Auxiliary Information Overlay on Primary Video Program
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current television systems do not allow users to simultaneously watch a primary program and receive real-time auxiliary information on unrelated topics, such as sports scores or news headlines, without being tuned to specific channels or controlling the display frequency.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables the display of user-selected real-time auxiliary information from a secondary source while watching a primary program, allowing users to choose the type and frequency of information displayed, which can be shown on a user-selectable schedule without disrupting the primary program's audio and video.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If auxiliary information is displayed on a television channel, then users can access real-time information, but users must be tuned to specific channels and have no control over display frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the television signal into multiple components: a primary video signal and separate auxiliary information signals. The auxiliary information is extracted from specific portions of the signal (such as vertical blanking interval or data channels) and can be independently controlled and displayed, allowing users to access real-time information without being constrained to specific broadcast channels.
2Loss of information
If StarSight NEWS Service is activated to display auxiliary information, then users can access news and sports information, but the video is blanked and audio is muted, preventing users from watching other programs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the display of primary program content with auxiliary information by overlaying the extracted auxiliary data on top of the ongoing video program. This allows both the main program and auxiliary information to be viewed simultaneously on the same display, eliminating the need to switch channels or interrupt the primary program to access additional information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical blanking interval or separate data channels as an additional dimension for information transmission. By embedding auxiliary information in this separate dimension of the signal structure, the system can convey additional data without interfering with the primary video and audio signals, enabling multi-information display without program interruption.
3Loss of information
If auxiliary information is displayed within the television channel, then information can be provided, but it is tied to the current program or channel content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts auxiliary information signals from the television broadcast signal structure, separating them from the primary program content. This extracted auxiliary information can then be independently selected and displayed regardless of what program is currently being viewed, allowing users to access information from different sources and topics while watching any program.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method and apparatus for displaying real time auxiliary information from a secondary source or input signal in combination with a program from a separate primary source. The auxiliary information (e.g. textual, graphical or video images) is selectable and is received through a second, integral or stand-alone tuner. The selected information can be displayed (1) continuously, (2) at predefined regular intervals, or (3) as the (defined) event(s) occur either in real time or in memory to provide a short delay time. The auxiliary information may be part of a currently transmitted data stream or as a separate data stream.