Television Window Management via Digital Media Adaptor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional televisions lack the ability for users to select and display a variety of media content in separate windows, limiting their flexibility in using multiple applications simultaneously, such as music and video applications, due to content control by providers.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a digital media adaptor and a windows management application, allowing users to select and configure window configurations on a television screen, enabling the display of multiple media content types, including live TV and applications, with the ability to move and overlap windows, similar to personal computer functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional television displays are used with content provider control, then content delivery is simplified, but user flexibility and application selection are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a PC interface adapter as an intermediary device between the television and personal computer. This adapter enables the television to display and interact with PC applications, web content, and files while maintaining the simplicity of television operation. The adapter handles the complexity of PC integration, allowing users to access versatile content without directly managing PC system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The television system is enhanced to perform multiple functions beyond traditional broadcasting. It can display PC applications, web pages, digital photos, and video files while maintaining TV functionality. The system universally accepts various content types from different sources (TV signals, PC connections, digital media players) and presents them through a unified television interface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If picture-in-picture or picture-by-picture viewing is selected, then multiple content streams can be displayed, but content selection is controlled by content providers not users
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is divided into multiple independent windows that can be individually controlled. Each window can display different content sources (TV channels, PC applications, web pages, digital photos) and users can independently select, position, size, and arrange these windows. This segmentation enables full user control over each content area rather than provider-controlled picture-in-picture modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The window configuration system allows dynamic adjustment of window properties during operation. Users can freely move, resize, overlap, and rearrange windows on the screen, and the system adapts to maintain proper display ratios and configurations. This dynamic control enables flexible multitasking and content arrangement beyond static picture-in-picture modes.
3Area of stationary object
If television screen real estate is fully utilized, then more content can be displayed, but conventional systems cannot present multiple user-selected applications simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The television screen is segmented into multiple adjustable windows that can be independently configured to utilize the full display area. Users can create various window layouts (side-by-side, stacked, overlapping, picture-in-picture) to maximize screen real estate while displaying multiple different applications and content types simultaneously, each selected and controlled by the user.
4Adaptability or versatility
If PC-like window management is implemented on television, then user flexibility is improved, but interface complexity and learning curve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the familiar PC window management interface and behavior to the television display. Users interact with windows, taskbars, start menus, and application icons in the same way they would on a PC, creating a familiar and intuitive experience. This copying of the PC interface paradigm allows users to leverage their existing PC knowledge when operating the television system.
Solution Approach 2:
The PC interface adapter serves as an intermediary that translates PC-like interface commands into television-compatible display and control signals. It maintains the familiar PC interface appearance and behavior while adapting the underlying system to television operation, bridging the gap between PC user expectations and television system capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Media content is received in a windows management application. The media content is from a set of content including zero or more television signal content and zero or more application content. The media content is incorporated into a television signal containing a window configuration. The television signal is then sent from the windows management application to a television where it is displayed.