Set-Top Box Overlay for Media Stream Item Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users cannot conveniently purchase or obtain information about items advertised during a video stream without diverting their attention, as existing methods require manual intervention on a separate device or physical location.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows users to request purchases or information about items displayed during a media stream using a remote control or device connected to the content output device, which facilitates user identification and communicates with an item offering service for transaction approval through different channels, enabling seamless interaction while maintaining focus on the media stream.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users use a separate computer or travel to a brick-and-mortar store to purchase items advertised on television, then they can complete the purchase transaction, but they must divert their attention away from the television stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a set-top box as an intermediary device between the television and the user's personal computer. This intermediary captures item information from the television stream, stores it locally, and enables users to interact with it using a remote control, thereby eliminating the need to switch between the television and a separate computer while maintaining purchase capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension of interaction by enabling the television itself to function as an informational interface. Through overlays and remote control integration, the system allows users to access item details and initiate purchases directly from the television viewing experience, transforming the television from a passive display into an active transactional interface
2Productivity
If users interact with a separate computer to order products, then they can purchase items, but they cannot maintain focus on the media stream content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the television, set-top box, and personal computer into a unified system. The set-top box acts as a bridge that combines the media playback capability of the television with the transactional capability of the computer, allowing users to complete purchases without leaving the television interface
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box serves multiple functions: it displays item information overlays on the television, stores captured item data, communicates with the personal computer for transaction processing, and responds to remote control inputs. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices and simplifies the user workflow
3Loss of information
If the system displays item information overlays on the television screen, then users can access item details without leaving the stream, but the overlay may interfere with the viewing experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning item information overlays in specific regions of the television screen that minimize interference with the main content. The overlays are localized to corners or edges of the display, allowing users to access item details while the majority of the screen remains dedicated to the media stream
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the display of item information based on user interaction. Overlays can be triggered on-demand through remote control inputs, and the information display can be adjusted or dismissed by the user, allowing the interface to adapt to viewing preferences and minimize interference
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are techniques to enable users to perform transactions such as purchasing items or receiving information regarding items depicted within a content stream, where the content stream may be received from a content provider and provided to an output device. Transactions may be performed by a user that may or may not be associated with a content provider or associated with an item offering service. In one example, a content stream may be analyzed to detect a depiction of an item, and a user may operate a user interface overlaid onto the displayed content stream to perform transactions such as initiating a purchase or requesting more information on the detected items.