Closed Captioning Customization via Dynamic Display Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closed captioning systems are inflexible, often displaying captions at a predetermined size and duration, which can be unsatisfactory for viewers with varying reading paces, vision, or attention spans, and do not allow customization for specific program portions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allow users to customize the display of auxiliary information, such as caption text, by adjusting timing, area, and playback rate, using a receiver, storage device, processor, and user input device to store and display caption information according to user preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If closed captions are displayed with predetermined parameters (size, duration, timing), then the system is simple to operate, but the captions cannot be customized for individual viewer needs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the program content to identify candidate portions for customization before actual caption display. This includes pre-processing the video/audio content to detect dialogue bursts, action sequences, and other relevant segments, and pre-defining multiple caption display styles (e.g., different fonts, sizes, positions) that can be applied to different program portions based on user preferences
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts caption display parameters based on the type of program portion being displayed. Different display styles are applied to different segments (e.g., larger text for dialogue bursts, smaller text for narration, adjusted timing for action sequences), allowing the caption system to adapt its behavior to match the content being displayed while maintaining overall system simplicity
2Duration of action of moving object
If captions are displayed for a short duration, then the program playback speed is maintained, but viewers with slower reading pace cannot comprehend the captions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different caption display durations to different program portions based on their characteristics. For example, captions during dialogue bursts may be displayed longer to allow comprehension, while captions during fast-paced action sequences may be displayed more briefly. This localized adjustment allows the system to accommodate varying reading paces without significantly impacting overall playback efficiency
3Speed
If captions are displayed in bursts synchronized with dialogue, then the caption timing matches the audio, but viewers have difficulty comprehending the dialogue
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts caption display timing and duration based on the type of program portion. For dialogue bursts, the system extends the display duration and may adjust the timing to allow sufficient comprehension time. For narration or monologue segments, the system maintains tighter synchronization with the audio. This dynamic adjustment preserves information comprehension while maintaining appropriate pacing for different content types
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method is presented for displaying auxiliary information associated with a multimedia program. Specifically, the present invention is directed to receiving program signals, acquiring auxiliary information (e.g. closed captioning information) from the program signals, associating time information with the auxiliary information, storing the auxiliary information in a file associated with program content, using the auxiliary information file and program content to determine candidate program portions for customization of the auxiliary information, and displaying customized auxiliary information with the program content in accordance with user selections (see FIG. 1). Using the present invention, users with differing abilities and/or preferences related to display of caption text may customize display of the caption information transmitted with television programs.