Broadcast Synchronization with Web Hyperlinks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for accessing complementary information related to broadcast programs require special decoders and transmitters, limiting users' ability to interactively seek additional information or services, as they are primarily single-point to multi-point networks without hyperlinks or direct internet integration.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to select topics of interest during a broadcast, correlating them with hyperlinks to WWW information using a stand-alone device, which synchronizes with broadcast stations via universal time, enabling connection to the internet to retrieve multimedia information or services without needing special receivers or decoders.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If special decoders and transmitters are used to access complementary information during broadcast, then information access capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables standard television sets and personal computers to access complementary information without requiring special decoders or transmitters. The system uses universal components already present in common devices (television receiver, computer with web browser) to provide hyperlink access to WWW information, making the technology accessible to all users regardless of equipment upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of a broadcaster computer and a network server that mediates between the broadcast signal and the user's standard equipment. The broadcaster computer extracts timing information from the broadcast, correlates it with hyperlinks, and the network server delivers the appropriate WWW information to the user's personal computer, eliminating the need for special hardware at the user end.
2Productivity
If broadcast networks remain as single-point to multi-point without hyperlinks, then network simplicity is maintained, but information retrieval efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent prepares hyperlink information in advance by the broadcaster computer, which correlates predetermined hyperlinks with specific time codes in the broadcast program. This preliminary preparation allows users to instantly access relevant WWW information by simply entering the broadcast time, eliminating the need for complex real-time searching and significantly improving information retrieval efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by allowing users to input broadcast time information, which is then correlated with pre-prepared hyperlink data. The network server uses this feedback to deliver precise WWW information related to the specific moment in the broadcast, creating an efficient closed-loop system that connects broadcast content with complementary online resources.
3Ease of operation
If manual entry of Internet addresses is required, then system simplicity is maintained, but user convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically perform the information retrieval task. After the user inputs the broadcast time, the personal computer automatically correlates this time with the appropriate hyperlink, retrieves the WWW information from the network server, and displays it without requiring manual navigation or address entry. The system serves itself by automating the entire information access process.
Solution Approach 2:
The broadcaster computer preliminarily prepares the correlation between broadcast time codes and hyperlink addresses. This advance preparation allows the user's personal computer to instantly retrieve the correct WWW information by simply inputting the time, eliminating the need for manual browsing or address entry and significantly reducing access time.
4Adaptability or versatility
If information sources are limited to single source under broadcaster control, then system control is simplified, but information variety deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the broadcast network with the existing WWW infrastructure. Instead of creating a separate controlled information system, the invention combines the broadcast timing mechanism with the open, multi-source WWW, allowing users to access diverse information from multiple independent web servers while maintaining synchronization with the broadcast program.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses universal Internet protocols and standard web browsers to access information from any WWW source, not just broadcaster-controlled content. This allows users to retrieve complementary information from diverse, independent information sources while maintaining a unified interface through the personal computer.
Data Source
AI summary
System, method and program for obtaining WWW information of interest to a user. The WWW information is related to a subject in a television, radio or other type of program which is broadcast. Before the program is broadcast, a plurality of documents are stored in a user device. Each of the documents has a plurality of categories. While the program is broadcast, a user indicates to the user device interest in a subject in the program currently being broadcast and selects one of the documents. In response, the user device displays the one document, and the user selects one of the categories in the one document. The user device determines a time that the user indicated the interest in the subject and transmits the time to a computer associated with the broadcast. In response, the computer correlates the time to an associated hyperlink referencing WWW information related to the subject, and transmits the associated hyperlink to the user device. In response, the user device correlates the hyperlink to the one category. Subsequently, the user device displays the hyperlink in association with the one category. If the user selects the hyperlink, the user device downloads and displays a web page or web file addressed by the hyperlink.