Television Video Call Overlay for Simultaneous Viewing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current audio-visual communication services over networks require users to use personal computers or specialized devices, which can be inconvenient for those unfamiliar with computer operations, and television usage remains a preferred medium for watching video content.
Innovation Solution
Integration of wired or wireless broadband networks with digital television for bi-directional communication, allowing users to receive and initiate calls, display call information, and conduct visual conversations using a remote controller or built-in speakers, enabling seamless audio-visual communication while watching TV programs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If users use personal computers or specialized network phones for audio-visual communication services, then communication quality is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates for non-computer-savvy users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges audio-visual communication functionality with the television device, combining the television's display and audio capabilities with network communication modules. This allows users to conduct VoIP and video conferencing through the television interface rather than requiring separate computers or specialized phones, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining communication quality
Solution Approach 2:
The television device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating network communication capabilities, allowing it to serve both as a traditional display device and as a communication terminal. The television can now receive and display incoming calls, initiate outgoing calls, and conduct audio-visual conversations, making it a universal device that caters to both entertainment and communication needs
2Ease of operation
If users use televisions for watching video content, then ease of operation is improved, but audio-visual communication capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the television's passive video display function with active bi-directional communication capabilities. By integrating network communication modules into the television, it can now both receive broadcast signals and initiate outgoing audio-visual calls, thereby enhancing its versatility while maintaining the simplicity of television operation
Solution Approach 2:
The television device achieves multi-functionality by simultaneously supporting video content consumption and audio-visual communication. The device can display TV programs while also enabling users to make and receive calls, conduct video conferences, and interact with remote users, thus becoming a universal platform for both entertainment and communication
3Adaptability or versatility
If televisions are enhanced with network communication capabilities, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces communication software as an intermediary layer between the television hardware and network communication protocols. This software module handles the complexity of network interactions, call management, and signal processing, allowing the television to gain network capabilities without exposing the user to underlying system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The television system incorporates automatic call forwarding and incoming call display features that operate autonomously. When a call arrives, the system automatically displays caller information and can forward calls to designated numbers without requiring manual intervention, thereby simplifying the user experience while managing system complexity internally
Data Source
AI summary
An example method and apparatus for audio-visual communication is provided. In some examples, a method as disclosed herein may include receiving an incoming call indication comprising a conversation request from a remote party, wherein the outgoing call request is displayed in a visual communication screen area on a display; establishing a communication link with the remote party in an instance in which an answering signal has been received, the communication link enabling a multi-directional audio and visual conversation; and causing a received video of the remote party to be displayed in the visual communication screen area, wherein the display is operable to display multimedia content in a multimedia screen area simultaneously with the received video of the remote party in the visual communication screen area.