Parallel Channel Scanning via Picture-in-Picture Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic program guides (EPGs) are inefficient for scanning a large number of video channels, consuming significant time when dealing with hundreds of channels, making it cumbersome for users to navigate through the numerous options available in modern digital television systems.
Innovation Solution
A method for scanning multiple video channels in parallel using Picture-in-Picture (PIP) displays, where a set-top box (STB) receives video streams from an IPTV server and displays channels in PIP windows for a predetermined time, allowing users to select and prioritize channels based on type, favorites, or recent viewing, with the ability to switch between main and PIP displays efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If channels are scanned sequentially using traditional EPG, then channel coverage is complete, but scanning time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the channel scanning process into multiple parallel segments by displaying multiple channels simultaneously in PIP windows. Instead of scanning channels one by one, the system segments the viewing experience into concurrent channel displays, allowing users to review multiple channels at once, thus dramatically reducing total scanning time while maintaining complete channel coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional sequential channel scanning to two-dimensional parallel display by utilizing the spatial dimension of the screen. Multiple channels are displayed simultaneously in PIP windows across the screen space, converting a time-based sequential process into a space-based parallel process, thereby reducing scanning time without sacrificing channel review completeness
2Productivity
If multiple channels are displayed in parallel PIP windows, then scanning speed increases, but display complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested display structure where multiple PIP windows are contained within the main display area. Each PIP window displays a different channel, and all PIP windows are nested within the overall TV screen space. This nesting approach allows parallel channel display while maintaining a unified display hierarchy, managing complexity through structured spatial organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic channel selection and display management where the system can adaptively control which channels appear in PIP windows based on user interaction. The display configuration is not static but dynamically adjusts to user preferences and viewing behavior, allowing the system to manage complexity through adaptive rather than rigid structures
3Ease of operation
If users must scroll through hundreds of channels in EPG, then comprehensive channel selection is available, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the channel selection task by presenting multiple channels simultaneously in PIP windows rather than requiring users to sequentially scroll through them. This segmentation transforms a time-consuming linear search into a parallel visual comparison task, significantly reducing both user effort and time while maintaining access to comprehensive channel selections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary channel selection and organization by automatically populating PIP windows with relevant channels before user interaction. The system pre-processes channel data and arranges it in an optimized display configuration, so users don't need to manually navigate through hundreds of channels but can immediately view a curated set of options across multiple PIP windows
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are disclosed for receiving a group of video channels at a client device, selecting a display set from the group of channels, and sending a communication to a display for displaying each channel in the display set in parallel wherein each one of the channels in the display set is displayed in one of a plurality of picture in picture (PIP) displays for a predetermined time.