Interactive TV Interface Dynamic Display Area Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

As screen sizes and resolution increase, interactive television applications face challenges in displaying both video programs and interactive content concurrently without reducing the program display area or obscuring the content, especially when using split-screen modes or overlays.

Innovation Solution

A method that dynamically adjusts the proportion of the display area occupied by the interactive application interface in response to user interaction, allowing it to expand and contract while maintaining concurrent video program display, with the option to play video content simultaneously or display static images linked to video content.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If split-screen mode is used to display both video program and interactive content concurrently, then both contents can be displayed simultaneously, but the program display area is reduced to a quarter of the full screen area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcurrent display capabilityVSAvoidprogram display area
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic screen allocation where the interactive application interface can expand and contract based on user interaction. Initially, the interface occupies a small portion of the screen allowing full program display. When users interact with menu items, the interface dynamically expands to show detailed content, and can be dismissed to return to full program view, making the display area flexible rather than fixed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses layered display architecture where the interactive interface operates in a foreground layer that can be superimposed on the video program background. This allows the interface to occupy additional visual space without permanently reducing the program display area, as users can switch between layers by interacting with the interface or dismissing it

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interactive content is overlaid on the video program display, then additional content can be accessed, but this may obscure viewing of the program content or the interactive content

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinteractive content accessVSAvoidcontent obscuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by positioning the interactive interface in specific screen regions (such as side panels or corner overlays) rather than covering the entire screen. This allows the interface to be accessible without obscuring the central or most important portions of the video program, maintaining visual quality in different screen zones

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The interface dynamically adjusts its visibility and positioning based on user interaction. When not in use, it remains minimized or positioned in non-intrusive areas. When activated, it expands to provide full content while allowing users to easily return to the program, making obscuration temporary and user-controlled rather than permanent

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the interactive application interface occupies a fixed proportion of the display area, then layout stability is maintained, but the interface cannot adapt to different user interaction states

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay layout stabilityVSAvoidinterface adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic display proportion mechanism where the interactive interface can expand to occupy larger screen areas when users select menu items or interact with content. The interface proportion is not fixed but adapts based on interaction state, allowing full-screen video content playback when needed while maintaining stability in the base layout when the interface is minimized

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3048800B1Interactive television applications
Publication Date: 2020.09.23 SKY CP LTD
  • EP3048800B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3048800B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3048800B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An interactive user interface (AW) of an interactive application is provided simultaneously with a programme display (P) within a display area of a television receiver, wherein a proportion of the display area occupied by the interactive user interface (AW) increases in response to user interaction with the interactive user interface (AW).