Unified Interface for Interactive Media via Servlet Proxy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two-screen solutions for interactive television do not provide a unified interface for users to interact with live programming and require separate devices for television and internet access, limiting user convenience and interaction capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A content-based network architecture that enables a unified user interface for various media applications on a single device, using a proxy server to facilitate communication between client devices and media applications, and a servlet to manage compatibility and format translation, allowing direct communication or proxy processes as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two-screen solutions are used for interactive television, then users can access supplemental information and interact with content, but users require separate devices for television and internet access, limiting user convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines television and internet access functionalities into a single set-top box device. The system integrates a web browser, media player, and interactive application capabilities within the same device that receives and processes television signals, eliminating the need for separate PC and TV devices while maintaining both supplemental information access and content interaction capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The set-top box is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions: receiving television broadcasts, providing internet access through integrated web browser, playing local media files, and enabling interactive applications. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to replace both traditional television and computer functions for interactive viewing
2Adaptability or versatility
If two-screen solutions are used for interactive television, then users can access supplemental information, but users do not have a unified interface for interaction with content
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a unified graphical user interface that consolidates control for all functions including television viewing, web browsing, media playback, and interactive applications. The interface displays supplemental information, search results, and interaction controls in an integrated manner, allowing users to access all features through a single consistent interface rather than switching between separate device interfaces
3Ease of operation
If a unified user interface environment is provided for multiple applications, then user convenience is enhanced, but system complexity increases due to compatibility and format translation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a servlet as an intermediary component that manages communication between the unified user interface and multiple media applications. The servlet handles format translation, compatibility checking, and coordination between different applications and the user interface, abstracting the complexity from the user while enabling seamless interaction with diverse media types and formats
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for providing unified access to interactive media applications and services in a network. In one embodiment, the network comprises a content-based network such as a cable television or satellite network, and the applications are disposed at the network headend. A servlet is provided to facilitate communication between the applications and client devices. The servlet acts as a proxy for applications utilizing a different content format than the client devices. The applications obtain data from e.g., an internet host server via a gateway device. The client application(s) may comprise Enhanced TV Binary Interchange Format (EBIF) pages, and are configured so as to permit use via a common interface (e.g., the user's set top box and television display). These client applications enable a user to, for example, search the internet for data relating to displayed content, post and navigate micro-blogs, instant messaging or SMS, making telephone calls (e.g., VoIP), address/contact management, or provide the user with additional information about a product or service. An application providing internet content to the client device is also provided.