Remote EPG Display on Secondary Computing Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic programming guides (EPGs) are typically displayed on primary video displays, such as televisions, which can be inconvenient for multiple viewers, as they either preempt the main program or are difficult to read due to small text and limited information, and do not allow for simultaneous viewing of programming information and the main program.
Innovation Solution
Displaying the EPG on a secondary device like a computing device, such as a PC or PDA, allowing users to browse the guide while others watch the main program on the primary display, with options for interactive television functions and customizable viewing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the EPG is displayed on the full television screen, then the programming information is fully visible and readable, but the main program is completely preempted and other viewers cannot watch
Solution Approach 1:
The display system is segmented into multiple independent display devices: the primary television for main program viewing and secondary display devices (computing devices, PDAs, mobile phones) for EPG viewing. This allows different viewers to simultaneously access different content on different devices without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG display is moved from the two-dimensional television screen to alternative display dimensions including computer monitors, PDA screens, and mobile phone displays. This dimensional transition enables simultaneous viewing of EPG and main program on separate display planes.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If the EPG is displayed as an overlay on the television screen, then the main program continues to be visible, but the programming information becomes difficult to read due to small text size
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG display function is extracted from the television overlay and relocated to separate computing devices. This extraction allows the EPG to be displayed in full-screen format on secondary devices while the television maintains full program visibility, eliminating the readability problem of overlay text.
3Adaptability or versatility
If one viewer uses the EPG on the television, then that viewer can access programming information, but all other viewers must wait and cannot watch the main program
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides universal EPG access across multiple independent devices simultaneously. Each viewer can access the EPG on their own computing device, PDA, or mobile phone without affecting others' ability to view the main program or access the EPG, enabling parallel multi-user operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for a first video display coupled with a receiving system to display a video broadcast, and a computing device having a second display displaying an Electronic Programming Guide (EPG) corresponding to the video broadcast, wherein the EPG and the video broadcast are displayed concurrently.