Mini EPG Pop-Up Windows for Digital Broadcast Receiver

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Solution Overview

Problem

Digital broadcast receivers face challenges in providing quick and easy access to Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information, as existing systems do not efficiently allow viewers to search and select desired broadcast content within the EPG screen.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a mini EPG function that displays EPG information on multiple pop-up windows, combined with a Picture-In-Picture (PIP) function, allowing broadcast content corresponding to EPG information to be shown on a PIP window, and enabling viewers to request and process specific functions with notification of processing delays.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If EPG information is displayed on a single full screen, then all broadcast content information can be shown at once, but viewers cannot easily search and select desired content

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of searching and selecting broadcast contentVSAvoidcompleteness of EPG information display

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The EPG information is divided into multiple categories (e.g., current program, next program, program schedule) and displayed on separate pop-up windows. This segmentation allows viewers to easily access specific information types without being overwhelmed by all content at once, improving searchability while maintaining information completeness through multi-window display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional full-screen display to a multi-layered pop-up window system. This dimensional change allows EPG information to be organized hierarchically with main windows and sub-windows, enabling efficient information navigation while preserving all broadcast content data across different window layers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If multiple pop-up windows are used to display EPG information, then viewers can easily search and select content, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of searching and selecting broadcast contentVSAvoidsystem complexity for managing multiple windows

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple pop-up windows are merged into a unified window management system controlled by a single controller. This integration allows coordinated display and management of multiple windows through centralized control logic, reducing system complexity while maintaining the benefits of multi-window information presentation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pop-up window system is designed as a universal interface that can display multiple types of EPG information (current program, next program, schedule) using the same window framework. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized displays, simplifying the overall system architecture while providing comprehensive information access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If Picture-In-Picture function is added to display broadcast content on PIP window, then viewers can see both EPG information and broadcast content simultaneously, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display multiple content types simultaneouslyVSAvoidsystem complexity for integrating PIP function

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The Picture-In-Picture window is nested within the existing pop-up window framework. The PIP function is implemented as a nested display layer that can be integrated with the window management system, allowing broadcast content to be displayed within the EPG interface without requiring a completely separate system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8904438B2Apparatus and method for providing mini electronic program guide information in a digital broadcast receiver

Publication Date: 2014.12.02 ALTIMEDIA CORP

AI summary

A method and apparatus for providing Electronic Program Guide (EPG) information in a digital broadcast receiver, in which upon receipt of a request for EPG information from a viewer in a situation where specific broadcast content is being broadcasted, at least one pop-up window is sequentially activated in a partial region of a full screen, and at least one of the specific broadcast content and EPG information about broadcast content selected by the viewer is displayed on each of the activated at least one pop-up window.