Browser Extension for Synchronized On-Demand Media Supplemental Content

Solution Overview

Problem

Text-based search engines are inefficient for viewers seeking supplemental information related to on-demand media content, as they require manual keyword entry and result scanning, often causing viewers to miss program content or pause the program.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that uses a web browser extension to identify on-demand media content, determine availability of supplemental content associated with broadcasted media, and present it concurrently with the media content, synchronized with the current timing, through a web browser extension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If text-based search engines are used to find supplemental information, then information can be obtained, but the user must manually enter keywords and scan results, causing time loss and potential interruption of media content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupplemental informationVSAvoidtime for keyword entry and result scanning

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting media content being viewed and pre-fetching relevant supplemental information before the user needs it. The web browser extension monitors the media player, identifies the content, and retrieves related information in advance, so when the user wants supplemental info, it's already available without requiring manual search actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing the information retrieval task without user intervention. The web browser extension autonomously detects the media content, formulates search queries, retrieves supplemental information, and presents it to the user, eliminating the need for manual keyword entry and result scanning while maintaining continuous media playback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If text-based search engines are used to find supplemental information, then information can be obtained, but the user may miss a substantial portion of the program or pause the program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupplemental informationVSAvoidmedia consumption continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting media content being viewed and pre-fetching relevant supplemental information before the user needs it. The web browser extension monitors the media player, identifies the content, and retrieves related information in advance, so when the user wants supplemental info, it's already available without requiring manual search actions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by automatically performing the information retrieval task without user intervention. The web browser extension autonomously detects the media content, formulates search queries, retrieves supplemental information, and presents it to the user, eliminating the need for manual keyword entry and result scanning while maintaining continuous media playback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If supplemental content is presented concurrently with media content, then user engagement is improved, but the system must synchronize timing information accurately

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experienceVSAvoidtiming synchronization mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to maintain accurate timing synchronization. The web browser extension continuously monitors the media player's current position and timing information, uses this feedback to determine which supplemental content to display, and adjusts the presentation of supplemental information in real-time to match the media playback state, ensuring synchronized delivery without complex manual coordination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20240364971A1Methods, systems, and media for presenting supplemental information corresponding to on-demand media content

Publication Date: 2024.10.31 GOOGLE LLC

AI summary

A method for presenting supplemental information corresponding to on-demand media content may include receiving an indication from a web browser extension executing within a web browsing application that a media content item is being presented on a content provider website; identifying the media content item being presented on the content provider website; determining whether supplemental content associated with the broadcasted media content item is available; in response to determining that the supplemental content is available, causing the web browser extension to present an indicator that the supplemental content is available; obtaining the supplemental content corresponding to the broadcasted media content item, wherein each piece of the supplemental content is associated with timing information of the broadcasted media content item; and causing a portion of the obtained supplemental content to be presented concurrently with the media content item in response to detecting that the indicator has been selected.