EPG Banner Concurrent Audiovisual Preview Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current EPG banners provide limited information, making it difficult for users to navigate and understand broadcast programs, especially when relying solely on textual information.
Innovation Solution
A method for concurrently displaying first and second audiovisual content on a screen, including a current program and future program information, using a media playback device that receives content from a packet-based data network and outputs it to an output device, with options for user input to navigate and display audiovisual content in a PiP window or GUI, allowing for improved comprehension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If only textual information is displayed in EPG banners, then device complexity is reduced, but information comprehension is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into multiple regions: the main screen displays the current program, while the EPG banner displays future program information. Audiovisual previews are segmented and displayed within the EPG banner region, allowing information hierarchy and simultaneous presentation of multiple content types without overwhelming the entire display system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from purely textual information (2D text on screen) to audiovisual content (adding temporal audio dimension and visual dimension within the banner). This multi-dimensional approach enriches program information comprehension while containing the complexity within the EPG banner region rather than requiring system-wide complexity increases.
2Loss of information
If audiovisual content is displayed in EPG banners, then user comprehension is improved, but bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of transmitting full audiovisual content for all programs, the system transmits only partial audiovisual previews (short clips) for future programs in the EPG banner. This partial action provides sufficient program comprehension information while significantly reducing bandwidth consumption compared to transmitting complete program content.
Solution Approach 2:
Audiovisual content is applied locally only to the EPG banner region and specific future program entries, not to the entire display system or all programs. This localized application of audiovisual quality provides enhanced comprehension where needed (in the banner) while maintaining efficient bandwidth usage overall.
3Loss of information
If audiovisual content is displayed in EPG banners, then user comprehension is improved, but storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system stores and transmits only partial audiovisual content (short preview clips) for future programs rather than complete program content. This partial storage approach provides adequate program information comprehension while significantly reducing the storage capacity requirements compared to storing full program audiovisual content.
4Ease of operation
If concurrent display of current and future program content is implemented, then navigation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display is segmented into functional regions: current program content occupies the main screen area, while future program information with audiovisual previews occupies the EPG banner region. This spatial segmentation allows concurrent display of multiple content types with relatively simple control logic, improving program navigation without excessive complexity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing an enhanced EPG or EPG banner are described. A method of displaying first and second audiovisual content, the first audiovisual content comprising a current program and the second audiovisual content comprising audiovisual content relating to a future program according to a program broadcast schedule, the method comprising receiving the first audiovisual content at a media playback device, receiving the second audiovisual content at the media playback device from a remote content system over a packet-based data network, in response to user input, outputting the first and second audiovisual content to an output device having a screen, and controlling the screen of the output device to display the first and second audiovisual content concurrently. A method of controlling a screen, the display being operable in different modes according to whether a PiP window is shown, and whether currently broadcast or future content is shown.