JP2009518881A - Content presentation optimizer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure provides techniques for controlling the presentation of content at an implementation location that provides optimal presentation, as well as one or more standard and / or user-defined presentations. The present disclosure includes optimal setup data along with the content and is configured to allow the device to operate in accordance with the present disclosure, decrypt the setup data, and form an optimal presentation of the content. A content presentation optimizer according to the present disclosure provides the necessary mechanism for any supported device to understand the basic set of control commands, so that any one device in the connected network of supported devices can be addressed. These control commands can be activated towards the device.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

Related applications

  This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending U.S. Utility Patent Application No. 11 / 153,731, filed June 14, 2005, and is also filed on November 23, 2005. Claims priority of US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 739,867.

  The present invention relates to an audio, video production and presentation system, and more particularly, content having encoded metadata for presentation of content and automatically adjusting the presentation system using the decoded metadata. It is related with the production system which produces.

  The operation of the latest home theater and other content presentation sites is steadily becoming more complex. It's a long time ago to throw a VHS or audio cassette tape and press the play button. The equipment used in these old days was often limited to television receivers, laser discs and / or VHS players, and some of the more advanced systems, stereo audio systems. Options that can be operated are limited and require a switching box to select various inputs to the television, which is often connected via RF via a VHF channel. Although the ability to switch from directly recorded programming to VHS or laser discs was easy to understand, it was still often reviewed at home.

  Today, while developing standards and technologies that bring theatrical experience to the home, the industry will give consumers a variety of operational modes and DSP technologies to allow consumers to customize their own experiences. I have done it. The technology that gives consumers custom options also creates challenges.

  Like many other appliances and technologies in the home, home theater has become a science, equipment, its setup and playback to get the best benefit from the games, music or movies presented. Requires knowledge of the wide variety of options presented on the media. Operation provides multiple programmable modes that allow the signal path to be set up and can be made easier by investment in advanced remote controls.

  This, however, is often not enough when the media being played can confuse many consumers and include a wide variety of modes. It also requires a sophisticated viewer to access a menu of equipment items to optimize the viewing experience. Often the result will be nothing except a basic mode or a mode that can be changed via an elaborate remote control due to the risk of entering undesirable settings that may be detrimental to the displayed media. This unfortunate choice leads to the fact that many of the more creative operational modes included in home theater equipment products are never utilized, and if you are not familiar with expensive equipment installed in your home Consumers who try to make that choice often have to seek help to set up the system correctly.

  The wide variety of equipment produced generally reproduces the art to be visually and audible with bright video and loud audio, albeit showing higher quality standards today than equipment 10 years ago. The distinction still remains. The dollars spent on equipment are often made with operational considerations in mind. However, consumers still have to apply specific knowledge about equipment and media in order to achieve an optimized experience. Device control mechanisms are becoming more complex and sophisticated. When viewed individually, the control methodologies used ranged from simple remote controllers to remote controllers with “soft keys” to user input devices such as wireless keyboards and other sophisticated control devices. Nevertheless, the basic problem of controlling a plurality of CE machines that provide a desired function to an end user has not been made easier. Indeed, the lack as a result of interoperability among the diversity of CE machines with often overlapping functions threatens the future growth of the industry as a whole.

  Some consumers are anxious to return to the era of putting media in a player, pressing the play button, and receiving the best video and / or audio experience. What is needed is a method and apparatus for automatically setting up an on-site content presentation device to provide an optimized presentation.

  A content encoding system according to the present disclosure includes one or more elements for decoding metadata (index) associated with the content. The decoded metadata can be used to configure one or more elements of the content encoding system to provide an optimized presentation. Alternatively, the metadata can be compared to user-specified settings, and the metadata can include one or more parameters of the user-specified settings to provide a tailored optimized presentation. Can be used to change.

  The present disclosure provides techniques for controlling the presentation of content at an implementation location to provide optimal presentation as well as one or more standard and / or user-defined presentations. This disclosure includes optimal setup data along with content that allows the device to operate in accordance with the present disclosure, and decodes and sets setup data that provides optimal presentation of content. The content presentation optimizer according to the present disclosure provides the necessary mechanism for any supported CE machine that understands the basic set of control commands so that any one device in the connected network of supported CE machines These control commands can be activated towards the destination device.

  According to the present invention, a content encoding system determines means for decoding composite content to form a video stream and an encoded audio stream, and a content setting command for the composite content Means for compiling the configuration command to form an indexed command data file, and means for transferring the command data file to a database of indexed command data files. An encoding system can be provided.

  A content encoding system according to the present disclosure forms a video stream, an encoded audio stream, and one or more configuration commands, and is configured to operate with one or more of the one or more configuration commands. Means for decoding content and means for displaying a video stream, forming one or more configuration commands and operating on one or more of them, and decoding an encoded audio stream Means for presenting and acting upon one or more of one or more configuration commands.

  A content encoding system according to the present disclosure includes means for dividing composite content into a video stream and an audio stream and one or more configuration commands, and operating with one or more of the one or more configuration commands, and visual Means for presenting content and operating with one or more of one or more configuration commands; and decoding and presenting audio content from the audio stream with one or more of the one or more configuration commands Means for actuating can be included.

  The content presentation optimizer specifies:

  A method for associating a piece of content with specific metadata (index) to ensure that this metadata exists for use by the optimizer system. This can include a format for this particular metadata.

  A method for associating a piece of content with general metadata and ensuring that it exists for use by the optimizer system. This includes the format for this general metadata.

  A method for carrying optimizer metadata across various interfaces such as HDMI, S / PDIF, etc.

  Specification for source products, A / V receivers and display devices that use optimizer metadata to optimize content playback.

  The following disclosure is discussed in the context of consumer electronics at a home theater site for ease of explanation. It should be understood that the following disclosures also apply to industry-related or professional equipment, audio presentation or still image presentation, or to other small implementation sites such as airlines, cars or other forms of transportation. It can be applied to practice sites that are not generally considered entertainment, such as medical or scientific images and / or audio presentations.

  The method and apparatus according to the present disclosure selects the recommended operable settings according to the media and the program material contained in the media, or generates custom user-defined default settings for different selected items in this system To provide sophisticated home theater owners with the ability to

  The content presentation optimizer according to the present disclosure provides the necessary mechanism for any supported CE machine that understands the basic set of control commands, so that any one device in the connected network of supported CE machines. Can initiate these control commands towards the destination device.

  Through a series of embedded testing and tuning utilities, the content presentation system provides basic signal sources and procedures that allow the initial setup of the system, as well as providing confidence tests as the system ages. A calibrated and tested device that is designed and manufactured, including specific technology to standards defined under the Content Presentation Optimizer authorization, is used to set up and calibrate legacy devices such as television displays. An embedding utility can be provided that provides a reference for. This feature can be applied to DVD players, DBS and DTV receivers, multimedia personal computers, and game machines that can also be used as DVD players. This feature adds benefits over traditional units to the purchase of new content presentation optimizer-enabled components. While allowing further adjustment utility, consumers are also introduced the benefits of automatic playback mode selection that makes home theater operation easier.

  The content presentation optimizer provides a basic set of command codes that all CE machines must be able to recognize and operate on these commands or transfer them to other devices. For example, a DVD player can operate with a “fast forward” command, but pass a “tune to 5 channel” or “volume up” command. The physical layer of these command and control networks leverages currently available control interfaces such as RS-232 or even dedicated interfaces (so that the same brand CE machines can support this same function). Can vary from device to device.

  The present disclosure further defines a “private data path” so that the same brand CE machines can use this mechanism to provide additional functionality that can only be performed when devices of the same brand are connected. .

  The present disclosure thus allows any compatible device to initiate control commands for other devices in the network. The result is that any remote controller of any one of these devices will immediately become a URC for all devices, at least within the basic command set.

  In addition, although the preferred embodiment of the present invention assumes that a human user is usually the operating initiator of these controllers, the present invention can easily and simultaneously be used by other non-human users (eg, content, service provisioning). A billing machine, etc.) can invoke these commands through its corresponding device that must be present in the home CE machine's network.

  An example of this type of device is a cable decoder box (set top box) that has a separate secure communication path in the central office (head side) of the cable service provider. A cable set-top box that conforms to the present invention allows cable service operators to send a repair clerk to the customer's home to solve the interoperability issues between the cable STB and the customer's other CE machines, instead of having the The entire CE machine network can now be diagnosed remotely.

  The exact definition of the basic command set and the mechanism that allows the device to distinguish between the basic command set and the “private data path” can be based on any of the commercially available data control protocols. The novelty of the present invention resides in the application of these methodologies to solving cross-platform interoperability problems that are a direct result of the diversity of CE product and control design.

  Specific components of home theater are detailed, but the models discussed in this document may require that a specific mode be set to properly display the content and media delivery Can be scaled up to virtually any application. For this discussion, home theater is enabled by content presentation optimizer technology in homes, cars, and conference rooms, and media playback or receiving devices connected to various technology audio processing / receiving components, audio amplifiers and video displays. Any combination of can be represented.

  Referring now to FIG. 1, the content presentation system 8 can include a content input element 30, an A / V receiver, and a display device 14. Content input element 30 may include, but is not limited to, any suitable device, such as DVD 10 and other devices illustrated. Content presentation metadata can be transferred from element to element through any suitable interface, such as HDMI channel 11.

  With reference now to FIG. 2, the content storage medium 16 may comprise content and sufficient metadata to enable optimized presentation in accordance with the present disclosure. The DVD player 10 can include a metadata retrieval element 18. The metadata is transferred between elements such as DVD 10, receiver 12 and display element 14 using any suitable format such as HDMI, S / PDIF or other usage channels 11, 22 and 24. Can do. The metadata can be parsed and interpreted in elements 10A, 12A and 14A, respectively. The metadata can be further transformed into elements 10B, 12B and 14B, respectively. The metadata ultimately interacts with resident OEM code in elements 10C, 12C, and 14C, respectively.

  Referring now to FIG. 3, in an alternative configuration, the content display system 90 may include one or more feedback channels 92 and / or 94 that correspond to video and audio feedback, respectively.

  Referring now to FIG. 4, the content encoding system 60 obtains images and / or audio at step 62. Special effects and post-production processing can be performed at step 64 and a digital intermediate file 66 can be obtained. Distribution master and compression and authoring occur at steps 68 and 70, respectively. Application of optimization data (date) and metadata can be included in step 72. Optimized data represents the techniques and methods used for the generation and distribution of media content in many audio and video formats.

<DVD player>
DVD players have become the most popular new home technology and preferred method of presenting movies and audio to the home. The concept that includes compiled data that identifies the characteristics of the content being played is the primary purpose, distinguishing the content presentation optimizer from other hardware communication technologies. The content presentation optimizer compatible DVD player can decode the data contained in the media to convey specific characteristics of audio and video in order to set a home theater for the desired presentation. The consumer is given the option of selecting a content presentation optimizer preference or a custom preference that can represent the viewer's individual preferences.

<Function>
The content presentation optimizer-compatible player needs the ability to read DVD ROM data. When a disc is loaded into the player, the corresponding player searches the DVD ROM sector of the disc. *** Data is based on [thx. found in the ROM sector of a DVD disc identified in the file (such as a bin file) or embedded in a compressed data file. The data is then decoded in a manor consistent with the chipset manufacturer. The data is then loaded into a register designed to hold some data for presentation of DVD program material. The sequence then appears in other types of digital communications such as HDMI / DVI and 1394 that can be used in the vertical interval [synchronization] of the composite output of the DVD player and the Y channel of the component video output or home theater. Begins transferring information from the register to generate bits to Configuration data is transmitted during disk boot up and menu sequences, but can also be accessed when a format change is identified if the content being viewed changes due to consumer demand. Setting data output by a DVD player does not interfere with macrovision or other signals transmitted over a vertical sync line or digital stream during movie playback.

When receiving data specific to the DVD player, the DVD player performs the following internal setting adjustments;
Macrovision is deactivated on power-up and disk load cycle.Video output control that can be used as an option is specified by the content presentation optimizer as recommended by the content presentation optimizer. Must be reset to These controls include, but are not limited to:
o Brightness o Contrast o Color o Tint o Sharpness o Setup o Color temperature • General 5.1 data streaming to enable Dolby Digital, Windows Media or DTS format based audio DSP options Will be stopped. Depending on the A / V receiver, perform appropriate digital decoding based on the mode set by the data transmission

  It is not the intention of the content presentation optimizer authorization program to limit the product capability to introduce functionality into the product as the manufacturer desires, but this functionality is mastered with typical movie titles or program materials As such, the content presentation optimizer authorization program selects the content presentation optimizer mode and provides content presentation optimizer data when providing deviations from the normal expected output of known sources that can change technology Requires the device to be programmed to draw the expected level of brightness and chrominance.

  In addition to adhering to industry expectations in a controlled and calibrated environment, the content presentation optimizer allows consumers to set custom values that may differ from the content presentation optimizer recommended reference values for video and audio options. User preferences can be introduced by the manufacturer to enable it. This will be necessary to facilitate the combination of certified and non-certified components in the home. At any time, consumers can change the user settings to enable this interface, but the content presentation optimizer criteria settings will be locked out so that some criteria can be obtained by consumer choice. Yes. The minimum number of user memory registers is 2 [2] memory registers, 1 [1] in addition to the content presentation optimizer reference register, if the manufacturer chooses to set the content presentation optimizer setting to the factory setting. If the product factory setting is different from the recommended content presentation optimizer setting, the minimum number of memory registers is 3 [3].

<Audio / video receiver>
The audio / video receiver (A / V receiver) provides the home theater with multiple functions as follows:
-Common switching point of home theater for video as well as audio-Decoding digital audio stream output from various devices such as: oDVD player o DBS receiver o Game machine o CD player o MP3 player o Digital audio tape, DAT
o Multimedia computers Receive analog audio sources from various audio devices such as:
oCD player o Cassette tape player / recorder o Turntable o Multimedia computer o Gaming machine o DVD player Many modes of digital signal processing are applied to interface many of the audio formats and the various modes offered by the manufacturer By selecting, add processing to the audio source as the customer chooses-A more advanced model provides video source format conversion and one common video to supply any input format to the video display Integrate into format-Form line level output to supply signal to power amplifier or, if integrated, output high output audio directly to speaker

  A / V receivers are becoming more complex to operate due to the many features required by competitive markets, as well as the multiple functions required for today's home theaters. The days of simply turning on the stereo and playing music are not always as easy as it was years ago. Manufacturers make great efforts to design creative and useful user interfaces that assist many of the complex functions of the receiver. In addition to the basic and basic modes that you select when playing music or movie content, additional signal processing modes are provided to make the product more feature rich to compete in the market. Often, these additional modes are not always discovered until they are set incorrectly and an undesirable result is heard. So the task is to retrieve many features of the unit and selectively stop the problematic feature set. This is often a frustrating event for ordinary home theater customers. The content presentation optimizer provides a way for the media to determine processing and decryption choices, and also allows the consumer to apply the mode required by the customer. At any time, the consumer can return to the content presentation optimizer selection setting by pressing the content presentation optimizer button on the remote control.

  Some specific examples of how content presentation optimizers can help; when CD music discs are played on a DVD player, some products sample digital sources or the presence of analog audio Detect but it may be the prologic selected for the default audio 2-channel mode from previous DVD viewing. This can cause problems in the way music content is presented. Similarly, a DVD containing 5.1 digital audio tracks can actually be 5.1EX. In any case, the presentation of audio content will be improved if the audio presentation mode is set correctly for the particular audio content being played. The content presentation optimizer can do this in a manner that provides data to correctly set the mode in the A / V receiver and does not require the consumer to make any adjustments except the volume level.

A content presentation optimizer enabled A / V receiver needs to monitor components and composite analog video lines or any digital interface and respond to content presentation optimizer data specific to the A / V receiver. An interface showing a simple application can be found below. Data is loaded into storage registers and then interfaced to functions normally found in remote protocols. The content presentation optimizer interface needs to be addressed directly without the need for specific functions to scroll through the menu hierarchy.
The minimum content presentation optimizer functions required include:
・ Surround mode ・ Music mode ・ Re-EQ on / off ・ Mono / stereo ・ Game ・ Multimedia ・ Movie ・ Sports / Local programming ・ Activate intelligence mode in a device specific to content presentation optimizer processing that can handle the following Let;
Mono 1938-1976 Large Room Presented Movie Mono Large Room Presented Movie Mono Small Room Program Material Mono Game Stereo Large Room Presented Movie Stereo Small Room Program Material Stereo Game 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic (Emulation) Large Room Presented Movie 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic II Large Room Presenting Movie 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic II (Emulation) Large Room Presenting Movie 2.0 Re-equalized Household Movie 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic II Large Room Presenting Movie 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic (Emulation) Small Room Program Material 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic II Small Room Program Material 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic (Emulation) Game 2.0 Lt Rt Pro Logic II Game 2.0 Lt Rt Prolo II Music 2.0 Lt Rt Logic7 Original Mix Re-equalized for Home 2.0 Lt Rt Logic7 Original Mix 4.1 Games 5.1 Large Room 5.1 Movie Re-equalized for Home Presented Movie 5.1 Small Room Program Material 5.1 Game 5.1 w / Sb Matrix or Discrete (6.1) Large Room Presented Movie 5.1 w / Sb Matrix or Discrete (6.1) ) Large Room Presented Movie 5.1 w / Sb Matrix or Discrete (6.1) Small Room Program Material 5.1 w / Sb Matrix or Discrete (6.1) Game 7.1 Large Room Presented Movie Re-equalized for home use 7.1 large room presentation movie 7.1 small room program material 7.1 game 9.1 large room presentation 9.1 large room presentation movie re-equalized for home use 9.1 small room program material 9.1 game 10.2 large room presentation movie 10.2 large room presentation movie 10.2 re-equalized for home use Small room program material 10.2 games

  It is not the intent of this technology to limit the product's ability to introduce functionality into the product as the manufacturer desires. However, it should be understood that this feature provides a deviation from the normal expected output of a well-known signal source that can change the technology so that it can be mastered with typical movie titles or program material. In other words, the program must be programmed in such a way that the device provides the expected performance and must be directed by the content presentation optimizer data.

  In addition to adherence to industry expectations in a controlled and calibrated environment, this technology allows consumers to set recommended reference voice performance and custom values that may differ from options. Preference settings can be introduced by the manufacturer. This will be necessary to facilitate the combination of certified and non-certified components in the home. At any time, the installer or consumer can change the user settings to enable this interface, but the primary criteria setting will be locked out so that the criteria can be obtained at consumer choice. Yes. The minimum number of user memory registers is 2 [2] memory registers, 1 [1] in addition to the primary reference register, if the manufacturer chooses to set the primary setting to factory setting. If the product factory setting is different from the recommended primary setting, the minimum number of memory registers is 3 [3]. The creative DSP mode that changes the characteristics of the displayed audio content is not supposed to be programmed as a content presentation optimizer initial setting. The content presentation optimizer as part of the authorization process determines the appropriate value to be programmed into the base memory for the presentation quality established by the content presentation optimizer, as correct in the home theater, laboratory environment. The table lists the modes that need to be addressed when the A / V receiver receives content presentation optimizer data.

The functionality required by this disclosure can be based on:
-Power-up conditions-When the display content presentation optimizer data indicating that the content presentation optimizer is enabled by the state of light or display is received;
o Data is stored in the resident memory to enable restoration of the content presentation optimizer function at the time of remote control activation o Distribution data o Display is broken o activation command o data indicating received data If there is an error message or indicator, no action can be taken §If the content presentation optimizer data is corrupted during transmission, the data is retransmitted by selecting a button on the remote control of the sending device be able to.

  Many of the other requirements for content presentation optimizer enabled A / V receivers can be referenced within the content presentation optimizer authorization guidelines for THX Ultra 2 when content presentation optimizer certified technology is used, and content presentation Optimizer authorization is not a requirement for a content presentation optimizer to be introduced.

  Referring now to FIG. 36, for a display with a built-in tuner, a method for conveying content presentation optimizer data for audio content to an A / V receiver (HDMI is unidirectional and to the display unit). is required. Since only a display with an ATSC tuner and a two-channel Dolby digital decoder are required to provide S / PDIF digital output, the content presentation optimizer according to the present disclosure is capable of receiving the channel 26 shown in FIG. An S / PDIF connection such as

  The S / PDIF connection can also be used by A / V receivers without HDMI to receive content presentation optimizer audio packets. The S / PDIF connection can also be used by an audio-only source to carry content presentation optimizer data to the A / V receiver, as illustrated in FIG.

<Game console>
The content presentation optimizer-compatible game machine has a function similar to that of a compatible DVD player. The concept that includes compiled data that identifies the characteristics of the content being played is the primary purpose, distinguishing the content presentation optimizer from other hardware communication technologies. The content presentation optimizer-compatible game machine can decode data contained in the media to convey specific characteristics of audio and video in order to set a home theater for the desired presentation. The consumer is given the option of selecting a content presentation optimizer preference or a custom preference that can represent the viewer's individual preferences.

<Function>
Content presentation optimizer enabled game machines require the ability to read additional data during game initialization. When the disc is loaded into the player, the compatible game machine searches the disc to determine the content type. During this time, data (encoded in the console's proprietary format) is sent to the console as the various hardware elements are addressed. The data is then decrypted in a manor consistent with the gaming machine chipset manufacturer. The data is then loaded into a register designed to hold some data for presentation of game program material. The sequence then transfers information from the register to generate the vertical interval [synchronization] of the composite output of the gaming machine and the Y channel of the component video output or any form of digital communication that is currently used in the digital communication used by the gaming machine Begin to. Setting data output by the game console does not interfere with any other signal transmitted over the vertical sync line during game play.

When receiving game machine specific data, this unit performs the following internal settings adjustments;
Macrovision is deactivated on power-up and disk load cycles.Video output control, which can be used as an option, is set to a specified number as recommended by the content presentation optimizer. Must be reset. These controls include, but are not limited to:
o Brightness o Contrast o Color o Tint o Sharpness o Setup o Color temperature The audio format supported by the game is declared and allows general 5.1 data streaming to be based on Dolby Digital or DTS formats Therefore, any DSP option is deactivated. Depending on the A / V receiver, appropriate digital decoding based on the mode set by the data transmission is performed.

  It is not the intention of the content presentation optimizer authorization program to limit the product capability to introduce functionality into the product as the manufacturer desires, but this functionality is mastered with typical movie titles or program materials As such, the content presentation optimizer authorization program selects the content presentation optimizer mode and provides content presentation optimizer data when providing deviations from the normal expected output of known sources that can change technology Requires the device to be programmed to draw the expected level of brightness and chrominance.

  In addition to adhering to industry expectations in a controlled and calibrated environment, the content presentation optimizer allows consumers to set custom values that may differ from the content presentation optimizer recommended reference values for video and audio options. User preferences can be introduced by the manufacturer to enable it. This will be necessary to facilitate the combination of certified and non-certified components in the home. At any time, consumers can change the user settings to enable this interface, but the content presentation optimizer criteria settings will be locked out so that some criteria can be obtained by consumer choice. Yes. The minimum number of user memory registers is 2 [2] memory registers, 1 [1] in addition to the content presentation optimizer reference register, if the manufacturer chooses to set the content presentation optimizer setting to the factory setting. If the product factory setting is different from the recommended content presentation optimizer setting, the minimum number of memory registers is 3 [3].

<ATSC, DTV, DBS, cable set top box>
The industry is preparing for changes due to the next evolution of consumer electronics. The FCC mandated a transition from the analog television standard that we currently receive as “free television” to digital television that offers more channels and services in addition to HDTV. TV manufacturers must include a tuner that converts digital signals in a set with a screen that is at least 35 inches wide until 2005. Smaller screens are exempted until 2007. A tuner that only serves 13 percent of Americans watching TV without cable or satellite connections is expected to add up to $ 250 to set costs ranging from $ 500 to $ 3,000 at retail stores.

  Manufacturers say the reason why most people can't watch digital TV is not for their set, but because cable companies offer very little programming through the cable system. It's a problem because cables supply TV to 70 percent of the country. It has even reached the stage where merchants show DVDs instead of digital television to promote their sets. This has been addressed and cable companies have been instructed to provide digital ATSC compatible streams via their systems.

  Although this transition itself does not mandate high resolution, it needs to take advantage of a wide variety of new digital broadcast standards, and high resolution so that built-in down-conversion technology can be used as part of an interface tuner. Allows standards to be included. The purchase of a new DTV display includes the ability to receive and display these new broadcasts, and includes connectivity to the Internet, broadband and DSL services, enabling an interface that brings a new level of sales activity to TV remote control To do. As scheduled under the ATSC committee, the launch of DTV services was delayed in adoption by broadcasters. One major reason for this adoption delay is the obvious lack of widescreen, DTV-ready families. The lack of high-resolution programming does not give consumers a reason or purpose to purchase a video display equipped with DTV, and the lack of homes that can utilize DTV for watching TV Useless to promote broadcasting. Since this is a free TV for consumers, station revenue is generated by commercial hours sold at both local and network levels. Consumer data supports the fact that consumers who purchase and receive DTV-enabled receivers are certainly a plus for the digital revolution. But for every new DTV viewer, there is one less standard definition viewer. There is no overall increase that can be attributed to the larger revenues of broadcasters, and broadcasters face enormous costs for introducing high resolution and DTV. Only under the FCC command will the system proceed and eventually be established. DVT-supported web-based sales activities have been seen as an additional revenue generator that makes DTV adoption go beyond better video with only a small reward. The concept of web-style services via DTV evolved during the growth of dot-com companies in the mid-1990s, but the invigorating performance of Internet sites that bring products and services to market today It does not offer the great hope of generating a well-defined revenue stream.

  The eventual further reallocation of the television spectrum will allow more channels under the ATSC specification, but only if the broadcaster continues standard definition digital broadcasting. High resolution video produces the best overall video if innovative line scanning standards are utilized, although benefits are present in standard resolution, but increases bandwidth and reduces service channels With the sacrifice. Digital compression is applied to the content to minimize bandwidth, but this remains at the broadcaster's discretion. Digital television allows broadcasters to provide free radio broadcast television with higher resolution and better image quality than is possible under the current mode of television transmission. If broadcasters choose to do so, they can provide HDTV-television with cinema-quality video and CD-quality audio. Alternatively, broadcasters can simultaneously offer several different television programs with better video and audio quality available today from analog broadcast services.

  It is important to mention that cables offer the advantage of being capable of two-way wired communication, even though much of the focus is on media broadcast delivery. DBS or ATSC mostly depends on the IP that carries the feedback signal.

  The content presentation optimizer provides added utility and is compatible with other devices that further include the content presentation optimizer. It is common to see specific settings for sports programming on a video display. The main reason for this mode is that the gamma content of sports content is very different from the gamma of news or movies. This allows a particular shot to appear flat and makes the image more dynamic with an additional “punch” enabled by settings. Turning this setting on / off is completely selected by the consumer. Broadcast source material greatly benefits by having a way to change settings based on the content being broadcast. Both network and satellite broadcast companies are interested in providing this type of service. Advanced set-top boxes can do this alone, adding another layer of confusion to the adjustment dilemma.

<Function>
Corresponding units receive data via digital television transmission signals, and digital interface between analog, component video, or set top box and home theater components on vertically spaced “Y” channels Generate data via

  The digital interface provides data contained in a metadata stream with program material. Audio and video devices receive content presentation optimizer data via a video composite or component signal path as output from a DVD, game or multimedia output, or by any digital interface common in the home theater signal path.

When enabled in downstream devices, the content presentation optimizer can provide specific invocations of processing in either a DBS or ATSC set-top box or a display device that will enhance the image quality of the output signal. . The conditions that can benefit from this type of treatment are as follows:
o Very low bitrate MPEG encoding o Unaltered content o Recompressed image o Aspect ratio control o In addition to the video specified features in the video display

<Multimedia personal computer>
Multimedia personal computer players can be the majority of content presentation optimizer projects. The concept that includes compiled data that identifies the characteristics of the content being played is the primary purpose, distinguishing the content presentation optimizer from other hardware communication technologies. The multimedia personal computer has the advantage that it can integrate the functions of a content presentation optimizer-compatible DVD player, A / V receiver, ATSC / DTV set-top box and game console. Content presentation optimizer-compatible personal computers can extract and decode data contained on any type of media, and internally set specific audio and video characteristics to achieve the desired presentation It is. The consumer is given the option of selecting a content presentation optimizer preference or a custom preference that can represent the viewer's individual preferences.

<Function>
Content presentation optimizer-compatible multimedia personal computers require the ability to read encoded content presentation optimizer data on DVD-ROM, ATSC / DTV broadcast, video on demand, streaming Internet content or game media. When content is loaded into a player, a compatible personal computer searches for:
-DVD ROM sector of the disc-Broadcast data stream header-Streaming media data header-Extraction of embedded code from compressed stream

  For disc-based media, the data is [Content Presentation Optimizer. read into the ROM sector of the DVD disc identified in the file] (such as a bin file). The data is then decrypted in a manner consistent with the personal computer software / hardware application. The data is then loaded into a register designed to hold some data for presentation of program material. The sequence is then information from the register to generate the vertical spacing [synchronization] of the VGA output to the personal computer monitor, or the bits that now appear in the Y channel of the composite output and component video output for connection to an external display device. Begin to transfer. If a form of digital communication is used in the home theater, the configuration data can be transmitted during content initialization or can be dynamic in nature, adding additional functionality to this concept. The configuration data output will not interfere with macrovision or other signals transmitted over the vertical sync line during movie playback.

When receiving content-specific data, a compatible personal computer performs the following internal settings adjustments;
• Macrovision is deactivated during power up and disk load cycle (if applicable to disk-based material)
The video output controls that can be used as an option must be reset to a content presentation optimizer specified number, as recommended settings provided by the content presentation optimizer. These controls include, but are not limited to:
o Brightness o Contrast o Color o Tint o Sharpness o Setup o Color temperature

  To enable general 5.1 data streaming based on Dolby Digital or DTS format, the voice DSP option is deactivated. Depending on the A / V receiver or internal PC decoding, perform the appropriate digital decoding based on the mode set by the data transmission (as outlined in the A / V receiver section).

  It is not the intention of the content presentation optimizer authorization program to limit the product capability to introduce functionality into the product as the manufacturer desires, but this functionality is mastered with typical movie titles or program materials As such, the content presentation optimizer authorization program selects the content presentation optimizer mode and provides content presentation optimizer data when providing deviations from the normal expected output of known sources that can change technology Requires the device to be programmed to draw the expected level of brightness and chrominance.

  In addition to adherence to industry expectations in a controlled and calibrated environment, the content presentation optimizer allows consumers to set custom values that may differ from the content presentation optimizer recommended reference values for video and audio options. The user preference setting to be made can be introduced by the manufacturer. This will be necessary to facilitate the option. This will be necessary to facilitate the combination of certified and non-certified components in the home. At any time, consumers can change the user settings to enable this interface, but the content presentation optimizer criteria settings will be locked out so that some criteria can be obtained by consumer choice. Yes. The minimum number of user memory registers is 2 [2] memory registers, 1 [1] in addition to the content presentation optimizer reference register, if the manufacturer chooses to set the content presentation optimizer setting to the factory setting. If the product factory setting is different from the recommended content presentation optimizer setting, the minimum number of memory registers is 3 [3].

<Video display device>
Appropriate display of video content is important to convey the intention of the content author and to present the emotion of the art shown in the home. Although this is more important for movies and some television programs, most consumers value correctly adjusted video rather than misadjusted video. The common problem that exists today in the home is mostly the basic control:
o Brightness o Contrast o Color o Tint o Sharpness o Setup o Color temperature o Aspect ratio o Noise reduction o Compression filters that reduce the impact of poor compression o Image processing intended for specific content, but not all

  Even though products design special features within their products that give consumers the option to choose to enhance their viewing experience, consumers may not work with this option for the best results. This is an unacceptable value in the product. The content presentation optimizer allows the mode to be set to automatically introduce the correct mode for the correct application by identifying the source of the presented media. Functions designed into the product can be activated, but consumers or installers can configure settings that can represent specific individual preferences on how content is displayed. With an option to custom select.

  Display technology today involves more than its specific benefits that CRT technology, LCD, DLP, DILA and plasma offer. Each also provides various differences that can be corrected by image processing. Some of the content presentation optimizer techniques provide image processing data that provides viewers with an accurate video presentation that is as close to the original as the technology can provide.

  Some installations find video display devices with audio processing that are integrated into the same device. The content presentation optimizer provides audio mode selection for the A / V receiver, and this same data sets the installed mode appropriately on the display device and provides audio settings if applicable.

<Data command>
The present disclosure may also include a basic set of command codes that must be recognized by all CE machines and be able to operate with these commands or transfer them to other devices. For example, a DVD player can operate with a “fast forward” command, but pass a “tune to 5 channel” or “volume up” command. The physical layer of these command and control networks is currently available controls such as HDMI, DVI, 1394 and RS-232 or even dedicated interfaces (so that the same brand CE machine can support this same function). Utilizing the interface can vary from device to device.

  The system according to the present disclosure further provides a “private data path” so that the same brand CE machines can use this mechanism to provide additional functions that can only be performed when the same brand of devices are connected. Stipulate.

  An entertainment system according to the present disclosure can thus allow any compatible device to initiate control commands for other devices in the network. The result is that any remote controller of any one of these devices will immediately become a URC for all devices, at least within the basic command set.

  In addition, although the presently preferred embodiment of the present disclosure assumes that a human user is usually the operating initiator of these controllers, the system can easily and simultaneously be used by other non-human users (eg, content, services, etc.). Allows provider billing machines, etc.) to invoke these commands through their corresponding devices that must be in the home CE machine's network.

  An example of this type of device is a cable decoder box (set top box) that has a separate secure communication path in the central office (head side) of the cable service provider. A cable set-top box that conforms to the present invention allows cable service operators to send a repair clerk to the customer's home to solve the interoperability issues between the cable STB and the customer's other CE machines, instead of having the cable service operator in their central office. The entire CE machine network can now be diagnosed remotely.

  The exact definition of the basic command set and the mechanism that allows the device to distinguish between the basic command set and the “private data path” can be based on any of the commercially available data control protocols. The novelty of the present invention resides in the application of these methodologies to solving cross-platform interoperability problems that are a direct result of the diversity of CE product and control design.

<Data structure>
An example of a data structure according to the present disclosure can be found in FIG. 5-35. Synchronization bits can be located throughout the data structure stream to provide confirmation of data integrity. If enabled by product design, the data structure can be used to provide downloads to the device. This allows the media to also have an updated version of the content presentation optimizer that increases its functionality over time.

<Content type>
The “content type” element is an important element in the content presentation optimizer specification. Now referring to FIG. 5, a content type field 100 is illustrated. The content in the content type field 100 indicates the type of content presented in a simplified form. Its purpose is to allow automated initialization / mode switching.

  The content type field 100 indicates the main category of content. It also means one of several possible interpretations of the content subtype field. FIGS. 7-10 illustrate possible content for the subtype field, and the content type field 100 indicates the subtype table to use.

  The “TV program” type is intended for a 30-60 minute program that constitutes most of normal TV programs and TV viewing. The “mini-series” is a longer programming. A “movie” is a complete movie product, regardless of whether it was intended for cinema release or direct video.

  Content type subtype: Sports

  Subtype of content type: music and live performance

  The subtype field indicates the music genre to be played.

  Content Type Subtype: Video Game

  Subtype of content type: slideshow / computer

  This content type indicates that the content is primarily a series of still images, possibly with transition effects between each still image. Audio is expected to be background music, possibly with verbal narration synchronized to still image transitions.

  This content type is also used to indicate computer content. The visual characteristics are similar in that fine details are important and the image is relatively unchanged.

  Content type subtype: other

  This subtype provides a value that can be accommodated in any case for situations where the content type is known but does not fit within the defined category. This type actually represents a range of values, and later versions of this specification can use values from this range to define additional content types. Devices introduced in this version of the specification are unaware of these additional types and process content that is marked as "other".

<Uniform resource locator (URL)>
The purpose of the URL element is to allow the content to specify a “cross media link” and to be able to reference other content that may be available. This provides a means for transitions between them, as there is an increasing trend towards "mixed media" and converged devices with access to multiple types of media.

<Video descriptor>
The frame aspect ratio provides the overall aspect ratio of the frame itself and is given as an integer ratio between its width and height. The standard value will be 4: 3 or 16: 9.

  A frame rate / cadence element as illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17 may provide information about the frame rate and / or pull-down cadence of the video portion of the provided content.

  A gamma value element as illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 may indicate a gamma value that is expected to be applied to the content by the display device.

  A color temperature element as illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22 can indicate the intended color temperature of the image portion of the content.

  Referring now to FIG. 23, the video encoding tag can describe the encoding method to be displayed and the approximate bit rate of the video.

  The encoding method field 150 can be used to indicate the method used to encode the presented content.

  Bit rate fields 160 and 170 may be used to indicate the bit rate assigned to carry the encoded video in units of 128 kbps. A value of 0 indicates that this value is not known. A value of 255 indicates 32 megabits / second or more. Otherwise, the value “n” indicates (n * 128 kbps ≦ bit rate <(n + 1) * 128 kbps).

  Referring now to FIGS. 25, 26 and 27, the video post-processing element can provide information about the characteristics / attributes of the content when it is created, and the devices in the playback chain can benefit from it. Provided to allow you to determine when to apply processing that can. This element can occur multiple times to indicate some attribute / property of the produced content.

  A data field, such as the enbl field 180, can be used to indicate that the post-processing option is to be applied if it is 1, or that the operation should be stopped if it is zero.

<Audio descriptor>
Audio encoding elements as illustrated in FIGS. 28, 29 and 30 can describe various attributes of the audio content being played.

  The encoding method field 190 indicates how the content is encoded according to the table of FIG.

  The matrixing field 200 indicates the method (if any) used to encode multiple channels into a smaller number of individual channels using the matrixing method.

  Referring now to FIGS. 31 and 32, as part of the production process, various audio elements are mixed in a recording studio, audio suite or soundproof studio to produce the final soundtrack. Each soundtrack is mixed using a specific layout of speakers at its recording location. This layout is described by the audio channel assignment elements that assist the playback device, especially when they are not the same when deciding how to map the speaker layout for playback.

  This element describes how the soundtrack was mixed. It assists the playback system in mapping the speaker layout of the original recording to the speaker layout of a particular playback system.

  The “Mixing Settings” field can cover all of the speaker settings, whether in use or under consideration.

<Audio post-processing>
Referring now to FIGS. 33, 34 and 35, when the audio portion of the content is created, the production process includes specific processing that is typically included, particularly for some audio encoding methods. However, it does not have to be included. The “audio post-processing” element is used to indicate whether processing has already been applied to the audio portion of the content and should not be applied to the playback chain a second time.

  This element can occur multiple times to indicate the status of multiple post-processing options. If a particular post-processing option does not occur in the audio post-processing element, then the default / usual status of that processing for the primary decoding method in use should apply.

  The “Post Processing Method” field should contain the values from the table of FIG.

  An enbl field, such as the enbl field 230, indicates that the post-processing option is to be applied if it is 1, or to be stopped if it is zero.

  In the present invention, metadata files can be automatically generated through software by reading existing or legacy media, thus allowing the process to be applied to an existing DVD disc, for example, at that time. However, metadata files that are software generated from existing content may not be returned on existing content media. An extension of the presently disclosed technique is a meta-data that can refer to existing media and allow devices to search for and download the appropriate metadata file through any suitable network, such as the Internet. Forming a database of data files. Several layers of databases can be generated under this development category using a two-step data extraction method.

  First, the process of extracting metadata from existing content media such as DVD discs requires customized software. The metadata collected from the DVD should encompass all available data and is not limited to the currently disclosed descriptors. An indexable metadata file (indexed command data file) of all extracted data points is generated under this step.

  Second, the second software program then reads the extracted metadata file and generates a metadata file indexed database (indexed command data file database). As a new version of this technique is generated, changes to the second software program can quickly create a new metadata file database. This step can be repeated as necessary.

  This two-step extraction method is well suited for content download and other file-based media distribution schemes in addition to DVD and other packaged media formats. Providing metadata files through an Internet connection establishes a “need to connect” between home entertainment equipment systems and current techniques.

  Now that the invention has been described in accordance with the requirements of patent law, those skilled in the art should make modifications and variations of the invention to meet their particular requirements or circumstances. Will understand. Such modifications and variations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Block diagram of a content presentation optimizer system according to the present disclosure Block diagram of internal elements of the content presentation system of FIG. Block diagram of a content presentation system including feedback Block diagram of content generation elements for a content encoding system according to the present disclosure Data structure table showing content type and content subtype fields Data structure table showing possible content type field values A table of data structures showing possible content subtype field values Data structure table showing alternative content subtype field values Data structure table showing other alternative content subtype field values In addition, a data structure table showing alternative content subtype field values Still further, a data structure table showing alternative content subtype field values Data structure table showing URL field Data structure table showing possible URL field values Data structure table showing frame aspect ratio fields A data structure table showing possible frame aspect ratio field values Data structure table showing frame rate and frame cadence field Data structure table showing possible frame rate field values Data structure table showing possible frame cadence field values Data structure table showing gamma value fields Data structure table showing possible gamma field values Data structure table showing color temperature fields Data structure table showing possible color temperature field values Data structure table showing video encoded data fields A table of data structures showing possible video encoding field values Data structure table showing video post-processing data fields A table of data structures showing possible video post-processing field values Table showing video post-processing option values Data structure table showing possible speech-encoded data fields Data structure table showing possible speech encoding method field values A table of data structures showing possible audio matrix field values Data structure table showing possible audio channel assignment data fields A data structure table showing possible audio channel assignment field values Data structure table showing audio post-processing data fields Data structure table showing possible audio post-processing field values Table showing audio post-processing option values Block diagram of content presentation system using alternative data channel Block diagram of content presentation system using other alternative data channels

Explanation of symbols

8: Content presentation system 10: DVD player 11: HDMI channel 12: Receiver 14: A / V receiver and display device (display element)
16: Content storage medium 18: Metadata retrieval element 22: S / PDIF
24: Other use channel 30: Content input element 60: Content encoding system 66: Digital intermediate file 90: Content display system

Claims (1)

  A content encoding system, means for decoding composite content to form a video stream and an encoded audio stream, and means for determining a content setting command for the composite content; The content encoding system comprising: means for compiling the configuration command to form an indexed command data file; and means for transferring the command data file to a database of indexed command data files.