Interactive Media System Using Embedded Action Codes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current interactive media systems for TV and video are limited by the need for two-way connections and changes in broadcasting protocols, making it difficult to add hyperlinks and interactive features to analog TV systems, and require cumbersome smart devices that are not user-friendly, especially for older users.
Innovation Solution
An interactive media system that uses screen-related action codes embedded in content signals, allowing users to interact with various devices using a small remote control by pressing keys or buttons, without altering existing broadcasting protocols or requiring a mouse, by including a receiving device with a scanning unit, memory, and controller to process and execute commands based on action codes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hyperlinks are added to TV content using existing interactive media systems, then interactivity is improved, but broadcasting protocols must be changed and two-way connections are required, increasing system complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (set-top box or receiving terminal) that translates action codes embedded in broadcast content into commands that can be executed by connected electronic devices. This intermediary handles the complexity of protocol translation and device communication, allowing the broadcast system itself to remain unchanged while still enabling interactive functionality through the mediator device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the interactive functionality from the broadcast transmission system and places it in the receiving terminal. Action codes are embedded in the content stream, but the actual interaction processing is separated out to be handled by the receiving device and connected electronics, allowing the broadcast protocol to remain simple while enabling complex interactions at the endpoint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If smart devices are used to enable interaction on TV, then interactivity is improved, but the device size cannot be very small like regular remote control and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the receiving terminal universal by enabling it to control multiple different types of electronic devices (TV, VCR, DVD player, game console, computer) through a single interface. The action codes and translation mechanism are designed to work across different device types, allowing the receiving terminal to perform multiple functions without requiring separate specialized devices for each electronic appliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving terminal provides self-service functionality by automatically translating action codes from the broadcast content into appropriate commands for the connected devices. The system includes built-in device identification and command mapping capabilities, eliminating the need for users to manually configure complex settings or use multiple different remote controls for different devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mouse-like devices are used to browse Internet on TV, then navigation capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for users preferring traditional remote controls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the interaction parameter from direct cursor control (mouse-like movement) to discrete command selection (number key pressing). Instead of requiring continuous movement and precision aiming, the system presents selectable options that can be chosen by pressing number keys, fundamentally changing the interaction modality to match user preferences while maintaining navigation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the traditional browsing interaction model. Rather than moving a cursor to select links (as in computer browsing), the system displays numbered options and has the user select by pressing corresponding number keys. This inversion simplifies the interaction for TV users while achieving the same navigational outcome.
4Adaptability or versatility
If action codes are embedded in broadcast content, then interactivity is enabled without protocol changes, but the receiving device must include scanning unit, memory, and controller, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the action code processing functionality directly into the receiving terminal's existing architecture. The scanning unit, memory, and controller are integrated with the broadcast reception and decoding functions, allowing action codes to be extracted and processed as part of the normal content reception workflow rather than as a separate complex subsystem.
Data Source
AI summary
An interactive media system includes a broadcasting device for broadcasting TV signals, and a receiving device for receiving TV signals. The TV signals, such as a TV commercial, contain screen related action codes that include device type, action type and other information. The receiving device includes storage for storing the reference address for other home electronic devices, and a button on a remote controller for the users to start interactive with the interactive media system. When the user presses the button, the receiving device will send the action codes to the designated other home device or another TV screen channel, to allow users to perform the action on the other home device instead of performing the action on TV. The system also allows users just use number keys/buttons on the remote controller to navigate web on TV.