KR20040010043A - Method of initiating interactivity in an enhanced digital television broadcast using the broadcaster's station id - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of initiating a conversation with a high definition digital TV program displayed in full screen mode without disturbing the field of view of the TV program is described. The method includes displaying video components of a high definition digital TV program on a display in full screen mode; Extracting information about a station ID from the data component of the high definition digital TV program; Displaying the broadcasting station ID in a changed appearance on the display according to the information; And accepting a viewer input selection to enter an interactive mode in response to the changed appearance. The broadcast station ID may be displayed in a changed appearance only when new auxiliary digital content is received as part of the reception of the high definition digital TV program. As a result of the viewer input selection, display of the supplemental digital content of the TV program may be made on a portion of the screen.

Description

METHODO OF INITIATING INTERACTIVITY IN AN ENHANCED DIGITAL TELEVISION BROADCAST USING THE BROADCASTER'S STATION ID}

Viewers are accustomed to watching television (TV) in "full screen" mode. That is, the current TV broadcast signal fills the entire screen from edge to edge of a TV set or other display monitor. With the advent of the digital TV era, viewers expect additional interactive performance, but also expect full-screen TV viewing of the familiar experience. As digital TV programs are enhanced with additional interactive digital content, digital TV offers viewers a new way to talk with TV programs. New performances are accompanied by new programs. If the main digital content (i.e., TV program) fills the entire TV screen, how will viewers begin a conversation with ancillary digital content (e.g., interactive content) that may often arrive as part of the digital TV signal?

One method has been to limit the size of the TV viewing area to less than the full screen, placing the auxiliary digital content at one or more corners of the TV program display. Typically content for a TV program is interactive and can be updated at a specific time during program broadcast. Of course, this method eliminates the full screen view of watching TV. Another method is to place one or more display objects above the TV viewing area of the full screen. For example, the display object may be a user interface button for going into interactive mode of operation. The viewer then selects the display object to begin a conversation with the additional content. This method provides an almost full screen TV viewing experience. However, a significant disadvantage of this method is that the display object obstructs its view in the area where the TV program is placed. Clearly, neither of these methods is ideal. Thus, there is a need for a better method of initiating conversations with supplemental digital content in high definition digital TV broadcasting that guarantees a full screen viewing experience.

The present invention relates generally to interactive digital television systems, and more particularly to initiating interactivity with digital television broadcasts.

1 shows a conventional TV program viewed in full screen mode;

2 shows a TV program viewed in full screen mode with an animated station ID in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

3 shows a TV program viewed in an interactive screen mode with interactive data displayed on the remainder of the screen, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

4 illustrates a system for initiating a conversation with a high definition digital TV broadcast in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a step of starting a conversation with a high definition digital TV broadcast according to an embodiment of the present invention.

6 illustrates a system that may be used as a receiver system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

One embodiment of the present invention is a method in which a viewer can watch a high definition digital TV program in full screen mode and start a conversation with the auxiliary digital content included in the broadcast digital high definition stream without significant interruption in viewing the program.

Reference herein to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" of the present invention means that a particular form, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. do. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

1 shows a conventional TV program viewed in full screen mode. In a typical analog mode, the TV program is shown to completely fill the screen 10. If the TV broadcast is digital, the TV program may also be viewed in full screen mode as represented in FIG. 2 shows a TV program 12 viewed in full screen mode according to an animated broadcast station ID 14 according to one embodiment of the invention. Most TV stations insert a station ID symbol or "bug" into the TV signal before broadcasting. For example, this may be the logo of the broadcast station or other identifier (eg, "CNN", "CNBC", the devised "H" of the history channel, etc.). The station ID tells the viewer which station is broadcasting the programming content currently being received by the viewer's TV receiver. The viewer is accustomed to seeing this ID placed on the TV program on the screen. In some cases, the ID may be partially transparent so that the viewer can view the entire program below. If the ID is partially transparent, it is less annoying.

As part of the high-definition TV broadcast signal according to an embodiment of the present invention, additional "sprites" or additional information for animating the position of the station ID on the screen and the station ID may be transmitted to the receiving system. . For illustration purposes, the page is a relatively small visual object or image. This additional page can be blended into the TV program video signal without disrupting viewing the program in full screen mode. Such animating pages, often animated when new auxiliary digital content arrives at the receiver system via a TV signal, can be used with a station ID to indicate to the viewer that interactive digital content has arrived at the receiver. For example, when new auxiliary digital content arrives, the station ID may be seen intermittently. The line around ID 14 in FIG. 2 is a schematic representation to indicate a change in the appearance of the ID to indicate the arrival of auxiliary digital content, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. As used herein, auxiliary digital content refers to data accompanying audio and video signals of a TV program. Although animation has been discussed with reference to one embodiment, it should be understood that changes in station ID, position, color, size or other visual attributes may be used to indicate that supplemental digital content is available in accordance with the present invention. do.

In one embodiment, the user can start a conversation with the supplemental digital content at a later point in the program by selecting the station ID even if the station ID is not currently animated.

When the viewer selects an animated station ID using known interface mechanisms, a conversation with the supplemental digital content may begin. FIG. 3 illustrates a TV program 16 viewed in an interactive screen mode with auxiliary digital content on which interactive data 18 displayed on the remainder of the screen is displayed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The conversation may include more page screens mixed into the TV video, hyper text markup language (HTML) pages around the TV video, or conversations based on the World Wide Web (WWW) technology. In each case, the data presented is interactive. That is, the viewer can interact with this data using a known user interface.

For example, suppose a viewer is watching a high definition digital TV broadcast of a sporting event such as a football game. Usually, the field of view of the current operation on the field can be shown on the entire screen. To inform that the viewer is currently watching a programming provided by a particular station, the station ID may be represented in a portion, such as one corner of the screen. Station ID symbols are typically small compared to the size of the entire screen. If a broadcaster broadcasts supplemental digital content, such as, for example, game statistics, then the broadcaster may inform the data portion of the high definition broadcast digital TV signal to animate the station ID to indicate to the viewer that the latest statistics are available. It may include. When the viewer recognizes this and selects a broadcast station ID using the user interface, the viewing mode is switched to the interactive mode, and the viewer can view statistics or other data in the interactive data portion of the screen. The viewer can then continue the conversation with the supplemental digital content.

Of course, this is just one example of dialogue with auxiliary digital content. This content may be all data shown to the viewer for some intention. This method of initiating a conversation can be used for interactive content carried on a broadcast digital TV signal. Embodiments of the present invention provide interactive animating or otherwise highlighting and station ID or other display objects to initiate a conversation with supplemental digital content while still in full screen mode for a TV program. It includes selecting. The use of the present invention can add value to the station's brand by focusing the viewer's attention on the station ID to start a conversation.

4 is a diagram illustrating a system for initiating a conversation with a high definition digital TV broadcast according to an embodiment of the present invention. The system shown in FIG. 4 includes a receiver system for receiving a high quality digital TV signal 42 from a broadcast source (not shown). High definition TV signals may be received via known methods, such as by over-the-air, cable, satellite transmission, or by a computer network (eg, the Internet or an intranet). The high definition digital TV signal 42 includes audio, video and data components. The data component may include supplemental digital content for the TV program represented by the audio and video components. Data components may be commented or pasted in a known manner that is synchronized with the audio and video components. The video component may include a station logo or ID that is mixed on the TV screen by the broadcaster using some known method (eg, alpha blending). The receiver system may include an analog TV, digital TV, set top box, personal computer (PC) system, PDA, handheld computer, or other devices capable of receiving and processing digital TV signals installed with digital TV converter logic. . The receiver system displays the TV program on the display 44. Display 44 may be a television, computer monitor or other display device. Within the receiver system, the audio / video decoder 46 processes the audio and video components of the broadcast digital TV signal. The processed audio and video data may be supplied by the display driver 48 for rendering on the display. The display driver combines the audio and video components into one stream for presentation on the display and associated audio circuitry (not shown).

According to an embodiment of the invention, the data decoder 50 processes the data components of a high definition digital TV signal stream. The data may include supplemental digital content associated with audio and video components. In one embodiment of the present invention, the data decoder includes ID extractor logic 52, ID animator logic 54, and ID conversation logic 56. The ID extractor logic 52 analyzes the data components of the high-definition TV signal stream to perform the processing performed when the ID is selected by the viewer, on-screen position of the station ID, information related to animating or changing the station ID on the screen, and the viewer. Obtains the information described above and other information for supporting the dialogue with the auxiliary digital content. The ID animator logic 54 temporarily changes or animates the shape of the station ID display object to attract the viewer's attention. Animation or other form changes may be applied when the conversational auxiliary digital content is working in a high definition broadcast digital TV signal stream. ID conversation logic 56 accepts viewer input (station ID selection, etc.) for communicating with the supplemental digital content. For example, the conversation may include a request to display video, images or text associated with the audio / video portion of the TV program on a portion of the TV screen. The video, images or text associated with the audio / video portion of the TV program may be obtained from an external source connected to the receiver system, such as a received high definition TV signal, a storage medium in the receiver system, or other device or the Internet. ID animator logic and ID conversation logic pass display data to display driver 48 for final presentation on display 44. In some embodiments, the data decoder may store some or all of the data components in a storage medium connected to or within the receiver system.

5 is a flowchart illustrating a step of starting a conversation with a high definition digital TV broadcast according to an embodiment of the present invention. At block 100, the receiver system receives a high definition digital TV signal, the high definition digital TV signal comprising audio, video and data components. At block 102, the high definition digital TV signal may be decoded into its components. At block 104, the audio and video components of the signal may be processed and rendered by the receiver system and the display. That is, the audio portion can be converted to sound and the video portion can be converted to an image by the display. In addition, data components may be stored in the receiver system for other processing. Next, at block 106, broadcast station ID information, if present, may be extracted from the data component (eg, location, display time, animation characteristics, etc.). In block 108, the station ID is animated on the display or otherwise changes its appearance to attract the viewer's attention based on the reception timing information in the data component.

At block 110, if a viewer input is received in response to a station ID animation or appearance change, flow proceeds to block 112 where an interactive mode of operation may be input to the receiver system. If no viewer input has been received, flow proceeds to block 104 to display audio and video data. Once the interactive mode of operation has been entered, at block 114, some of the data components are decoded and appear on the display for viewing by the viewer, and other viewer conversations can be processed. At block 116, when a viewer input is received indicating a request to return to a full screen TV in non-interactive mode, the interactive mode ends and the receiver system exits the audio and video of the high definition TV signal on the full screen of the display. Display the component. Then proceed to block 104. Otherwise, another conversation is required and proceeds to block 114.

As such, a method of initiating a conversation with a high definition digital TV program has been described. This method provides full screen performance for the display of audio and video components of a TV signal while notifying the viewer of incoming auxiliary digital content without disturbing the full screen view of the TV program.

In the foregoing detailed description, various aspects of the invention have been described. For purposes of explanation, specific numbers, systems, and structures have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. But. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known features have been omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention may be implemented in hardware, software, or a combination thereof. However, embodiments of the present invention include a programmable system including at least one processor, a data storage system (including volatile and nonvolatile memory and / or storage elements), at least one input device, and at least one output device. It can be implemented as a computer program running on. Program code may be applied to the input data to perform the functions described herein and generate output information. The output information can be applied to one or more output devices in a known manner. For this application, processing systems incorporating a receiver system include any system having a processor such as, for example, a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or a microprocessor.

The program may be implemented in a high level procedural or object-oriented programming language for communicating with a processing system. The program may also be implemented in assembly or machine language, as needed. Indeed, the invention is not limited in scope to a particular programming language. In all cases, the language can be a compiled or translated language.

When a storage medium or apparatus is read by the processing system to perform a procedure described herein, the removable storage medium or apparatus (e.g., readable by a general purpose or special purpose programmable processing system) to configure and operate the processing system. The program may be stored on a floppy disk drive, a ROM, a CD-ROM device, a flash memory device, a DVD, or other storage device. Embodiments of the invention are also embodied in a machine-readable storage medium configured for use with a processing system when the storage medium is configured to cause the processing system to operate in a particular predefined manner to perform the functions described herein. May be

Although one example of this type of processing system is shown in FIG. Other systems may be used and not all components of the illustrated system are required in the present invention. Sample system 400 may be used to perform processing for an embodiment of a receiver system, for example, in accordance with the present invention, such as the embodiments described herein. Sample system 400 is representative of Pentium II, Pentium III, and Celeron microprocessor-based processing systems available from Intel Corporation, but includes other systems (microprocessors, engineering workstations, PCs with other set-top boxes, etc.). ) And architecture may be used.

6 is a block diagram illustrating a system 400 of one embodiment of the present invention. System 400 includes a processor 402 for processing data signals. Processor 402 is coupled to a processor bus 404 that transmits data signals between the processor 402 and other components in the system 400.

System 400 includes a memory 406. The memory 406 may store data and / or instructions represented by data signals that may be executed by the processor 402. The instructions and / or data may comprise code for carrying out some and / or all of the techniques of this disclosure. Memory 406 may also include additional software and / or data (not shown). Cache memory 408 may be present within processor 402 that stores data signals stored in memory 406.

Bridge / memory controller 410 may be coupled to processor bus 404 and memory 406. The bridge / memory controller 410 directs data signals between the processor 402, the memory 406, and other components in the system 400, and the processor bus 404, the memory 406, and the first input / output. The data signal is mediated between the (I / O) buses 412. In this embodiment, the graphics controller 413 interfaces with a display device (not shown) for displaying to the user an image rendered or processed by the graphics controller 413.

The first I / O bus 412 can include a single bus or a combination of multiple buses. The first I / O bus 412 provides a communication link between components in the system 400. A network controller 414 can be coupled to the first I / O bus 412. In some embodiments, the display device controller 416 may be connected to the first I / O bus 412. The display device controller 416 connects the display device to the system 400 and serves as an interface between the display device (not shown) and the system. The display device receives a data signal from the processor 402 through the display device controller 416 and displays the information included in the data signal to a user of the system 400.

The second I / O bus may comprise a single bus or a combination of multiple buses. Second I / O bus 420 provides a communication link between components in system 400. The data storage device 422 may be connected to the second I / O bus 420. The keyboard interface 424 may be connected to the second I / O bus 420. The user input interface 425 may be connected to the second I / O bus 420. The user input interface may be connected to a user input device, such as a remote control, mouse, joystick or trackball, for providing input data to a computer system. An audio controller 427 may be connected to the second I / O bus 420 to process the processing of the audio signal through one or more speakers (not shown). The bus bridge 428 connects the first I / O bridge 412 and the second I / O bridge 420.

Embodiments of the invention relate to the use of a system 400, such as a receiver system. According to one embodiment, such processing may be performed by system 400 in response to processor 402 executing a sequence of instructions in memory 404. Such instructions may be read into memory 404 from another computer-readable medium, such as data storage 422, or from another source, for example, via network controller 414. Execution of the instruction sequence causes processor 402 to execute digital TV processing in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In alternative embodiments, hardware circuitry may be used in combination with software instructions to implement embodiments of the present invention. The invention is not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The elements of system 400 perform conventional functions in a manner known in the art. In particular, memory 406 is used to store executable instructions for implementations of receiver systems in accordance with the present invention for a shorter period of time during execution by processor 402, while data storage 422 is in accordance with the present invention. It may be used to provide long-term storage for data structures and executable instructions for embodiments of the receiver system.

While the invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, this description should not be construed in a limiting sense. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, various modifications of the illustrated embodiments and other embodiments of the invention should be considered to be included within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (24)

In a method of initiating an interactivity with a received high definition digital TV program, Displaying the video component of the high definition digital TV program in full screen mode on a display; Extracting information about a station ID from the data component of the high definition digital TV program; Displaying the broadcasting station ID in a changed appearance on the display according to the information; And Accepting a viewer input selection to enter an interactive mode in response to the changed appearance How to include. The method of claim 1, The step of displaying the broadcast station ID in the changed appearance includes animating the broadcast station ID. Way. The method of claim 1, Displaying the broadcast station ID in a changed appearance includes making a change in at least one of a display position, color, and size of the broadcast station ID. Way. The method of claim 1, Displaying the station ID with the changed appearance comprises mixing the changed appearance with a full screen display of the video component to make the changed appearance at least partially transparent. Way. The method of claim 1, In response to accepting the viewer input selection, interacting with the supplemental digital content included in the data element by the viewer; How to include more. The method of claim 1, The information is performed when the broadcast station ID is selected by the viewer to enter a position on the display of the broadcast station ID, information on animating the broadcast station ID or changing its appearance on the display, and entering an interactive mode. At least one of the information describing the processing Way. The method of claim 1, Displaying the broadcast station ID in a changed appearance includes displaying the broadcast station ID in a changed appearance when new auxiliary digital content is received as part of the reception of the high definition digital TV program. Way. An article comprising a storage medium having a plurality of machine readable instructions, the article comprising: When the instruction is executed by a processor, the instruction is Display the video component of the high definition digital TV program in full screen mode on the display, extract information about the station ID from the data component of the high definition digital TV program, and change the station ID on the display according to the information And accepting a viewer input selection to enter an interactive mode in response to the changed appearance, thereby providing a method for initiating a conversation with the received high definition digital TV program. article. The method of claim 8, The command for displaying the broadcast station ID in the changed appearance includes a command for animating the broadcast station ID. article. The method of claim 8, The command for displaying the station ID in a changed appearance includes instructions for making a change in at least one of a display position, color, and size of the station ID. article. The method of claim 8, The instructions for displaying the station ID in a changed appearance include instructions for mixing the changed appearance with a full screen display of the video component to make the changed appearance at least partially transparent. article. The method of claim 8, Instructions for interacting with the supplemental digital content included in the data element by the viewer in response to accepting the viewer input selection. The article further comprising. The method of claim 8, The information is performed when the station ID on the display of the station ID, information on animating the station ID on the display or changing its appearance, and when the station ID is selected by the viewer to enter an interactive mode. At least one of the information describing the processing article. The method of claim 8, The instructions for displaying the broadcast station ID in a changed appearance include instructions for displaying the broadcast station ID in a changed appearance when new auxiliary digital content is received as part of the reception of the high definition digital TV program. article. A system for initiating a conversation with a high definition digital TV program displayed in full screen mode on a display, Extractor logic for extracting information about a broadcast station ID from the data component of the high definition digital TV program; Animator logic for causing display of the station ID with a changed appearance on the display in accordance with the information; And Conversation logic for accepting a viewer input selection to enter interactive mode in response to the changed appearance System comprising. The method of claim 15, The animator logic for causing display of the station ID with the changed appearance includes logic for animating the station ID. system. The method of claim 15, The animator logic for causing display of the station ID with the changed appearance includes logic for making a change in at least one of display position, color, and size of the station ID. system. The method of claim 15, The animator logic for causing display of the station ID with the changed appearance includes logic for mixing the changed appearance with a full screen display of the video component to make the changed appearance at least partially transparent. system. The method of claim 15, The dialogue logic further includes logic for interacting with the supplemental digital content included in the data component by the viewer in response to accepting the viewer input selection. system. The method of claim 15, The information is performed when the station ID on the display of the station ID, information on animating the station ID on the display or changing its appearance, and when the station ID is selected by the viewer to enter an interactive mode. At least one of the information describing the processing system. The method of claim 15, The animator logic causes the display of the station ID to be changed in appearance when new auxiliary digital content is received as part of the reception of the high definition digital TV program. system. Receiving audio, video and data components of a high definition digital TV program; Decoding and rendering the audio and video components for recognition by a viewer, wherein the video components are shown in full screen mode of the display; Extracting information about a broadcast station ID from the data component; Displaying the broadcasting station ID in an animated format based on the information; Accepting a viewer input selection to enter an interactive mode in response to the animated station ID; And Interacting with auxiliary digital content included in the data component in response to the viewer input selection. How to include. The method of claim 22, The information is a description of a position on the display of the broadcast station ID, information on animating the broadcast station ID on the display, and processing performed when a broadcast station ID is selected by the viewer to enter an interactive mode. Containing at least one of Way. The method of claim 23, wherein When the video component is rendered to a second portion of the display, interacting with the supplemental digital content in the first portion of the display How to include more.