WO2010138097A1 - Method and apparatus for presenting digital content - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for presenting digital content Download PDFInfo
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- WO2010138097A1 WO2010138097A1 PCT/US2009/003211 US2009003211W WO2010138097A1 WO 2010138097 A1 WO2010138097 A1 WO 2010138097A1 US 2009003211 W US2009003211 W US 2009003211W WO 2010138097 A1 WO2010138097 A1 WO 2010138097A1
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/005—Reproducing at a different information rate from the information rate of recording
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- G—PHYSICS
- G11—INFORMATION STORAGE
- G11B—INFORMATION STORAGE BASED ON RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN RECORD CARRIER AND TRANSDUCER
- G11B27/00—Editing; Indexing; Addressing; Timing or synchronising; Monitoring; Measuring tape travel
- G11B27/02—Editing, e.g. varying the order of information signals recorded on, or reproduced from, record carriers
- G11B27/031—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals
- G11B27/034—Electronic editing of digitised analogue information signals, e.g. audio or video signals on discs
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/20—Servers specifically adapted for the distribution of content, e.g. VOD servers; Operations thereof
- H04N21/23—Processing of content or additional data; Elementary server operations; Server middleware
- H04N21/234—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs
- H04N21/23424—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing of video streams, manipulating MPEG-4 scene graphs involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for inserting or substituting an advertisement
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/432—Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk
- H04N21/4325—Content retrieval operation from a local storage medium, e.g. hard-disk by playing back content from the storage medium
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/43—Processing of content or additional data, e.g. demultiplexing additional data from a digital video stream; Elementary client operations, e.g. monitoring of home network or synchronising decoder's clock; Client middleware
- H04N21/44—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs
- H04N21/44016—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream, rendering scenes according to MPEG-4 scene graphs involving splicing one content stream with another content stream, e.g. for substituting a video clip
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/40—Client devices specifically adapted for the reception of or interaction with content, e.g. set-top-box [STB]; Operations thereof
- H04N21/47—End-user applications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/812—Monomedia components thereof involving advertisement data
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N21/00—Selective content distribution, e.g. interactive television or video on demand [VOD]
- H04N21/80—Generation or processing of content or additional data by content creator independently of the distribution process; Content per se
- H04N21/81—Monomedia components thereof
- H04N21/8146—Monomedia components thereof involving graphical data, e.g. 3D object, 2D graphics
- H04N21/8153—Monomedia components thereof involving graphical data, e.g. 3D object, 2D graphics comprising still images, e.g. texture, background image
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N5/00—Details of television systems
- H04N5/76—Television signal recording
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Multimedia (AREA)
- Signal Processing (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Marketing (AREA)
- Computer Graphics (AREA)
- Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
- Two-Way Televisions, Distribution Of Moving Picture Or The Like (AREA)
- Television Signal Processing For Recording (AREA)
Abstract
A method and apparatus are disclosed for presenting recorded content in which at least one content segment has been skipped during content playback. After skipping at least a portion of a first content segment during content playback, at least one image relating to the skipped content segment is displayed during normal speed playback of a second content segment.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRESENTING DIGITAL CONTENT
TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates to a method and apparatus for presenting digital content.
BACKGROUND
As various video recording devices, e.g., digital video recorders, personal video recorders associated with different commercial systems or services, proliferate in home entertainment environment, advertisers are increasingly concerned as to whether their commercials or advertisement are being viewed by the audience because of the ability to skip over commercials during video playback. If the advertisers perceive that the commercials are not being viewed by consumers, then reduced advertisements can potentially affect this revenue stream for broadcast networks. Thus, various methods have been developed for presenting commercials to viewers in response to commercial skip or fast forwarding during content playback.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present principles provide a method, apparatus for presenting recorded digital content in which at least one content segment has been skipped during content playback. The method provides that one or more images related to the skipped content segment are displayed during a normal speed playback of a subsequent content segment. In one example, the skipped content segment contains promotional content such as an advertisement or commercial. If a portion of a commercial or other promotional segments (e.g., previews or trailers) has been skipped during playback of the recorded content, one or more images related to the commercial or promotional segments will be displayed during normal speed playback of a subsequent content segment or regular program. These images are displayed in a non-intrusive manner to avoid interference with the presentation or viewing of the regular program. One embodiment provides a method, which includes: displaying recorded video content, the recorded video content including a first content segment and a second content segment after the first content segment; skipping at least a portion of the first
content segment; and displaying at least one image related to the first content segment during playback of the second content segment at a normal speed.
Another embodiment provides a system, which includes a memory for storing recorded content that includes a first content segment, at least one image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment after the first content segment. The system also includes a processor for implementing display of the at least one image during playback of the second content segment at a normal speed, after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped during content playback.
Another embodiment provides a method of transmitting video content that includes a first content segment, an image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment. The method also includes transmitting data that includes program instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the image related to the first content segment to be displayed. This image is displayed during normal speed playback of the second content segment, but after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped.
Another embodiment provides a computer-readable medium having program instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes a method to be performed. The method includes: displaying recorded video content, the recorded video content including a first content segment and a second content segment following the first content segment; skipping at least a portion of the first content segment; and displaying at least one image related to the first content segment during the second content segment at a normal playback speed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING The teachings of the present invention can be readily understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a time line showing content playback in conventional video recording systems; Figure 2 illustrates a time line showing content playback with commercial skip in conventional video recording systems;
Figures 3a-d illustrate several time lines showing examples of content playback with commercial skip according to the present principles;
Figures 4a-b illustrate displays of alternative commercial-related images in accordance with the present principles; Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of a system for implementing content display according to the present principles; and
Figure 6 illustrates a method of presenting recorded digital content according to one embodiment of the present principles.
To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments of the present principles relate to a method and apparatus for presenting recorded content after an advertisement or commercial has been skipped , during playback of the recorded content. The terms "commercial" and "advertisement" are used interchangeably. Although the examples below refer specifically to scenarios in which commercials are skipped during content playback, the present principles are also applicable to other types of promotional content, including, for example, previews or movie trailers, which are not part of a regular program or featured presentation in the recorded content. The method can also be applied to other situations in which it is desirable or important to convey at least some information relating to a specific content segment that may be skipped during content playback.
In the specific case of a skipped commercial, at least one image or an image sequence, which has content related to the skipped commercial, is displayed during a normal speed playback of a regular program segment after the skipped commercial. The image or image sequence may, for example, include at least one static image or a video clip containing information that relates to the company, products or services in the skipped commercial. Such an image, which is also referred to as an advertisement- related or commercial-related image, is displayed in a relatively non-intrusive manner, e.g., occupying a small fraction of a content display area such as a screen or monitor, so that the display of a regular program will not be significantly affected or obstructed.
To help better understand the present principles, content playback with commercial skip according to conventional practice is first discussed with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2.
FIG. 1 illustrates a time sequence 100 showing normal playback of recorded content in conventional video recording/playback systems. The recorded content includes at least one commercial and a program or program segment after the commercial.
In this example, a commercial break (with three commercials A, B and C) is provided between two programs 102 and 104. As used herein, each program 102 or 104 may be a complete program by itself, or a program segment such as a portion of a featured or main program. Program segments 102 and 104 may also be portions of the same program, or portions of two different programs. As shown in FIG. 1, each commercial A, B and C has a display time duration tA, tβ and tc at normal playback speed. After the commercials, regular programming resumes with program segment 104. FIG. 2 illustrates a time sequence 200 of displaying the recorded content of FIG. 1 with commercial skip being implemented during playback. For example, after displaying the program segment 102, a viewer (or viewer's device) issues a command or instruction for skipping one or more commercials. Such a command can be issued by the viewer shortly after the start of commercial A, e.g., manually using a user interface or remote control. Alternatively, the command may be issued by the viewer's device, which may be programmed to automatically detect the start of a commercial. The automatic detection of a commercial in recorded content may be done using one or more techniques known in the field.
One common way of skipping through a commercial is by fast forwarding, i.e., commercials A, B and C are shown at one or more selected accelerated rates, instead of the normal playback speed. With the reduced or compressed display times (illustrated by hashed patterns), content or information in the commercials will not be presented in a very meaningful manner to the viewer. After the fast-forwarding of commercial C, playback of a regular program, e.g., program segment 104, is resumed at a normal speed, which may be achieved manually or automatically.
FIGS. 3a-d are several examples illustrating the timelines for displaying recorded content with commercial skip according to embodiments of the present principles. When an instruction or command is issued by a viewer (or the viewer's device) for skipping at least a portion of a commercial, e.g., by fast forwarding, one or more portions of commercials A, B and C are fast-forwarded according to the command.
However, upon resuming regular playback of program segment 104, one or more images associated with the skipped commercials are also displayed at normal playback speed during the presentation of program segment 104. These images may include a static display of a logo (e.g., graphical and/or textual representation of a company, product or service), or a banner with additional information (e.g., contact information, web or email addresses, links, other user interfaces, and so on) for a company, product or service related to the skipped commercial. The web or email addresses and various links or user interfaces may be used to provide additional commercial-related information to a user in different manners, for example, as a navigation link to the internet or other online resources, or links to additional data that may be available in the recorded content. In other embodiments, the images may include different graphical representations, static or dynamic displays, or video clips.
FIG. 3 a shows one example of skipping through commercials A, B and C by fast forwarding, resulting in the compressed or shortened display times (shown as hash patterns). Upon playback of program segment 104 at normal speed, images A', B' and C, which are associated with the respective commercials A, B and C, are sequentially displayed during the playback of the program segment 104. For example, commercial- related images A', B1 and C are displayed sequentially for time durations t^, tβ' and to respectively. In one embodiment, these display time durations are the same as the display times allotted to the original commercials A, B and C, i.e., tA, tβ and to respectively. In other embodiments, display time durations may be different from those of the original commercials. Furthermore, if desired, images A', B' and C may also be displayed in different orders, e.g., B', A' and C.
Alternatively, if the program segment 104 has a time duration shorter than would be necessary to display all of the commercial-related images of A, B and C, one or more of these commercial-related images may be played back during segment 104, while the
remaining image(s) may be played back during a different program segment (not shown) subsequent to segment 104. In general, details regarding the manner of displaying these images (e.g., the order of display, display start time and duration, and so on) may be determined according to information provided with the transmitted content. Such information may be specified by the service provider or in conjunction with the advertisers.
In these examples, each commercial-related image is represented in the figures or referred to as an image, e.g., image A', being displayed for a corresponding time duration. However, in an alternative embodiment, image A' may also include an image sequence with different images being displayed during the allotted time duration tA.
Furthermore, the start of the first commercial-related image (e.g., image A' in FIG. 3 a) does not have to coincide in time with the start of normal speed playback of the program segment 104. Instead, there may be a time delay between the start of normal playback of program segment 104 and the display of image A'. In addition, a time delay may be provided between the end of one commercial-related image and the start of another image, e.g., between the end of displaying image A' and the start of image B'.
FIG. 3b shows another example in which the entire commercials B and C, but only a latter portion of commercial A, have been skipped. In this example, the first portion Al of commercial A is played at normal speed for a time duration tAi before the remaining portion A2 is skipped. After starting normal playback of the program segment 104, the commercial-related image A' may be displayed for a time duration (tA) that is shorter than it otherwise would be if the entire commercial A was skipped.
For example, the display time t& may be equal to the normal display time duration of the skipped portion (i.e., if the skipped portion is played at normal speed), i.e., tA 1 = IA - tAi ; where tAi is the normal display duration for the unskipped portion Al. Alternatively, the display duration tA' may be a fixed value, regardless of how much of the original commercial A has been played at normal speed. Different ways of determining the display time duration of the image A1 (or generally, any commercial-related images) may also be used, including, for example, establishing certain display time durations that scale or correlate with different fractions or amounts of a commercial that have been skipped, or using a minimum or fixed display duration regardless of the fraction of a commercial
that has been skipped. Such real-time calculation or determination of the display time duration may be performed by a processor in the recording/playback system, and one or more rules for determining the display time duration are transmitted as part of the content to be recorded by the system. In addition, one or more rules relating to image display associated with one commercial may be the same as, or different from, those applicable to a different commercial.
In another embodiment, the system may also be configured such that if a non- skipped commercial portion (e.g., Al portion) exceeds a predetermined or given threshold value, then the commercial-related image will not be displayed during the regular program segment following the commercial skip. For example, if the non- skipped portion (Al) is greater than about 90% of the original commercial A (i.e., only 10% of the commercial has been skipped), then image A' will not be displayed upon normal playback of program segment 104. In another embodiment, if the non-skipped portion is less than 70% of the original commercial (i.e., at least 30% of the commercial has been skipped), the commercial-related image will be displayed during a regular program segment after the commercial skip. This threshold value for deciding whether the commercial-related image will be shown or not after the commercial skip, as well as the time duration for displaying any commercial-related image, may be determined by taking into account a variety of factors, including for example, complexity in implementation, or a minimum display duration that is appropriate for information to be conveyed in a meaningful manner. In one example, the minimum duration for displaying a commercial-related image is specified to be about 5 seconds, independent of the amount of the commercial that has been skipped. In other embodiments, the display duration may depend in part on the amount of information to be conveyed to the viewer. For example, a relatively simple image such as a static display of a logo may be displayed for a shorter duration compared to another image with more extensive information. This minimum duration, which may be specified by the service provider and/or in conjunction with the advertiser, will be included in the information transmitted to the digital recording/playback system. FIG. 3c illustrates another example of a timeline in which commercial A is allowed to play in its entirety at a normal speed (i.e., displayed for a time duration tA, as
in FIG. 1). Thereafter, substantially the entire commercial B, and only a first portion (Cl) of commercial C are skipped by fast forwarding. A second portion (C2) of commercial C is played at a normal speed.
After resuming normal playback of program segment 104, the image B' associated with commercial B is displayed for a time duration tβ' equal to the duration of commercial B at normal speed, i.e., tβ. Thus, if tβ is a 30-second commercial, image B' will be displayed for 30 seconds during normal playback of program segment 104.
Image C will be displayed after the display of image B' is finished. Since only the Cl portion of commercial C has been skipped, the display duration of image C may be reduced, for example, in accordance with one or more rules established by the service provider and/or advertiser.
FIG. 3d illustrates yet another example of a timeline in which commercial A is allowed to play in its entirety at a normal speed. Thereafter, commercials B and C are skipped by fast forwarding. Furthermore, program segment 104 does not resume normal playback until after a first portion 104a of the program segment 104 has also been skipped or fast forwarded. In this case, commercial-related images B' and C will not be displayed during the fast forwarded program portion 104a. Instead, they are displayed only at or after the start of normal speed playback of program 104.
This method of displaying commercial-related images can readily be adapted for use with original commercials of any lengths or time durations by providing static images or graphics that can be customized for specific advertisers. The commercial-related images or graphic displays are relative non-intrusive to the viewers, e.g., may be similar in size to network or station identification logos currently present on many channels during programming. Such an approach still allows advertisements to be presented to the viewers, even if not in the original full commercial format.
In other embodiments, the commercial-related image may be a condensed video clip, with content relating to the company, product or service in the original commercial. Again, such a video clip may be displayed for different time durations according to one or more rules established by the network operator and/or advertiser, e.g., equal to the display time duration of the original commercial at normal playback speed, other time
durations that may depend on the fraction of the commercial that has been skipped, or a fixed time duration independent of the skipped portion of the commercial.
Thus, the viewer will be allowed to fast forward through advertisements, but additional information or image related to the skipped advertisement will then be displayed after the fast-forwarding has ended, e.g., upon or after the resumption of normal playback of the regular program. The system is also configured such that the one or more images or additional information associated with the skipped commercial cannot be skipped, e.g., by fast forwarding. Instead, the commercial-related image will be displayed during normal playback of a regular program segment after the skipped commercial, but not during another commercial.
Although the information in these commercial-related images is less extensive than in the original commercials, it can still provide a certain level of advertised content and help retain revenues for the networks. Advertisers can also be given a role in defining how the information in the commercial-related image is conveyed to the viewer. FIGS. 4a-b illustrate two examples of commercial-related images 402, 404 in accordance with the present principles. As discussed, each commercial-related image is presented during regular program or content display at normal playback speed, and may be presented in different formats.
Examples include a simple logo such as image 402 shown in FIG. 4a, or a banner 404 with a company's logo and additional information about the specific products or services featured in the skipped commercial, as shown in FIG. 4b. Depending on the complexity of the receiver in the recording/playback device, those logos or banners may also provide interactive options, e.g., having one or more links that allow a viewer to visit a website or rewind to view the original commercial, and so on. In accordance with present principles, the commercial-related image is displayed in a non-intrusive manner, e.g., having a size that is a relatively small fraction of the total display area, or be displayed at a location that does not interfere with or significantly obstruct the presentation or viewing of program segment 104. For example, the displayed image may have a size less than one quarter (1/4) of the total display area of the screen. In other embodiments, the image may have a size between about one sixteenth (1/16) to one eighth (1/8) of the content display area, with one embodiment
being about one tenth (1/10) of the total display area. The commercial-related image may be displayed at various locations, including one or more corners, or along one or more perimeters, of the content display area or screen.
However, the commercial-related image should be large enough to be noticed, or for information to be effectively conveyed to a viewer under normal viewing conditions. For example, a static logo display may have a size of 1/10 or 1/16 of the total screen or display area, while other displays intended to convey more information may have a larger size, e.g., up to 1/8 of the total display area, to accommodate more extensive text or graphics. In one embodiment, the commercial-related image is implemented as an overlay to the video program, and may generally be provided as an opaque or partially transparent image. In one example, the image is 50% transparent, thus allowing the underlying video program to be partially visible to the viewer.
Although simple graphics such as a logo or banner are preferred, in other embodiments, the commercial-related image may include a more complex display such as a combination of still or static images or image sequence (e.g., different images to be displayed in various frames) or even video clips.
FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a system with components suitable for implementing the display of commercial-related images according to present principles. These components, which may be provided in a digital video recorder (DVR) or, more generally, a digital video recording/playback system 500 (i.e., with both recording and playback capabilities), include at least one processor 502 and one or more storage media 504, 506 such as non-volatile memory, random access memory (RAM), hard drive, removable storage media, digital video discs (DVD), Blu-ray discs, and so on. Digital content derived from an external source (not shown), e.g., broadcast transmission, may be stored in storage media 504 and/or 506, while the processor 502 controls the operation of the system by performing and coordinating various essential functions. It is understood that other components may also be provided with the system 500, e.g., being integrated in or coupled to the system for performing various signal processing functions as in conventional DVR systems. Thus, components such as a tuner, encoder or decoder, among others, may also be provided for converting an input
signal into a suitable digital format for storage, and decoding the recorded content for subsequent playback.
In general, the digital recording/playback system 500 may be associated with a service provider and configured with a hard disc drive or a suitable storage device (storage device may also be external to the system), or it may be a stand-alone DVD recorder or Blu-ray disc recorder (e.g., not associated with a service provider). In other embodiments, system 500 may also include digital video cassette recorders, stand-alone set-top boxes, computer-based systems, or web-based systems, among others.
One or more of the system components (e.g., storage device or processor) may be located at a network or cable facility such as a headend and/or at a viewer's premise. The recording/playback system 500 is also connected to a display device 510, e.g., monitor or screen, for presenting the recorded content. In one embodiment, the components of the recording/playback system 500 are all located at a viewer's premise.
In one example, content streams for a regular commercial and an image associated with that commercial are transmitted from a network provider's equipment to a viewer's DVR. For each commercial, at least one identifier is provided for identifying and associating the commercial with its corresponding one or more commercial-related images. These images are transmitted and stored as separate data files with corresponding identifiers provided in the information transmitted to the recording/playback system.
If more than one image is associated with a skipped commercial, e.g., more than one static image and/or video clip are to be shown in response to skipping the commercial, the collection of images and/or video clips may be provided as a single file in any appropriate storage format (with the images/clips arranged in the proper sequence for display), and a corresponding identifier can be provided for use in retrieving this commercial-related image file. Alternatively, each of these different images and/or video clips may be provided as a separate file, each with its own identifier. The latter approach may be useful if some of these images and/or clips are to be used in different combinations (e.g., forming different image sequences) in response to different commercials (e.g., different versions of commercials for the same product/service) being skipped.
In addition, if an image, e.g., standard logo, is frequently used in connection with one or more commercials, it may be stored in a reserved or designated storage space on a permanent basis (without being deleted after one presentation) and provided with a standard identifier. This standard identifier can be referenced or used by more than one commercial for identifying the standard logo, thus avoiding the need to send the logo with each of the different commercials. This approach can reduce bandwidth requirement during transmission, especially when there are recurring needs for one or more these images.
Information or instructions relating to the manner of displaying the commercial - related images are also transmitted to the DVR system, along with the digital content, and stored in the DVR system. Such information, which may be considered a part of the control information, is provided in a suitable location of the data structure in accordance with applicable data formats or protocols, e.g., MPEG-2 or other standards.
For each commercial-related image, such control information may include, for example, an identifier for associating the image with its corresponding commercial, location for displaying the images, a threshold value related to the fraction of a commercial that has been skipped (e.g., for use in triggering the display of the commercial-related image), a minimum time duration for displaying the image, among others. In addition, information may be provided for specifying one or more rules to be used for determining a display time duration of the image, e.g., based on the fraction of the original commercial that has been played back at regular speed (i.e., not skipped through). Such rules will allow the system to determine, on a real-time basis, parameters relevant to the image display in response to different user actions or commands during content playback. Content for recording by the DVR, i.e., regular programs (e.g., movies, sports events, featured shows, and so on), commercials and commercial-related images, may be stored in storage device 504. Any of the commercial-related images may be stored permanently to a non-volatile memory space associated with the system 500, especially if the image is related to one or more commercials with frequent showings. Alternatively, it can be stored only temporarily, and removed from storage after it has been presented during content playback, or is no longer needed.
Instructions for implementing the method of the present invention for playing back recorded content with commercial-related images may be stored in the same memory 504 or another memory 506, as appropriate. Although memories 504 and 506 are shown as components of the system 500, it is also possible to store the content and/or other recorded data on one or more external storage devices that are coupled to and accessible by the system. In other embodiment, the content may also be stored at a location remote to system 500, including a facility of a network or service provider.
During playback of recorded content, an instruction for skipping a portion of a commercial (e.g., by fast forwarding) is detected, e.g., by processor 502, through a signal mechanism typically used in digital video recorders. The instruction for commercial skip may be sent manually by a user via a user interface, or may be generated by the system, e.g., by software in the system 500 designed for automatically detecting and skipping commercials. When an action or command such as a fast-forward is signaled and a commercial is detected, the system 500 will begin populating a queue for displaying the commercial-related image (or images, if there are more than one image associated with the particular commercial) according to the information or instructions associated with the skipped commercial. For example, the queue involves arranging identifiers in an order in which the corresponding commercial-related images (i.e., those associated with the identifiers) are to be displayed. In one embodiment, the queue is maintained in a random access memory (RAM) and updated in real-time in response to a user's action of skipping certain commercials or content segments.
One or more images associated with any skipped commercials are retrieved from their respective storage space in the system for display in the correct manner when normal speed playback is resumed for a program subsequent to the skipped commercial. Different approaches may be used for retrieving these images, including, for example, retrieving and storing them in a buffer before actual presentation, or retrieving them one by one in real-time, i.e., on-the-fly, from where the recorded content is stored.
After a commercial skip, and during normal playback of a regular program, these commercial-related images are inserted into the playback stream through the system's graphics plane, similar to other on-screen displays known in the field.
A processor in system 500, e.g., processor 502 or a different one (not shown), performs real-time processing to determine the display time durations of the commercial- related images, e.g., based on the fraction of a commercial that has been skipped, or other criterion or rule provided in instructions transmitted with the digital content. According to the present principles, the system 500 is configured such that a commercial-associated image will be displayed only during normal speed playback of a regular program or content segment, but not during any fast forwarding of the regular program, or during playback (including normal speed and fast forward) of any commercials. The display of these commercial-related images according to the present principles can be implemented on any recording/playback device or system that has a connection for transmitting the content to the digital video recording device and a commercial skip feature (or more generally, a capability to skip a content segment), including those from different service providers such as satellite, cable and internet protocol (IP) companies.
In addition, embodiments of the present principles may also be adapted for playback of a pre-recorded DVD or Blu-ray disc (i.e., manufactured read-only disc). For example, such pre-recorded discs may contain certain promotional content, e.g., previews, trailers or commercials, which a viewer may also like to skip through. In these situations, information may be provided on the discs as to whether one or more of these promotional content segments can be skipped, or whether alternative images related to these promotional segments should be displayed in the manner described above after skipping these promotional content. Thus, additional images such as logos, banners or video clips associated with the "non-skippable" promotional segments or commercials may also be provided on the discs, with corresponding identifiers for associating these images to their respective promotional segments. Instructions or information relating to the implementation details for displaying these alternate images will also be stored in appropriate locations on the DVD or Blu-ray disc for execution by the disc player during the playback of the pre-recorded content. Although the method and features discussed above are meant to provide an alternative content display in response to a promotional segment or commercial being
skipped, it is conceivable that the method may be used in other scenarios in which the content or service provider wants to ensure that some minimum information related to a specific content segment be conveyed to a viewer. Thus, the method may generally provide one or more images that are related to a first content segment, and in response to at least a portion of the first content segment being skipped during content playback, the corresponding images will be shown during a normal speed playback of a subsequent (or second) content segment, similar to the various examples and features discussed above. For example, one scenario may involve a content segment relating to copyright notice or warning against illegal copying. If the system detects that the copyright notice or warning segment is being skipped, an image or image sequence (e.g., logo, banner, video clip, and so on) designed to convey copyright-related notice or warning may then be displayed for a certain time duration during the playback of the regular program following the skipped segment.
FIG. 6 illustrates some steps in a method 600 for presenting recorded content in digital format according to an embodiment of the present principles. Step 602 shows recorded video content being displayed, e.g., on a display monitor or screen. The recorded video content includes at least a first content segment and a second content segment following the first content segment. After skipping at least a portion of the first content segment (step 604), at least one image related to the first content segment is displayed during the second content segment at a normal playback speed (step 606).
With this method of digital content playback, one can ensure that certain information relating to a specific content segment will be displayed during the playback of a regular program at normal speed, which enhances the chance of the information being conveyed to the viewer. In one embodiment, the first content segment is a promotional segment, and the second content segment is a regular program. In other embodiments, the promotional segment may be a commercial, a preview and a trailer, respectively. In yet another embodiment, the first content segment is a notification such as a copyright notice or warning.
Another embodiment provides a method of transmitting video content that includes a first content segment, an image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment. The method also includes transmitting data or content that
includes program instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the image related to the first content segment to be displayed during normal speed playback of the second content segment, after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped during content display or playback. The content playback may be done by a media player, including a DVD player, B Iu- ray disc player, DVR or other suitable systems.
Another embodiment provides a system that includes a means for storing recorded content that includes a first content segment, at least one image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment after the first content segment, and a means for displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment during playback of the second content segment at a normal speed, after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped during content playback.
Yet another embodiment provides a computer readable medium (e.g., memory, storage device, removable storage media, and so on) having stored program instructions, such that, when executed by a processor, will perform a method for transmitting content, or a method for displaying recorded content, as described above according to one or more of the present principles.
While the forgoing is directed to various embodiments of the present invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. As such, the appropriate scope of the invention is to be determined according to the claims, which follow.
Claims
1. A method, comprising: displaying recorded video content, the recorded video content including a first content segment and a second content segment after the first content segment; skipping at least a portion of the first content segment; and displaying at least one image related to the first content segment during playback of the second content segment at a normal speed.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment in at least one of: a corner and along a perimeter of a content display area.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment has a display size less than one eighth of a content display area.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment for a time duration equal to a time duration of the first content segment at a normal playback speed.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment for a time duration equal to a time duration of the skipped portion of the first content segment at a normal playback speed.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment for a time duration determined based on a threshold amount of the skipped portion of the first content segment.
7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment includes one of: a static image, an image sequence, and a video clip.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment further includes at least one of a user interface and a link for providing information relating to the first content segment.
9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an identifier for associating the at least one image to the first content segment.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the identifier is provided in a content stream related to the first content segment.
11. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first content segment is a promotional content segment including at least one of a commercial, preview and trailer.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the first content segment contains a notification.
13. A system, comprising: a memory for storing recorded content that includes a first content segment, at least one image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment after the first content segment; and a processor for implementing display of the at least one image during playback of the second content segment at a normal speed, after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped during content playback.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is configured for implementing display of the at least one image in at least one of: a corner and along a perimeter of a content display area.
15. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment has a display size less than one eighth of a content display area.
16. The system of claim 13, further configured for displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment for a time duration equal to a time duration of the first content segment at normal playback speed.
17. The system of claim 13, further configured for displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment for a time duration equal to a time duration of the skipped portion of the first content segment at a normal playback speed.
18. The system of claim 13, further configured for determining a time duration for displaying the at least one image related to the first content segment, wherein the time duration is determined based on a threshold amount of the skipped portion of the first content segment.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment includes one of: a static image, an image sequence, and a video clip.
20. The system of claim 19, wherein the at least one image related to the first content segment further includes at least one of a user interface and a link for providing information relating to the first content segment.
21. The system of claim 13, wherein the recorded content further includes an identifier for associating the first content segment with the at least one image, and the processor is configured for retrieving the at least one image based on the identifier.
22. A method, comprising: transmitting video content that includes a first content segment, an image related to the first content segment, and a second content segment; transmitting data including program instructions that, when executed by a processor, will cause the image related to the first content segment to be displayed during a normal speed playback of the second content segment after at least a portion of the first content segment has been skipped.
23. A computer-readable medium having program instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes a method to be performed, the method comprising: displaying recorded video content, the recorded video content including a first content segment and a second content segment following the first content segment; skipping at least a portion of the first content segment; and displaying at least one image related to the first content segment during the second content segment at a normal playback speed.
24. A computer-readable medium having program instructions that, when executed by a processor, causes a method to be performed in accordance with any of the preceding claims 1-12.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/003211 WO2010138097A1 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2009-05-27 | Method and apparatus for presenting digital content |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/003211 WO2010138097A1 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2009-05-27 | Method and apparatus for presenting digital content |
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| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| WO2010138097A1 true WO2010138097A1 (en) | 2010-12-02 |
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| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2009/003211 WO2010138097A1 (en) | 2009-05-27 | 2009-05-27 | Method and apparatus for presenting digital content |
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| Country | Link |
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| WO (1) | WO2010138097A1 (en) |
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| CN104980794A (en) * | 2015-06-30 | 2015-10-14 | 北京金山安全软件有限公司 | Video splicing method and device |
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| WO2003005711A2 (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2003-01-16 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method and apparatus for displaying equivalent announcements |
| EP1379083A2 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2004-01-07 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Video recording/playback system and method for generating video data |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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| WO2003005711A2 (en) * | 2001-07-03 | 2003-01-16 | Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. | Method and apparatus for displaying equivalent announcements |
| EP1379083A2 (en) * | 2002-07-02 | 2004-01-07 | Hitachi, Ltd. | Video recording/playback system and method for generating video data |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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