Adaptive Subtitle Display via PlayList Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for displaying graphics subtitles in playback apparatuses lack flexibility to adapt to varying user age groups and playback device capabilities, limiting the range of display effects and compatibility with existing data structures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of PlayList information that includes a display method flag and a stream information table, allowing playback apparatuses to select suitable subtitle streams based on configuration and user settings without altering the control information, enabling adaptive display methods such as stereoscopic and monoscopic views.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If control information is expanded or revised to implement featured display control, then display flexibility and adaptability are improved, but compatibility with existing data structures deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedisplay flexibilityVSAvoiddata structure compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the subtitle display control into two independent parts: (1) the existing control information structure that maintains compatibility, and (2) new PlayList information that provides enhanced display control. This segmentation allows the new features to be added without modifying or breaking the existing data structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The PlayList information acts as an intermediary layer between the playback apparatus and the subtitle stream. It contains display method flags and stream information tables that enable featured display control (stereoscopic, monoscopic, age-appropriate) without directly modifying the existing control information structure, thus maintaining compatibility while enabling new functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple subtitle streams are added to support different display methods, then adaptability to various playback apparatuses is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with playback apparatusesVSAvoidsubtitle stream management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic selection of subtitle streams based on playback apparatus capabilities and user settings. The PlayList information contains display method flags and stream information tables that enable the playback apparatus to dynamically choose the appropriate subtitle stream (stereoscopic, monoscopic, age-appropriate) without requiring complex manual configuration, thus managing complexity through automated dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The PlayList information structure serves multiple functions: it stores display method flags, maintains stream information tables, and provides selection criteria for different playback scenarios. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex mechanisms, enabling the system to handle multiple subtitle streams efficiently through a single universal control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2293553B1Recording medium, reproducing device, recording device, reproducing method, recording method, and program
Publication Date: 2013.09.11 PANASONIC HOLDINGS CORP
  • EP2293553B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP2293553B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2293553B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A BD-ROM has recorded thereon: a plurality of subtitle streams each configured for playback in sync with a video stream; and PlayList information. The PlayList information includes PlayItem information and a display method flag. The PlayItem information defines a playback section with information indicating In_time and Out_time of a playback time axis of the video stream and includes a stream information table. The display method flag indicates whether or not control according to a subtitle display method is valid. The stream information table specifies to, a playback apparatus, one of the subtitle streams to be selected if the control according to the subtitle display method is valid.