figure 8 A flowchart of additional actions implemented in the method presented. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] I. Overview

[0024] When the viewer uses the remote control to modify the operation of the playback device, the playback device can provide feedback to the user in the form of an overlay. For example, when the viewer uses the remote control to access a menu, access an interface tool set, change the volume level, or change the playback speed of the media content, the playback device can be set to display a graphic on top of the media content currently displayed on the playback device. The graphic and the position of the graphic can change according to the specific modification.

[0025] In some DAI systems, when a playback device displays alternate media content and a viewer uses a remote control to modify the operation of the playback device, the playback device is unable to provide an overlay corresponding to the desired modification. For example, if the playback device uses a media player that is configured to play media files to provide alternate media content for display, the playback device is unable to display an overlay when displaying the alternate media content. This can result in a poor or frustrating user experience for the viewer. For example, the viewer cannot determine whether the playback device received the instructions transmitted by the remote control.

[0026] Methods and systems for solving this and potential other problems are disclosed herein. In an example method, a playback device may provide replacement media content for display. Then, when the playback device displays the replacement media content, the playback device may determine that the remote control transmits an instruction that is set to cause the operation of the playback device to be modified. Based on the instruction, the playback device may determine that the playback device is set to combine the overlap provided for display with the modification. In addition, the playback device may determine an area within the display of the playback device corresponding to the overlap, and modify the transparency of the area. In this way, when the playback device provides an overlap for display, the overlap can be seen through the replacement media content and can appear as if the overlap is located on top of the replacement media content.

[0027] II. Example Architecture

[0028] A. Computing Device

[0029] Figure 1 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example computing device 100. Computing device 100 can perform various actions and / or functions, such as those described in this disclosure. Computing device 100 can include various components, such as a processor 102, a data storage unit 104, a communication interface 106, and / or a user interface 108. These components can be connected to each other (or to another device, system, or other entity) via a connection mechanism 110.

[0030] Processor 102 may include a general-purpose processor (eg, a microprocessor) and / or a special-purpose processor (eg, a digital signal processor (DSP)).

[0031] The data storage unit 104 may include one or more volatile, non-volatile, removable and / or non-removable storage components (e.g., magnetic, optical, or flash storage devices) and / or may be fully or partially integrated with the processor 102. In addition, the data storage unit 104 may be in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having stored thereon program instructions (e.g., compiled or non-compiled program logic and / or machine code) that, when executed by the processor 102, cause the computing device 100 to perform one or more actions and / or functions, such as those described in the present invention. Thus, the computing device 100 may be configured to perform one or more actions and / or functions, such as those described in the present invention. Such program instructions may define and / or be part of discrete software applications. In some examples, the computing device 100 may execute program instructions in response to, for example, receiving input from the communication interface 106 and / or the user interface 108. The data storage unit 104 may also store other types of data, such as those described in the present invention.

[0032] The communication interface 106 may allow the computing device 100 to connect to and / or communicate with another entity according to one or more protocols. In one example, the communication interface 106 may be a wired interface, such as an Ethernet interface or a high-definition serial digital interface (HD-SDI). In another example, the communication interface 106 may be a wireless interface, such as a cellular or WI-FI interface. In the present invention, a connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection, an indirect connection being a connection that passes through and / or traverses one or more entities, such as a router, switch, or other network device. Similarly, in the present invention, a transmission may be a direct transmission or an indirect transmission.

[0033] The user interface 108 may optionally facilitate interaction between the computing device 100 and a user of the computing device 100. Thus, the user interface 108 may include input components such as a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch-sensitive panel, microphone, and / or camera and / or output components such as a display device (which may be combined with a touch-sensitive panel, for example), speakers, and / or a tactile feedback system. More generally, the user interface 108 may include hardware and / or software components that facilitate interaction between the computing device 100 and a user of the computing device 100.

[0034] The computing device 100 may be in various forms, such as a workstation terminal, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a mobile phone, or a television.

[0035] B. Dynamic Ad Insertion (DAI) System

[0036] Figure 2is a simplified block diagram of an example DAI system 200. DAI system 200 can perform various actions and / or functions related to communicating and / or presenting media content (eg, audio content and / or video content) and can be implemented as a computing system.

[0037] The DAI system 200 may include various components, such as a viewing station 210, a content source 220, a set-top box 230, a playback device 240, a video identification system 250, and an alternative content server 260, each of which may be implemented as a computing system. The viewing station 210 may receive video and other multimedia content from the content source 220, such as a broadcaster, a web server, or a cable television (TV) station. For example, the content source 220 may be a broadcaster (such as a TV station or TV network that streams or transmits media to the viewing station 210 through a TV channel) and / or a web service (such as a website that streams or transmits media to the viewing station 210 through a network 270). The viewing station 210 includes a reference fingerprint generator 212 that generates a reference fingerprint of the video content received from the content source 220.

[0038] The set-top box 230 can receive video and other multimedia content from the content source 220, for example, via a broadcast channel and / or through a network 270. The set-top box 230 can modify the received content before sending the content to the playback device 240. The set-top box 230 can include a tuner that is set to receive an input stream of video content and generates an output stream of video content by processing the input stream. The set-top box 230 can be a device equipped with a tuner, a decoder, and other hardware and / or software, so that the set-top box 230 can access the video content through a video content distribution network (such as a terrestrial broadcast, cable and / or satellite broadcast network adopted by a multi-channel video programming distributor). In addition or alternatively, the set-top box 230 can be a device equipped with a network adapter, a decoder, and other hardware and / or software, so that the set-top box 230 can access the video content through a wide area network (such as the Internet) adopted by a device for accessing Internet video streaming services. Set-top box 230 may output a signal (eg, a digital or analog signal) that may be used by a display of playback device 240 to present video content to a user.

[0039] The playback device 240 is any device (e.g., a TV, a laptop or other personal computer (PC), a tablet or other mobile device, or a gaming device) capable of receiving and presenting a stream of video and / or other multimedia content. The playback device 240 includes a display or other user interface configured to display the processed stream of video content. The display may be a flat screen, a plasma screen, a light emitting diode (LED) screen, a cathode ray tube (CRT), a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a projector. The playback device 240 may also include an antenna configured to receive video over an over-the-air broadcast channel.

[0040] The network 270 may be any network that enables communication between devices, such as a wired network and / or a wireless network (such as a mobile network). The network 270 may include one or more parts that constitute a private network (such as a cable TV network or a satellite TV network) or a public network (such as an over-the-air broadcast channel or the Internet).

[0041] The video recognition system 250 can communicate with the viewing station 210 and the playback device 240 through the network 270. The video recognition system can receive a query fingerprint generated by the query fingerprint generator 242 of the playback device 240 from the video content, and query the index of the known fingerprint generated by the reference fingerprint generator 212 of the viewing station 210 to identify the video content. The query fingerprint can be a fingerprint of a frame or a frame block in the video content. The video recognition system can identify the video content by matching the query fingerprint with one or more reference fingerprints.

[0042] After identifying the video content, video identification system 250 may communicate an identifier of alternative media content (e.g., alternative programming or alternative commercials) associated with the video content back to playback device 240. The alternative media content may be stored in alternative content server 260. Using the identifier, playback device 240 may access the alternative media content from alternative content server 260 and then provide the alternative media content for display.

[0043] Any of the modules, systems and / or generators may be located at Figure 2 . For example, the video recognition system 250 may include a query fingerprint generator 242. Using this arrangement, the video recognition system may receive frames of video content from the playback device 240 and use the frames of the video content to generate a query fingerprint. As another example, the set-top box 230 and the playback device 240 may be integrated together into a single device. Other variations are also possible.

[0044] Figure 3 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of the reference fingerprint generator 212, the query fingerprint generator 242, and the video recognition system 250. Figure 3 , the query fingerprint generator 242 includes a patch selection module 244 and a value calculation module 246 configured to communicate with each other (e.g., via a bus, a shared memory, or a switch). In addition, the video recognition system 250 includes an index module 252, a fingerprint matching module 254, and an identification module 256, all of which are configured to communicate with each other. In addition, the reference fingerprint generator 212 includes a patch selection module 214 and a value calculation module 216, which are configured to communicate with each other.

[0045] The system may be implemented using hardware (eg, a processor of a machine, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) or a combination of hardware and software. Figure 3In addition, Figure 3 Any two or more modules depicted in the may be combined into a single module, and the functionality described herein for a single module may be subdivided into multiple modules.

[0046] Based on the above discussion, the query fingerprint generator 242 and the reference fingerprint generator 212 can be configured to generate a query fingerprint for one or more frames of video content. For example, the query fingerprint generator 242 and the reference fingerprint generator 212 can calculate the value of a patch of one or more frames in the video content. The patch can be located at any position within the frame. The query fingerprint generator 242 and the reference fingerprint generator 212 can be configured to combine query fingerprints from multiple frames to generate a query fingerprint for a frame block of video content.

[0047] For example, the patch selection module 244 of the query fingerprint generator 242 may be configured to select a plurality of patches of video content, such as patches associated with one or more regions of a frame or frames in the video content. Similarly, the patch selection module 214 of the reference fingerprint generator 212 may be configured to select a plurality of patches of video content, such as patches associated with one or more regions of a frame or frames in the video content.

[0048] Patches may be defined by dividing a frame into a grid (e.g., a 2×2 grid, a 4×3 grid, or a 4×4 grid) and selecting patches based on the grid. For example, 20 patches may be selected, with 4 large patches corresponding to quadrants of the frame and 4 small patches corresponding to sub-quadrants of each quadrant (i.e., 16 small patches total). In some instances, patches may overlap. Furthermore, patches may be accumulated to span less than an entire frame.

[0049] The value calculation module 246 of the query fingerprint generator 242 may be configured to calculate the value of each of the plurality of selected patches using, for example, an integral image technique. The integral image technique may calculate the value using a summed area table or other data structure that generates a sum of values ​​for a group of pixels. Similarly, the value calculation module 216 of the reference fingerprint generator 212 may be configured to calculate the value of each of the plurality of selected patches using, for example, an integral image technique.

[0050] In some examples, value calculation module 246 and value calculation module 216 may calculate the value of a patch by summing the values ​​of a pixel group having the patch, averaging the values ​​of a pixel group, or determining a median value of a pixel group. Additionally or alternatively, value calculation module 246 and value calculation module 216 may calculate the value of a patch by calculating a difference between the values ​​of a pixel group or calculating a linear combination of the values ​​of a pixel group.

[0051] Index module 252 of video recognition system 250 may be configured to query a database of known reference fingerprints of video content (e.g., a database of known fingerprints stored within viewing station 210 or video recognition system 250) to identify reference fingerprints that may match the query fingerprint. Index module 252 may be configured to query an index of a quantized patch value of a known reference fingerprint.

[0052] The fingerprint matching module 254 of the video recognition system may be configured to compare the query fingerprint to one or more known reference fingerprints and determine that the query fingerprint matches at least one known reference fingerprint. For example, the fingerprint matching module 254 may determine that the query fingerprint matches at least one known reference fingerprint by determining that the similarity between the query fingerprint and the at least one known reference fingerprint satisfies a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold may be associated with a Tanimoto distance measure, a Manhattan distance measure, or other distance measures. Additionally or alternatively, the fingerprint matching module 254 may use other matching techniques, such as Euclidian, Cosine, KL divergence, and / or Itakura matching techniques.

[0053] The identification module 256 can also be configured to identify the video content based on determining that the query fingerprint(s) match at least one reference fingerprint. For example, the identification module 256 can identify the name or title of the video content, the location in the video content currently being presented by the playback device 240, and / or the channel or broadcast device providing the video content.

[0054] Figure 4 2 is a simplified block diagram illustrating components of playback device 240 and alternative content server 260. Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 2 , in addition to the query fingerprint generator 242 , the playback device 240 includes a video overlay module 248 . In addition, the replacement content server 260 includes a video providing module 262 and a template providing module 264 .

[0055] The video providing module 262 may provide alternative media content to the playback device 240. For example, the video identification system 250 may identify video content provided by the playback device for display, and based on the identified video content, the video providing module 262 may provide alternative media content corresponding to the video content to the playback device 240.

[0056] The playback device 240 may receive the replacement media content through the network communication interface. For example, the replacement media content may be streamed to the playback device 240 through the Internet and then stored in a local cache of the playback device 240. When the playback device 240 receives a trigger to insert the replacement media content into the sequence of media content, the playback device 240 may retrieve the replacement media content from the local cache and provide the replacement media content for display using a media player configured to display media files.

[0057] In some examples, providing alternative media content for display may involve switching from providing media content received via an over-the-air antenna to providing alternative media content stored in a database of playback device 240. Playback device 240 may include a system on a chip that includes a frame buffer. To provide alternative media content for display, a media player of playback device 240 may insert the alternative media content into the frame buffer. Prior to inserting the alternative media content into the frame buffer, the system on a chip may have inserted media content received from a different source (e.g., an over-the-air antenna) into the frame buffer.

[0058] The replacement media content may include a targeted advertisement that will replace a generic advertisement. For example, the targeted advertisement may be a local advertisement, and the generic advertisement may be a national advertisement. As another example, the targeted advertisement may be an advertisement selected based on a demographic analysis of the user of the playback device 240.

[0059] In some cases, when playback device 240 uses a media player to provide alternative media content for display, playback device 240 may be configured to detect and respond to remote control commands as if playback device 240 were displaying media content from a different input / source. For example, playback device 240 may be configured so that each time a media player provides alternative media content, playback device 240 detects remote control commands and responds to the remote control commands in the same manner as playback device 240 responded before the media player provided the alternative media content.

[0060] As a specific example, if playback device 240 initially displays media content received via an over-the-air antenna and then switches to using the media player to provide alternate media content, then upon determining that the remote control provides instructions during display of the alternate media content, playback device 240 may respond to the instructions in the same manner as playback device 240 would respond during display of the media content received from the over-the-air antenna. This setting may allow playback device 240 to display graphics associated with the over-the-air antenna source with the alternate media content when providing the alternate media content.

[0061] Video overlay module 248 may be configured to perform various actions to allow the overlay to be seen when the playback device provides alternative media content. For example, when playback device 240 uses a media player to display alternative media content, video overlay module 248 may determine that the remote control transmits instructions configured to cause a modification of the operation of playback device 240, determine that playback device 240 is configured to incorporate the modification to the provided overlay, and modify the presentation of the alternative media content so that the overlay is visible with the alternative media content.

[0062] The playback device 240 may include an infrared receiver. Therefore, the action of the playback device 240 determining that the remote control transmits an instruction set to cause the operation modification of the playback device 240 involves the playback device 240: receiving the instruction via the infrared receiver of the playback device 240; matching the characteristics of the received instruction with the characteristics of the reference instruction; and determining, based on the match, that the remote control transmits the instruction set to cause the operation modification of the playback device 240. In other examples, the playback device 240 may perform actions similar to the actions described above in conjunction with the infrared-based interface in conjunction with another type of interface (e.g., an RF-based interface). Additionally or alternatively, the playback device 240 may include a wireless communication module, and the remote control may wirelessly transmit the instruction to the playback device 240 according to a wireless communication protocol (e.g., Bluetooth or WiFi). Therefore, the action of the playback device 240 determining that the remote control transmits an instruction set to cause the operation modification of the playback device 240 involves receiving a wireless communication message via the wireless communication module and determining the instruction based on the content within the wireless communication message.

[0063] The instruction to modify the operation of the playback device 240 may be a volume adjustment (e.g., an instruction to increase or decrease the volume of the playback device 240), and the overlay may be a volume adjustment graphic. Alternatively, the instruction may be a playback speed adjustment (e.g., an instruction to pause, rewind, or fast forward to replace the media content), and the overlay may be a playback speed graphic. In addition, the instruction may be a request to access a channel selection guide, and the overlay may be a channel selection guide. Similarly, the instruction may also be an instruction to access a menu of the playback device 240 or an instruction to access display information (e.g., time, date, channel identifier, content identifier, etc.), and the overlay may be a menu graphic or a display information graphic.

[0064] The playback device 240 may store correlation data that maps (i) instructions for modifying the operation of the playback device 240 to (ii) overlays. The correlation data (or other data stored by the playback device 240) may also indicate corresponding areas within the display of the playback device 240 where the playback device 240 is configured to provide an overlay.

[0065] After determining that the remote control transmits a command configured to cause a modification of the operation of playback device 240, video overlay module 248 may use the correlation data to map the command to an overlay. Video overlay module 248 may also use the correlation data to determine an area within the display of playback device 240 where playback device 240 is configured to provide an overlay for display.

[0066] In practice, different playback devices (e.g., different playback devices manufactured by different manufacturers) may be set to provide different overlaps. Similarly, different models of playback devices manufactured by a single manufacturer may be set to provide different overlaps. Template providing module 264 may store relevant data for different corresponding playback devices. After a request or at another time, template providing module 264 may provide relevant data corresponding to playback device 240 to playback device 240. For example, playback device 240 may send a request to template providing device 264 (wherein the request includes an identifier of playback device 240), and template providing module 264 may respond to the request by providing relevant data to playback device 240.

[0067] After determining the area corresponding to the overlap, the video overlap module 248 can modify the transparency of the area. The video overlap module 248 can modify the transparency of the area by applying an opaque mask to the area. The opaque mask can include data indicating the portion of the display of the playback device 240 for which the transparency of the alternative media content presented by the media player should be modified. For example, the opaque mask can include a 1-bit transparency mask that indicates bit by bit whether a pixel should be transparent or opaque.

[0068] When the playback device 240 uses a media player to provide replacement media content, the media player can present the replacement media content in a media player layer, and the media player layer is located on the top of another layer of other media content (such as media content received by an aerial antenna) provided for display. The opaque shield is applied to the area in the display to allow the content in the same area but provided in the layer below the replacement media content to become visible. In other words, the opaque shield is applied to the area to allow the graphics provided by the playback device 240 to become visible. Therefore, if (i) the playback device 240 provides an overlap (such as a volume adjustment graphic, a menu or a playback speed graphic) and (ii) the video overlap module 248 applies the opaque shield to the area where the playback device 240 provides an overlap, then the overlap can be seen on the display of the playback device by replacing the media content. Advantageously, the opaque shield is applied to the area in the display rather than the entire display to allow the first area of ​​the replacement media to be displayed and blur other media content, while allowing the graphics corresponding to the instruction to be seen by replacing the second area of ​​the media content.

[0069] In some examples, playback device 240 may receive a selection of a new channel. For example, a user may use a remote control to provide a selection of a new channel while playback device 240 is presenting the replacement media content. In response to receiving the selection of the new channel, playback device 240 may implement a channel change operation. Implementing a channel change operation may involve switching from providing the replacement media content for display to providing the media content for display received via an over-the-air antenna.

[0070] To smoothly transition from using the media player to provide replacement media content for display to providing media content received by the new channel, the video overlay module 248 can perform various actions. For example, the video overlay module 248 can cause the replacement media content to dim over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds) and then cause the media content received by the air antenna on the selected channel to change from dark to bright over a period of time (e.g., 0.5 seconds). In this way, when the user changes channels while the playback device 240 is providing replacement media content for display, the playback device 240 can cause the replacement media content to stop displaying and transition to providing other media content received by the selected channel for display.

[0071] III. Example Operation

[0072] Figure 5 FIG. 5 is a display diagram 500 illustrating overlap. Figure 5 , display diagram 500 includes a first display area 510 and a second display area 520. When playback device 240 provides replacement media content for display within first display area 510, playback device 240 may receive a volume adjustment instruction. Based on receiving the instruction, video overlay module 248 may apply an opaque mask to second display area 520. Applying an opaque mask to second display area 520 allows volume adjustment graphics provided in a layer below the media player layer to become visible through the media player layer. Thus, when playback device 240 provides a volume adjustment graphic for display, the volume adjustment graphic is visible within second display area 520 to mimic the way the volume adjustment graphic appears when playback device 240 presents media content received via an over-the-air antenna for display.

[0073] Figure 6 FIG. 6 is another display diagram 600 illustrating overlap. Figure 6, display diagram 600 includes a first display area 610 and a second display area 620. When playback device 240 provides replacement media content for display within first display area 510, playback device 240 may receive a playback speed adjustment instruction. Based on receiving the instruction, video overlay module 248 may apply an opaque mask to second display area 620. Applying an opaque mask to second display area 620 allows a playback speed graphic provided in a layer below the media player layer to become visible through the media player layer. Therefore, when playback device 240 provides a playback speed graphic for display, the playback speed graphic is visible within second display area 620 to mimic the way the playback speed graphic appears when playback device 240 presents media content received via an over-the-air antenna for display.

[0074] Figure 7 700 is yet another display diagram illustrating overlap. Figure 7 , display diagram 700 includes a first display area 710 and a second display area 720. When playback device 240 provides replacement media content for display within first display area 710, playback device 240 may receive instructions to access channel selection guidance. Based on receiving the instructions, video overlay module 248 may apply an opaque mask to second display area 720. Applying an opaque mask to second display area 720 allows channel selection guidance provided in a layer below the media player layer to become visible through the media player layer. Thus, when playback device 240 provides channel selection guidance for display, the channel selection guidance is visible within second display area 720 to mimic the way a playback speed graphic appears when playback device 240 instead presents media content received over the air antenna for display.

[0075] Figure 8 800 is a flow chart of an example method 800. The method 800 may be implemented by a playback device (e.g., playback device 240) or more generally, a computing system. In frame 802, the method 800 includes providing replacement media content for display by the playback device. In frame 804, the method 800 includes transmitting to the playback device an instruction that the remote control will be set to cause the operation correction of the playback device when the playback device displays the replacement media content. In frame 806, the method 800 includes determining by the playback device based on the instruction that the playback device is set to combine the overlap provided for display with the correction. In frame 808, the method 800 includes determining by the playback device an area within the display of the playback device corresponding to the overlap. And in frame 810, the method 800 includes correcting the transparency of the area by the playback device so that the overlap can be seen by the replacement media content.

[0076] Fig. 9 It means that it can be combined Figure 8Flowchart of additional actions to be performed by the method shown in . Figure 8 806, 808, and 810. Block 902 involves receiving a selection of a new channel. Block 904 involves causing the replacement media content to dim. And block 906 involves causing the media content received via the over-the-air antenna to lighten from dark.

[0077] IV. Instance Changes

[0078] Although some actions and / or functions described in the present invention have been described as being performed by specific entities, actions and / or functions may be performed by any entity (e.g., the entity described in the present invention). In addition, although actions and / or functions have been described in a particular order, actions and / or functions may not be performed in that order. However, in some examples, it may be desirable to perform actions and / or functions in that order. In addition, each action and / or function may be performed in response to one or more other actions and / or functions. Moreover, it is not necessary to perform all actions and / or functions to achieve one or more benefits provided by the present invention, and therefore all actions and / or functions are not required.

[0079] Although certain variations have been discussed in conjunction with one or more examples of the invention, those variations may also apply to all other examples of the invention.

[0080] Although selected examples of the present invention have been described, modifications and permutations of these examples will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Other changes, substitutions and / or alterations may also be made without departing from the broader aspects of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A method for modifying the playback of alternative media content, comprising: The playback device receives a command from the remote controller; determining, by the playback device, an area within a display of the playback device using associated data based on the instruction at which the playback device is configured to: provide an overlay for display in conjunction with a modification of an operation of the playback device when the playback device displays replacement media content, wherein the associated data maps the instruction to a corresponding area within the display of the playback device; as well as When the playback device displays the replacement media content, the presentation of the replacement media content is modified by the playback device so that the overlay is visible within the region. 2 . The method of claim 1 , wherein modifying presentation of the alternative media content comprises modifying presentation of the alternative media content in response to determining that the remote control transmitted the instruction. 3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the instructions are configured to cause modification of playback of the replacement media content. The method of claim 3 , wherein the instruction comprises a volume adjustment, and wherein the overlay comprises a volume adjustment graphic.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein the instructions include a playback speed adjustment, and wherein the overlay includes a playback speed graphic.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the instruction comprises a request to access channel selection guidance, and wherein the overlay comprises the channel selection guidance.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein the playback device comprises a television. The method of claim 7 , wherein the replacement media content is an advertisement.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon program instructions which, when executed by a processor, cause performance of a set of actions, the set of actions comprising: Receive instructions from the remote control; determining, based on the instructions, an area within a display of the playback device using associated data at which the playback device is configured to: provide an overlay for display in conjunction with a modification of the operation of the playback device when the playback device displays the replacement media content, wherein the associated data maps the instructions to a corresponding area within the display of the playback device; and When the playback device displays the replacement media content, presentation of the replacement media content is modified so that the overlay is visible within the region.

10. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 9, wherein the instructions are configured to cause modification of playback of the replacement media content.

11. A computing system comprising: one or more processors; A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions executable to cause the computing system to perform a set of actions, the set of actions comprising: Receive instructions from the remote control; determining, based on the instructions, an area within a display of the playback device using associated data at which the playback device is configured to provide an overlay for display in conjunction with a modification of the operation of the playback device when the playback device displays the replacement media content, wherein the associated data maps the instructions to a corresponding area within the display of the playback device; and When the playback device displays the replacement media content, presentation of the replacement media content is modified so that the overlay is visible within the region.

12. The computing system of claim 11, wherein modifying presentation of the alternative media content comprises modifying presentation of the alternative media content in response to determining that the remote control transmitted the instruction.

13. The computing system of claim 11, wherein the instructions are configured to cause modification of playback of the replacement media content.

14. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the instruction comprises a volume adjustment, and wherein the overlay comprises a volume adjustment graphic.

15. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the instructions include a playback speed adjustment, and wherein the overlay includes a playback speed graphic.

16. The computing system of claim 13, wherein the playback device comprises a television.

17. The computing system of claim 16, wherein the replacement media content is an advertisement.

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