DE102014118329A1 - Method and device for providing information in a television picture by means of a QR code - Google Patents

Abstract

One method of providing information in a television picture involves providing picture data of a television program and a logo of a television service provider. Furthermore, the method comprises providing information to be made available via the television picture. The logo is then changed into a QR code logo (2), which graphically combines the logo with a QR code bearing the information. Subsequently, the image data of the television program and the QR code logo are provided.

Description

The invention relates to a method and a device for providing information in a television picture by means of a QR (Quick Response) code. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for obtaining data from a network.

For some time, additional information on the content of television programs has been offered. For this purpose, various options have been established. For example, the moderator refers to pages on the Internet (websites), an info banner is displayed in the TV picture, or a QR code is broadcast that can be scanned in via a reader and allows Internet access to information pages.

The disadvantage is that in some cases the consumer will not even notice or ignore the additional information offered, since the corresponding clue either lies below its threshold of attention or does not adequately awaken its curiosity. On the other hand, consumers who do not want to make use of the offer should be disturbed as little as possible by such a note.

An object of the invention is to provide additional information or additional functions for consumers of television broadcasts in a user-friendly form. In particular, the reference to such additional offers should be noticed by interested consumers and, at the same time, should not be perceived as being excessively disturbing by non-interested consumers. Furthermore, the invention aims to provide a system for obtaining such additional information or additional functions from a network.

The problem underlying the invention is solved by the features of the independent claims. Embodiments and developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Thus, a method of providing information in a television picture comprises providing picture data of a television program and a logo of a television service provider (often referred to as a TV station). The method further comprises providing information to be made available on the television picture and changing the logo into a QR code logo which graphically combines the logo with a QR code bearing the information. Subsequently, image data of the television program and the QR code logo are provided.

By using the logo as a carrier and mediator of the QR code is achieved that the QR code is always presented at the same, highlighted by the logo point of the television picture. This makes it easier for the consumer to perceive the offer of additional information or additional functions, because after a short time he is aware of the additional function of the logo as a whistle-blower for offers. On the other hand, the consumer has already become accustomed to the logo in the television picture, so that this ever-present and non-moving image component of the television picture is no longer perceived as disturbing by the consumer. In this respect, a change of the logo by combination with a QR code is also accepted by the non-interested consumer. In addition, embedding or embedding a QR code in a logo allows a defined representation of the QR code in terms of image background, image environment (so-called white space or quiet zone of the QR code), image contrast, etc., whereby good and reproducible conditions for the Recognition of a presented in a television picture QR code are created.

As used herein, the term "QR code" is intended to be understood broadly and to encompass any matrix of contrast points that represent encoded data in binary form. In particular, the term of the QR code should also include further developments such as, for example, micro QR codes or secure QR codes (SQRC) as well as alienated QR codes or, for example, non-quadratic QR codes, for example the so-called iQR codes.

The graphical combination of the logo with the QR code may include integrating or incorporating the QR code into the logo, adapting the logo to the QR code, or integrating the logo into the QR code. The change of the logo can therefore be achieved by a variety of graphic measures, for example by the insertion of the QR code in a portion of the logo or in the entire logo, replacing a portion of the logo by the QR code or replacing a part of the logo QR codes by the logo.

According to one embodiment, the change of the logo can be clarified to the consumer (additionally) by an optical or acoustic signaling. The visual signaling may include, for example, flashing, lighting up, expanding and / or changing the color of the logo and / or the QR code logo. This means that it is possible that the not yet changed logo draws attention to the upcoming change shortly before its change in the QR code logo by means of the measures mentioned, as well as that the corresponding signaling only after the Change of the logo is made in the QR code logo. The signaling increases the visual perceptibility of the logo change and also awakens the consumer's curiosity.

In addition or instead of the optical signaling of the consumer, a (subtle) acoustic signaling may possibly also take place.

The QR code may encode information of different types. One possibility is to encode information that makes it possible to connect to the Internet after reading the QR code using a consumer reader. In this case, the Internet connection to either the reader itself (for example, a mobile device, smartphone, PDA (Personal Digital Assistant), tablet computer, etc.) and / or to a television picture representing television receiver can be established. In either case, the consumer is allowed to obtain background or additional information about the television program or perform a function related to a content of the television program.

The information encoded in the QR code may include a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier), i. H. a string used to identify a resource, such as a web site, web service, other data, or e-mail recipient. In particular, it may be a URL (Uniform Resource Locator), which makes it possible to access Internet resources, eg. For example, to access a web site or web service by addressing the access method to use (e.g., the network protocol used) and the location of the resource on the web.

An embodiment of the invention further relates to a device for providing information in a television picture. The device comprises an image data providing device for providing image data of a television program and a logo of a television service provider. Furthermore, the device comprises an information data providing device which serves to provide information to be made available via the television picture and is connected to the picture data providing device. Upon receiving the information, the image data providing device changes the logo into a QR code logo, which graphically combines the logo with a QR code bearing the information. Image data containing the changed logo, d. H. The QR code logo will be provided. In this way, the device creates a well noticeable for the consumer but not distracting hinting on the provision of additional or background information or other functions, moreover, through the use of the logo to mediate the offer a promotional effect for the television service provider occurs , The promotional effect is also enhanced by additional signaling (eg flashing, lighting up, expanding and / or changing the color of the logo and / or the QR code logo).

A system for acquiring data from a network (e.g., Internet) may include the described means for providing information in a television picture, and further comprising a reader for optically reading the QR code from the television picture, the reader being arranged to Reading the QR code to establish an Internet connection to the reader or to the television picture representing the television or to both devices. In this way, the consumer is allowed to act interactively beyond getting additional or background information, for example by selecting a function provided in a selection menu. The selection menu can be displayed on the reader or in the television picture and can provide a variety of functions, such as the ordering and / or payment of goods or services or the vote for a consumer survey.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings; in these show:

1 a schematic representation of an exemplary logo of a television provider;

2A - 2D schematic representations of QR code logos containing the in 1 graphically combine the logo shown with a QR code;

3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an exemplary method and an exemplary device for providing information in a television picture; and

4 a schematic representation of embodiments of exemplary methods and exemplary systems for obtaining data from a network.

1 exemplifies a logo 1 a television provider (broadcaster). Television service logos often consist of a sequence of letters and / or one or more digits. The logo shown here 1 The combination of letters XYZ should be merely an example and the principle of combining a QR code with the logo 1 clarify. The combination options explained below can be explained analogously any logos 1 be transmitted by television service providers.

In the logo shown here 1 these are the three letters X, Y, Z, which are arranged, for example, in three color fields. The three color patches can have different colors. The letters can be arranged as shown below each other or side by side. As is known, there are many other possibilities for the graphic design of logos 1 possible, so that the representation chosen here for explanatory purposes is in no way to be regarded as limiting.

According to 2A can the logo 1 z. B. be changed in such a way that an additional field the logo 1 is added, in which the QR code is displayed to the QR code logo 2 to build.

According to 2 B It is also possible that a subsection of the logo 1 , z. For example, the middle panel is changed so that the panel is hidden, and instead the QR code is faded in to the QR code logo 2 to build.

Other ways to combine the logo 1 with a QR code are in the 2C and 2D shown. According to 2C becomes the logo 1 - If necessary, reduced - in one the logo 1 integrated surrounding QR code. By utilizing the error correcting property of the QR code, its function is preserved. It can also be much more elaborate designs than in 2C to get voted.

2D illustrates another example of the combination of the logo 1 with a QR code. Unlike the in 2C example shown here is an integration of the logo 1 in the QR code, in which border areas of the QR code through parts of the logo 1 be replaced. Again, the function of the QR code is retained due to the redundancy contained in the code.

In all the examples presented, for the consumer (ie the television viewer) is the change of the logo 1 Visible visually, so that he can notice the offer of additional information or additional functionality and can be involved in interest readily. In addition, the attention of the consumer as already mentioned by other graphical effects, such. B. flashing, lighting up, expanding and / or changing the color of the logo 1 or individual areas of the logo 1 be awakened, with the said signaling in time before the change of the logo 1 and / or the already modified logo, ie the QR code logo 2 , can be done.

Other ways to combine the logo 1 with a QR code consist in fades or crossfades in which both the logo 1 as well as the QR code remain visible, but with sufficient contrast of the logo 1 displayed or faded QR codes must be guaranteed.

It is also conceivable that the logo 1 is temporarily completely replaced by the QR code, ie disappears briefly during the graphical representation of the QR code.

The invention is therefore based on the idea of adding to a standardized image component of a television picture, which has hitherto been without a technical function, in addition to its advertising or brand function, a technical function as a hint for additional offers. This increases the user-friendliness of the television for providing additional information or additional functions, since the user will now understand the logo as an "additional offer indicator".

The increase in ease of use also affects those people who do not want to take advantage of these additional offers, as they are disturbed by a corresponding notice in the logo less than z. Example, by an insertion of a banner on the edge of the image or the graphical representation of a QR code directly in the moving image - so for example on the product to which the additional information / additional function refers.

The 4 shows a schematic representation of a system for obtaining data from a network, eg. B. the Internet. On the provider side, the system can provide an image data provider 10 (please refer 3 ), the image data provided for transmission 13 provides. The image data (video data) 13 represent the image of a television program and also a logo of the corresponding television provider. The image data represent this image information, ie they make it possible to display this image information on a screen of a television receiver.

The system may further provide an information data provider on the provider side 11 (please refer 3 ) containing information to be made available on the television picture 12 provides. The information provided 12 can, as already explained via a data connection of the image data providing device 10 supplied and from this in the image data 13 the television picture are integrated.

At the information 12 it may be the information encoded by the QR code. For example, about the Data connection data that represents a URI or URL. In addition to or instead of such access data for addressing an external resource (eg, internet web site), parameter data may also be retrieved from the information 12 which can be further processed by a program stored in a reading device and can trigger or enable a specific function of the reading device. For example, the program may be an application software previously downloaded from the network. This is referred to in handsets as App (short for application). 4 illustrates further method steps and means that may be included by a method or system for obtaining data from a network. A television receiver 101 obtains the (transmitted) television picture data 13 from a suitable source (not shown), e.g. As a cable connection, an antenna (eg DVB-T or satellite) or from the Internet 120 , The image data 13 be on a screen 102 of the television receiver 101 shown, with the logo 1 or the QR code logo 2 of the selected television provider in a corner of the television screen, for example, top left.

The QR code of the QR code logo 2 can with a reader 110 to be read. The reader 110 can over the internet 120 with a server 130 keep in touch. For example, the Internet connection can be wireless from the reader 110 to a wireless router 140 and from there via the internet 120 to the server 130 respectively.

The television receiver 101 can also use the internet 120 be connected. For example, the Internet connection can also be accessed via the WiFi router 140 done (see double arrow 103 ).

The reader 110 Optionally available for reading the QR code in the QR code logo 2 be adjusted. That is, that the reader 110 may use a code reading program (code scanner) that incorporates the design of the QR code logo 2 knows and therefore uses the embedding the QR code design for improved code acquisition (ie the identification of the QR code in the scanned screen) and / or a safer reading of the detected QR code uses. In other words, one in the reader 110 existing knowledge of the visual embedding of the QR code in the logo 1 improve the reading of the QR code, thereby enabling, for example, a greater readout distance. An adaptation of the reader 110 to reading (decoding) a QR code logo 2 can be done, for example, using an application software that visually embeds the QR code in the logo 1 calculated out of the scanned data and thereby improves the recognition of the QR code. Such a reader 110 may also be the sole subject of an invention according to the present description.

The reader 110 may also have functions of a television remote control. For example, the reader 110 a converted as a remote handset, z. B. be a smartphone, the remote control (arrow 111 ), for example via a to the reader 110 connectable IR transmitter or via Bluetooth.

The logo changes 1 in the TV picture in a QR code logo 2 or is replaced by the latter, the consumer K can if interested the QR code on the reader 110 to scan. As already mentioned, the QR code can contain a coded web address which, after decoding the QR code, contains a network resource 131 on the server 130 addressed, such as a website or an executable file.

If necessary, after obtaining the consent of the consumer K, the network resource is placed on the reader 110 loaded. A website 131 may for example contain additional information on a product shown in the television picture or background information on the content of the current television program. For an executable file 131 For example, it may be an application software that allows consumer K to perform certain functions (eg, order functions, payment functions, teleavation).

For example, on a display of the reader 110 a selection menu are displayed, which allows the consumer K to participate in a viewer survey (Teleabstimmung or so-called televoting). Examples of televoting procedures are the TED (Tele-Dialog) and the T-VoteCall. In a televoting, the consumer K can vote by dialing a telephone number, sending an SMS (Short Message Service) message or otherwise. Voting may be on the reader 110 can be made and the transmission of the vote can be made via the services mentioned (telephone, SMS) or via the Internet connection 120 respectively.

The Internet connection 103 . 120 of the television receiver 101 allows it over the internet 120 related data on the TV screen 102 display. For example, the website 131 also in the TV picture, z. B. in an inserted into the television picture reduced second television picture (picture in picture) are displayed. This also applies to a selection menu, which is needed for example for a Teleabstimmung or for other functions.

Will the selection menu be on a display of the reader 110 Provided, the selection can be made right there and over the internet 120 to the server 130 or another remote station. For example, a selection menu offered in the TV picture can be set via the remote control function 111 of the reader 110 or another remote control. The selection can be made in the manner familiar to the consumer K and again via the Internet 120 to the server 130 or another remote station.

It is understood that the server 130 Data from the television service provider, which receives the image data 13 via the image data providing device 10 provides. So it can be at the server 130 over the internet 120 transmitted data representing additional information or additional functions to act on the content of the television program contextual information or functions. If the broadcaster (television service provider) is changed, the QR code appearing in the new sender logo addresses network resources 131 of the newly selected transmitter.

It should be noted that it is also possible to use the image data 13 over the internet connection 103 . 120 to obtain, for. As with IPTV (Internet Protocol Television), in which the transmission of television programs over the Internet 120 he follows. In this case, the Internet poses 120 the source for the image data 13 represents.

All embodiments have in common that is created by the inventive combination of a QR code with the logo of the respective television provider for both the television service as well as for the consumer K particularly intuitive, memorable and promotional effective form of information or function provision that the comfort of Offer for both the prospective and the non-interested increased.

Claims (18)

A method of providing information in a television picture, comprising: providing picture data ( 13 ) of a television program and a logo ( 1 ) of a television provider; Providing information to be made available on the television picture ( 12 ); Changing the logo ( 1 ) into a QR code logo ( 2 ), which the logo ( 1 ) with one the information ( 12 ) carrying QR code graphically combined; and providing the image data ( 13 ) of the TV program and the QR code logo ( 2 ). The method of claim 1, wherein the QR code logo ( 2 ) the integration of the QR code into the logo ( 1 ), customizing the logo ( 1 ) to the QR code or the integration of the logo ( 1 ) in the QR code. The method of claim 1 or 2, further comprising: signaling the change of the logo ( 1 ) by an optical and / or acoustic signaling of a consumer. Method according to claim 3, wherein the signaling comprises a flashing, lighting up, expanding and / or a color change of the logo ( 1 ) and / or the QR code logo ( 2 ). Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information ( 12 ) is contextual to the content of the television program. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information ( 12 ) after reading the QR code by means of a reader ( 110 ) connect to the internet ( 120 ). The method of claim 6, further comprising: reading the QR code using the reader ( 110 ); and establishing an Internet connection ( 120 ) to the reader ( 110 ). The method of claim 6 or 7, further comprising: reading the QR code using the reader ( 110 ); and establishing an Internet connection ( 120 ) to a television picture ( 101 ). Method according to one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the information ( 12 ), after reading the QR code, a program in the reader ( 110 ), which provides the consumer with a selection function on the reader ( 110 ). Method according to one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the information ( 12 ), after reading the QR code, a program in the television receiver ( 101 ), which provides the consumer with a selection menu in the television picture. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the information ( 12 ) contains a URI containing one or more websites, files and / or services on the Internet ( 120 ) addressed. Device for providing information in a television picture, comprising: an information data providing device ( 11 ) for providing information to be made available on the television picture ( 12 ); and an image data providing device ( 10 ) for providing image data ( 13 ) of a television program and a logo ( 1 ) of a television service provider, wherein the image data providing device ( 10 ), the logo ( 1 ) into a QR code logo ( 2 ), which changes the logo ( 1 ) with one the information ( 12 ) carrying QR code graphically combined. Device according to claim 12, wherein the QR code logo ( 2 ) the integration of the QR code into the logo ( 1 ), customizing the logo ( 1 ) to the QR code or the integration of the logo ( 1 ) in the QR code. Device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the image data providing device ( 10 ), when changing the logo ( 1 ) into the QR code logo ( 2 ) to generate an optical signaling to a consumer on the change of the logo ( 1 ) to draw attention. Device according to claim 14, wherein the signaling comprises a flashing, lighting up, expanding and / or a color change of the logo ( 1 ) and / or the QR code logo ( 2 ). Systems for obtaining data from a network, comprising: the means for providing information in a television picture according to any of claims 12 to 15, and a reader ( 110 ) for optically reading the QR code from the television picture, the reading device ( 110 ), after reading the QR code, a connection from the reader ( 110 ) to the Internet ( 120 ) or a connection from a television picture ( 101 ) to the Internet ( 120 ). A system according to claim 16, wherein the reading device ( 110 ) is read after reading the QR code, a program in the reader ( 110 ), which provides the consumer with a selection function on the reader ( 110 ). A system according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the reading device ( 110 ) after reading the QR code, a program in a television receiver ( 101 ), which provides the consumer with a selection menu in the television picture.

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