System for the visual and auditory display of digital reading content on televisions, computers and internet-enabled display devices

Abstract

System for the cross-device display of digital, text-based content, in which the content from a structured source (e.g. editorial system, web feed, database) is automatically transferred into a screen-optimized reading format and visually displayed on an output device.

Description

Technical field:

[0001] The invention relates to the technical processing, transmission, and display of digital, text-based content (e.g., news, articles, books, blogs) on display devices not primarily designed for reading longer texts, in particular televisions, set-top boxes, media players, and computer monitors. The method extends the visual display by adding an integrated, audibly usable component for barrier-free access. State of the art:

[0002] Currently, no methods exist for the structured display of digital reading content on TV screens in a format-adapted, reader-friendly mode. Likewise, there is no integrated option for the optional audio playback of this content, particularly through the combination of existing audio and subtitle functions with modern text-to-speech systems. Purpose of the invention:

[0003] The goal is to provide a technical system that makes text-based information display on television and screen devices visually appealing and audibly accessible. The content should optionally be read aloud – via system speakers, TV output, or connected devices. This provides the user with a readable and audible reading option, focusing on comfort, accessibility, and flexibility. Solution to the problem:

[0004] The system includes the following technical components: 1. Source structuring: Digital text content (e.g., articles or paragraphs) is converted server-side or locally into a format specifically optimized for screen display (font size, line length, contrast). 2. Device adaptation: The display is automatically adapted to the display device (TV, monitor, set-top box, web browser). Control is via remote control, keyboard, voice, or touch. 3. Audio output option: The displayed text can be played back either synchronously or asynchronously via speech output. This can be achieved using either: ◯ an integrated text-to-speech (TTS) engine that converts the content into synthetic speech, ◯ or an audio or subtitle channel according to DVB standard or HDMI-C-EC (Consumer Electronics Control) for audio output, ◯ optionally via a second audio device or an app connection (e.g. smartphone audio output). 4. Controllable output formats: Users can choose between purely visual, auditory, or combined display formats. The selected setting can be saved automatically or loaded via a session token. 5. Synchronization logic: The visual and auditory presentation is technically synchronized. Reading sections are automatically accompanied by speech output while scrolling; alternatively, content can be activated and read aloud section by section. Advantages of the invention: • Enables barrier-free use of digital reading media in the living room • Creates a new channel for editorial content on TV and screen devices • Supports inclusive media experience through dual output (visual + auditory) • Can also be used with archived or pre-loaded content • Can be used in editorial environments, e-learning, news portals, infotainment systems

Claims

[1] System for the cross-device display of digital, text-based content, in which the content from a structured source (e.g. editorial system, web feed, database) is automatically transferred into a screen-optimized reading format and visually displayed on an output device. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the displayed content is output on a television set, monitor or computer screen, the layout being dynamically adapted to the respective display medium (e.g. screen size, contrast, resolution). [3] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the contents are optionally also reproduced audibly via a text-to-speech (TTS) engine. [4] System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein, as an alternative to the text-to-speech engine, an existing subtitle or audio channel of the output device (e.g. DVB subtitles, HDMI-CEC) is used for audible playback. [5] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the user can choose between three modes: a) purely visual representation, b) purely auditory output, c) combined visual and auditory synchronous display. [6] System according to any of the preceding claims wherein playback can be controlled via a remote control, keyboard, voice control or touch surface. [7] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a time- or article-based access control is implemented which limits access to content depending on the duration of use, the type of content or the user profile. [8] System according to claim 7, wherein the use of the content is registered and billed via an integrated billing system, in particular via: ◯ Mobile or landline provider (e.g. telephone billing), ◯ Online payment services (e.g., wallets, banking interfaces), ◯ Platform-based subscription solutions (e.g., Fire TV, Samsung Smart Hub). [9] System according to any of the preceding claims wherein data transmission, user control and billing is carried out via a cloud-based interface (API) between content provider and playback device. [10] System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the visual and auditory output are synchronized and sections are read aloud automatically when scrolling or upon user input.