Television Music Overlay System for Real-Time Track Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing television programs do not effectively provide music information to viewers, making it difficult for users to identify and access music tracks featured in the programs, as they often rely on manual note-taking or cumbersome web searches across different devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for displaying music information directly on a television or similar device, allowing users to generate lists of music tracks, access additional information, play samples, and purchase tracks, integrated with a user interface that includes metadata and communication with remote music data services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If music information is displayed at the end of the program with credits, then users can access music information, but users cannot easily identify specific music tracks during the program

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusic information availabilityVSAvoidmusic track identification
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by displaying music information proactively during the program playback rather than waiting until the end. A graphic overlay is shown on the display device during program playback, presenting music information including track title, artist, and album before the user needs to request it, enabling immediate identification and access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of time

If users write down music track information or rely on memory, then they can recall music tracks later, but this process is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusic track recall timeVSAvoidmusic track information accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements self-service by automatically capturing and displaying music information without requiring user intervention for note-taking. The television system itself retrieves and presents the music track details, eliminating the need for users to manually record or remember information, thus saving time and ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If users access music information via a separate device and website, then comprehensive music information can be obtained, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires switching devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusic information completenessVSAvoidsystem integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the music information display function directly into the television system. The television receiver and display device are combined to present music information on the same screen where the program is played, eliminating the need for separate devices or websites. This integration maintains comprehensive music information while simplifying the user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If no music information is provided during the program, then the television system remains simple, but users cannot learn about or purchase music tracks they enjoy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemusic access functionalityVSAvoidsystem functionality
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The television system achieves multi-functionality by integrating music information display, playback control, and purchase capability into the existing television receiver. The same display device shows both program content and music information overlays, while the receiver handles both program playback and music track access, enabling comprehensive music functionality without adding separate dedicated devices.

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

Data Source

PatentUS8245253B2Displaying music information associated with a television program
Publication Date: 2012.08.14 DISH NETWORK LLC
  • US8245253B2 patent drawing
  • US8245253B2 patent drawing
  • US8245253B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Displaying music information associated with a television program is described. In one aspect, a television program is received that contains at least one music track. Information associated with the music track is identified and a request is received from a user to display music information associated with the television program. In response to the user request, a list is generated that identifies the music track in the television program.