Second Screen Metadata Synchronization via Frame Visual Attributes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In the United States, the lack of a frequency band for data broadcasting in TV signals and the prevalence of CATV and IPTV systems hinder the execution of applications linked to content progression, particularly for TV broadcasts, recorded programs, and internet-streamed content, making it difficult for users to conveniently access related metadata and applications.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus and method that utilizes a second screen device to display metadata and execute linked applications by extracting signature data from content, querying an identification server, and synchronizing frame visual attributes across multiple screen devices to enhance user convenience and clarity in a home network system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a frequency band for data broadcasting is provided in TV broadcasting signal, then applications can be transmitted and executed in linked relationship with program progression, but this is not implemented in the United States where CATV and IPTV extract only video and audio signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ACR service as an intermediary mechanism. Instead of relying on data broadcasting signals embedded in TV signals, the system uses signature data extraction from video content combined with ACR database matching to identify content and trigger applications. This mediator approach bypasses the need for complex signal processing while achieving the same application execution goal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical signal processing approach (extracting and processing data broadcasting signals from TV broadcasts) with an information processing approach (extracting signature data from video frames and matching against ACR database). This substitution eliminates the need for frequency band allocation and complex signal separation while achieving content identification and application triggering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pieces of content are displayed simultaneously on large-screen devices with multi-window capabilities, then content viewing flexibility is improved, but it becomes difficult for users to grasp the relationship between content and linked applications across multiple screens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies visual attribute changes to window frames as a coding mechanism. Each window displaying content is assigned a distinct frame visual attribute (color, pattern, or style), and the corresponding linked application window on the second screen device uses the same visual attribute. This visual coding system allows users to quickly associate content with its related applications across multiple screens without cognitive overload.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the visual attribute system from a single screen to multiple screens by projecting the same frame visual attributes from the content display device to the second screen device. This creates a visual continuity across different spatial dimensions (screens), maintaining the content-application relationship visibility even when content is distributed across multiple windows and devices.
3Loss of information
If frame visual attributes are assigned to windows displaying content, then the relationship between content and linked applications can be visually associated, but this requires additional processing and communication between devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the frame visual attribute system universal across different device types and communication protocols. The same visual attribute setting mechanism works for both TV broadcasting content and internet-streamed content, and the attribute transmission works across different network protocols (UDP, TCP, HTTP). This universality reduces the need for separate handling mechanisms for different content sources and communication methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary assignment of frame visual attributes to content windows before the actual content playback begins. The visual attributes are assigned during content identification and application selection phases, so that when content starts playing, the visual coding system is already in place. This preliminary action eliminates the need for real-time attribute negotiation during content playback, reducing communication overhead.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus which cooperates with a terminal apparatus to configure a home network system, including: a frame visual attribute setting section configured to set a frame visual attribute to a window provided on a screen to display a reproduced piece of content; a publication section configured to publish a command adapted to request notification of the frame visual attribute set to the window from the terminal apparatus to the terminal apparatus; and a notification section configured to notify the terminal apparatus of the frame visual attribute of the window in response to calling of the command from the terminal apparatus.