Interactive Television Data Merging with Closed Caption Gaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interactive television (ITV) data often experiences timing conflicts with closed caption data due to shared transmission channels, leading to delays or shifts in ITV data, which can result in noticeable discrepancies with desired event times, as ITV data is currently of lower priority and not detected until late in the production process.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for electronically merging ITV data streams with closed caption data streams by segmenting ITV data and inserting it into existing or created gaps in the closed caption data stream, maintaining the original timing of ITV data as close as possible without disrupting the display of closed caption data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If ITV data is transmitted in the VBI line at the exact time specified by its author, then the timing of ITV data is improved, but timing conflicts with closed caption data occur because both share the same transmission channel

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveITV data timing accuracyVSAvoidclosed caption data integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the ITV data stream into multiple packets and distributes them across different time slots in the VBI line. By dividing the ITV data into smaller units, the system can insert these segments into available gaps without disrupting the closed caption data flow, thereby maintaining both timing accuracy and data integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic merging process where the system continuously monitors the VBI line for available gaps in the closed caption data stream. The ITV data insertion timing is dynamically adjusted based on real-time detection of suitable insertion points, allowing the system to adapt to varying closed caption data patterns while maintaining ITV data timing as close to desired as possible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If ITV data yields to closed caption data when timing conflicts occur, then closed caption data integrity is maintained, but ITV data timing is significantly delayed causing noticeable discrepancies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosed caption data integrityVSAvoidITV data timing accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of gaps in the closed caption data stream before inserting ITV data. By proactively identifying suitable insertion points in advance, the system can place ITV data segments at optimal locations that minimize timing delays while ensuring closed caption data remains undisturbed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a data merging device as an intermediary between the closed caption data source and the ITV data source. This mediator detects gaps in the closed caption stream and strategically inserts ITV data segments into these gaps, resolving the priority conflict by finding a compromise solution that maintains both data integrity and timing accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If ITV data is manually shifted to avoid timing conflicts, then timing conflicts are resolved, but the shift causes noticeable discrepancies between interactive content display and desired event times

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata stream synchronizationVSAvoidITV data timing precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the data merging device continuously monitors the timing of inserted ITV data segments and compares it against desired event times. This feedback loop allows the system to detect and correct timing deviations, ensuring that ITV data is displayed at the correct moments despite being inserted into gaps in the closed caption stream

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS7607149B2System and method for merging interactive television data with closed caption data

Publication Date: 2009.10.20 MIXED SIGNALS TECH

AI summary

A method and apparatus for delivering interactive television (ITV) data by using the same TV scan line that also carries closed caption data. The ITV data is inserted into the scan line with CC data by detecting a gap associated with a first CC data unit. If the gap is large enough to contain all of the group of ITV data units then electronically insert the entire group of ITV data units into the gap. If the gap is not large enough to contain the entire group of ITV data units, insert a subset of the entire group of the ITV data units into the gap and continue to the gaps associated with successive CC data units, inserting subsets of the ITV data into subsequent gaps until the entire ITV message has been inserted into the gaps between CC data units.