Synchronized Complementary Information Delivery for Video Programs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for providing additional information during video programs, such as actor names, lack synchronization with the video content, do not allow consumer control, and cannot be updated, leading to obsolete or inaccurate information.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that provides complementary information to consumers on demand, synchronizes it with the video program, allows consumer control over access and navigation, and updates the information in real-time using a processor and memory to store user data and video program information.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If electronic program guides are used to provide complementary information, then information can be provided to consumers, but the information is not synchronized with the video program

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplementary information deliveryVSAvoidsynchronization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the complementary information delivery by separating the information storage (database), retrieval (processor), and display (user interface) components. This allows the information to be delivered in synchronized portions corresponding to specific video program segments, resolving the contradiction between providing information and maintaining synchronization accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms to track the current position in the video program and automatically retrieve and display complementary information at the appropriate moments. The processor monitors video program progression and triggers information delivery based on timing signals, ensuring synchronization while maintaining information availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If enhanced television broadcasts are used to provide complementary information, then information can be inserted into real-time broadcasts, but the information cannot be updated and does not support recorded material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation update capabilityVSAvoidinformation validity period

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic information storage in a database that can be continuously updated. Unlike static enhanced broadcasts, the database allows information to be modified, added, or removed at any time, enabling the system to adapt to changing requirements and support both live and recorded materials with current information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is designed to work with multiple types of video content (live broadcasts, recorded materials, DVDs) through a universal database interface. The same database structure and retrieval mechanism serve all content types, providing update capability across different media formats without requiring separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If DVDs are used to provide complementary information, then information can be included with the video program, but the information cannot be updated and consumers have no control over access

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer controlVSAvoidinformation update capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables consumers to self-service by allowing them to query the database for specific complementary information related to video programs. Users can search for information about actors, plots, or other details and receive targeted responses, giving them control over what information they access while the system automatically retrieves it from the updateable database.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If conventional methods are used to provide complementary information, then information can be delivered to consumers, but the information may be obsolete or inaccurate over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation accuracyVSAvoidinformation freshness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing complementary information in the database before it is needed. The information is prepared and organized in advance, allowing for quick retrieval and ensuring accuracy is maintained through centralized storage that can be updated before delivery, preventing obsolescence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous useful action through an always-available database that can be updated at any time. Unlike static media that becomes obsolete, the database continuously maintains current information, ensuring reliability and freshness are preserved over time through ongoing update capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS7934233B2Method and system for providing complementary information for a video program

Publication Date: 2011.04.26 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV

AI summary

A method for providing complementary information 226 for a video program is provided that includes receiving complementary information 226 for a video program. A query is received from a consumer. The query is related to a specified portion of the complementary information 226. A query response is provided to the consumer based on the specified portion of the complementary information 226.