3D TV EPG Video Format Conversion for Mixed Content
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Electronic Program Guides (EPGs) for 3D TV struggle with displaying mixed 2D and 3D content, leading to user experience issues due to distortion and the need for frequent format switching between 2D and 3D modes when navigating through channels with different formats.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that convert video content from a received 2D or 3D format to a display format, allowing for consistent 2D or 3D display with EPG data, using a conversion unit to select or scale video views, and provide data indicating the video format, enabling seamless navigation through channels with mixed content without requiring frequent mode switching in the TV or set-top box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If video content is displayed in a small window (picture-in-graphics or picture-on-graphics) for EPG navigation, then the program guide interface is provided, but severe distortion occurs when the video corresponds to 3D TV content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing system that converts 3D video content into 2D format for display in the EPG window. This mediator handles the format transformation, allowing the small window display to work properly with 3D content by converting it to a compatible 2D representation, thus resolving the distortion issue while maintaining EPG navigation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the video format parameter from 3D to 2D when displaying content in the EPG window. This parameter transformation allows the video to be properly scaled and displayed in the small window without severe distortion, while preserving the ability to switch back to 3D format for full-screen viewing
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system switches between 2D and 3D modes to adjust program guide text and graphics for different channel formats, then compatibility with both 2D and 3D channels is achieved, but user experience deteriorates due to frequent mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary conversion layer that automatically transforms video content to the appropriate format (2D or 3D) based on channel properties, without requiring the user to manually switch modes. This mediator handles format adaptation transparently, maintaining compatibility with both 2D and 3D channels while providing a consistent user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts the video format based on the channel being viewed, automatically switching between 2D and 3D modes as needed without user intervention. This dynamic adaptation maintains compatibility across different channel formats while avoiding the poor user experience of manual mode switching during navigation
3Area of stationary object
If 3D video is scaled to fit a smaller EPG window, then the window can display 3D channel content, but severe distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of video format from 3D to 2D when displaying in the EPG window. This parameter transformation allows the video to be scaled to the smaller window area without severe distortion, as 2D video scales more gracefully than 3D video which has multiple view components that would be lost or distorted during scaling
Data Source
AI summary
Video data is received in 2D or 3D format from different channels as a user scrolls through an electronic guide. The video data may be displayed in a portion of the on: screen display along with graphic and text associated with the EPG data. The received video data may be converted to a suitable format (e.g., a 2D format, or a 3D format) to be displayed with the Electronic Program Guide (EPG). The selection of converting the received video data can be based on a display format of a previously viewed channel prior to requesting the EPG to be displayed.