Webpage-Based Overlay Graphics for Video Streams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating graphical elements to be overlaid on media presentations are complex and expensive, requiring special training and pre-built graphic templates.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize web-based tools to generate overlay graphics by rendering webpages into displayable images, which are then converted into overlay video streams with transparency keys to combine with media presentation video streams, allowing for dynamic updates and reduced need for specialized graphics applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If pre-built graphic templates are used in specialized applications, then graphical elements can be generated for overlaying media presentations, but the process becomes complex and expensive requiring special training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent copies the familiar webpage structure and rendering mechanisms into the graphics generating device. By using webpages as templates instead of proprietary graphic templates, the system leverages existing web rendering capabilities that are already widely understood and accessible, thereby reducing complexity and training requirements while maintaining graphic generation functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The graphics generating device is designed to accept and process webpages, which are a universal format accessible through any web browser. This multi-functional approach allows the device to use standard web rendering engines for generating graphics, eliminating the need for specialized proprietary software and reducing the barrier to entry for users
2Ease of operation
If pre-built graphic templates are used, then graphical elements can be generated, but the process is expensive and requires special training
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables operators to generate graphics using standard webpage formats that can be created and edited with common web authoring tools. Since webpages are a self-explanatory and universally understood format, operators can independently generate graphics without requiring extensive specialized training or support resources
Solution Approach 2:
By copying the familiar webpage paradigm into the graphics generation process, the system allows users to leverage their existing web authoring skills. This eliminates the need to learn proprietary graphic template systems, thereby reducing training requirements and making the operation more accessible to a broader audience
3Ease of manufacture
If webpages are rendered into displayable images and converted to overlay video streams, then cost-effective graphic generation is achieved, but transparency control is required for proper overlay integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transparency key as an intermediary element that mediates between the rendered webpage image and the underlying video stream. This transparency key acts as a control layer that specifies which portions of the webpage should be visible or transparent, enabling proper overlay integration without requiring complex manual transparency adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the webpage rendering process into distinct components: the displayable image generation, the transparency key creation, and the final overlay composition. By separating these functions, the system can efficiently generate cost-effective graphics while managing transparency control through dedicated transparency keys rather than attempting to handle all complexity in a single monolithic process
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe a system for generating graphics for overlaying a video stream of a media presentation. In one embodiment, the system uses a webpage hosted on a web server to generate the graphics for overlaying the media presentation. To convert the webpage into graphics which can overlay the media presentation, a graphics generator renders the data defining the webpage into a graphic that can be displayed. The graphics generator uses the rendered webpage to generate a video stream (referred to herein as an overlay video stream) which is transmitted to a keyer along with a transparency key. The keyer combines the overlay video stream generated from the webpage with the video stream of the media presentation using the transparency key, thereby inserting the graphics of the webpage into the media presentation.