Classifications

• • H—ELECTRICITY
  • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
  • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
  • H04N5/00—Details of television systems
  • H04N5/44—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards
  • H04N5/445—Receiver circuitry for the reception of television signals according to analogue transmission standards for displaying additional information
  • H04N5/44504—Circuit details of the additional information generator, e.g. details of the character or graphics signal generator, overlay mixing circuits
• • 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
  • H04N21/41—Structure of client; Structure of client peripherals
  • H04N21/426—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof
  • H04N21/42676—Internal components of the client ; Characteristics thereof for modulating an analogue carrier signal to encode digital information or demodulating it to decode digital information, e.g. ADSL or cable modem
• • 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
  • H04N21/431—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering
  • H04N21/4312—Generation of visual interfaces for content selection or interaction; Content or additional data rendering involving specific graphical features, e.g. screen layout, special fonts or colors, blinking icons, highlights or animations
• • 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
  • H04N21/435—Processing of additional data, e.g. decrypting of additional data, reconstructing software from modules extracted from the transport stream
• • 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 or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
  • H04N21/4402—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
  • H04N21/440245—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display the reformatting operation being performed only on part of the stream, e.g. a region of the image or a time segment
• • 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 or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs
  • H04N21/4402—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display
  • H04N21/440263—Processing of video elementary streams, e.g. splicing a video clip retrieved from local storage with an incoming video stream or rendering scenes according to encoded video stream scene graphs involving reformatting operations of video signals for household redistribution, storage or real-time display by altering the spatial resolution, e.g. for displaying on a connected PDA
• • 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
  • H04N21/45—Management operations performed by the client for facilitating the reception of or the interaction with the content or administrating data related to the end-user or to the client device itself, e.g. learning user preferences for recommending movies, resolving scheduling conflicts
  • H04N21/462—Content or additional data management, e.g. creating a master electronic program guide from data received from the Internet and a Head-end, controlling the complexity of a video stream by scaling the resolution or bit-rate based on the client capabilities
  • H04N21/4622—Retrieving content or additional data from different sources, e.g. from a broadcast channel and the Internet
• • 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

Definitions

• the invention is directed primarily to multimedia, and more particularly to an information processing apparatus for use in association with a video display unit, such as a television.
• the information processing apparatus is capable of combining broadcast (or otherwise transmitted) video signals with received data signals which comprise graphics and alphanumeric text and generated graphics and text.
• Televisions are generally used for receiving and displaying broadcast signals from such sources as terrestrial transmissions, cable transmissions and/or satellite transmissions. Such transmissions are disseminated to a wide number of televisions and to numerous geographic regions.
• Most transmissions include advertising in the form of commercials.
• such commercials comprise 15 to 60 second spots between scenes of a show, innings of a baseball game, etc.
• These commercials are transmitted to a generally wide audience of viewers.
• a typical terrestrial broadcast in the Chicago area is disseminated to several million people.
• one of the most effective manners in which to provide information to individuals is by transmission over television. Indeed, at a broadcaster level, inclement weather conditions can be scrolled across the bottom of a screen.
• such messages are disseminated to the entire viewing public. As such, there is no manner in which, for example, a tavern can advertise specials over television screens, especially without adversely affecting the ability to view the regularly transmitted video signal.
• the invention comprises an information processing apparatus comprising a video input, a data input, a means for generating and modifying images and text from the data input , a means for combining the video input and the resultant data input images and text, and means for outputting the combined signal to a video display unit.
• the apparatus combines a data signal with a video signal to simultaneously display both over a video display unit.
• the information processing apparatus further includes an audio input.
• the audio and video inputs comprise a single video/audio input.
• the single video/audio input comprises a coaxial cable connector.
• the video input comprises a tuner having a coaxial cable connector.
• the video input my be an F signal, component, composite or digital video input.
• the data input comprises one of the group consisting of: a USB port, Serial port, Parallel port, IRDA port, wireless data receiver, vertical blanking or other video imbedded data signal or modem.
• the combining means includes means for resizing a video signal received from the video input. Additionally, the combining means may include means for positioning a video signal received from the video input to a particular region of a video display unit. In another embodiment, the combining means may include means for positioning data received from the data input to a particular region of the video display unit. In yet another preferred embodiment, the combining means may include means for overlaying the data received from the data input over the video signal received from the video input.
• the data input is capable of receiving graphics and alpha- numerictext.
• the graphics comprise meta data and the alpha-numeric text comprises encoded alpha-numeric text.
• the output means comprises a combined signal output.
• the combined signal output comprises a Radio Frequency, Composite Video, Component Video or any other applicable digital or analog video format.
• the combined signal output comprises a plurality of combined signal outputs, to, in turn, output the signal to a plurality of visual display units.
• the invention likewise comprises a method of combining a video signal and a data signal for display onto a video display unit. The method comprises the steps of (a) providing a video signal; (b) providing a data signal; (c) Processing the data signal to generate graphics and textual elements (d) combining the video signal and the data signal; (e) outputting the combined signal to a video display unit; and (f) displaying the combined signal on the video display unit.
• the method further comprises the step of providing an audio signal.
• the step of combining comprises the step of resizing at least a portion of the video signal. In another preferred embodiment, the step of combining comprises the step of repositioning at least a portion of the video signal. In yet another preferred embodiment, the step of combining comprises the step of overlaying at least a portion of the data signal over at least a portion of the video signal.
• Fig. 1 of the drawings is a plan view of the processor apparatus of the present invention
• Fig. 2 is a schematic presentation of same;
• Fig. 3 is an elevational view of the display unit and signal;
• Fig. 4 is an elevational view of yet another display unit and signal
• Fig. 5 is an elevational view of yet anotlier display unit and signal
• Fig. 6 is an elevational view of yet another display unit and signal.
• Information Processing apparatus 10 is shown in Fig. 1 as comprising housing 18, video input 20, audio input 22, data input 24, means 26 for combining the video, audio and data input, and combined signal output 28.
• Housing 18 comprises an aluminum housing which protects internal components, and effectively dissipates heat. While various components are contemplated, apparatus 18 is about the size of a VHS video tape, thus, the apparatus can easily be stored and transported.
• processor apparatus 10 is associated with video source 100, audio source 110 and data source 120 so as to be capable of receiving information from such sources.
• processor apparatus 10 is associated with at least one video display unit, such as video display unit 130.
• Video input 20 is shown in Fig. 1 as comprising various jacks and connectors capable of receiving video signals from video source 100.
• audio input 22 may comprise various jacks and connectors capable of receiving audio signals from audio source 110.
• the video and audio are provided by a single combined source.
• Such sources may include cable company broadcasts, terrestrial (airwave) broadcasts or satellite broadcasts.
• Video input 20 may likewise comprise a RF signal, component, composite or digital video input. Additionally, the sources may comprise on-site sources, such as video cameras (VHS, VHS-C, 9mm, Hi-9, non-tape etc.), VTR's (VHS, 9mm, 3/4 inch, etc.), DVD,
• video input 20 may include a tuner capable of decoding cable, terrestrial and satellite signals. In such an embodiment, it is not necessary to include a separate tuner to decode the various signals prior to input into video input 20. Such a tuner can be integrated with decoder 40 (Fig. 1).
• Data input is shown in Fig. 1 as comprising various jacks and connections capable of receiving digital data signals from data source 120 (Fig. 2).
• Data source 120 may comprise, for example, a remote or a local computer having data readable and usable by processor apparatus 10. Such computers may comprise remote servers which are accessible over the
• each processor apparatus 10 will have a designated
• IP address (i.e. xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx or the like).
• processor apparatus can be individually addressed and accessed.
• computers may be local and directly accessible by various means.
• Various computers are contemplated including, but not limited to, computers operating under various systems such as UNIX, LINUX, Windows 98/00/NT,
• connection systems may be utilized as data input 24. These include modem connectors associated with a DSL, 56K or cable modem line. These connections are useful, especially wherein the data source comprises a server accessible through the Internet. In other instances, especially wherein the data source is a local connection to the apparatus, the connectors may comprise a USB port, serial port, parallel port, infrared port (IRDA), RF, wireless data receiver, vertical blanking or other video imbedded data signal, to name a few. Indeed, these are only some of the possibilities, and the invention is not limited to any particular set of connectors. Specifically, the apparatus may be tailored to use specific custom connectors, or connectors which may become available in the future.
• Combining means 26 is shown schematically in Fig. 1 as comprising an IC board having C PU/processor 32, SDRAM 34, FLASH memory 36, encoder 38 and decoder 40.
• the foregoing hardware is operably wired together and software is embedded in either the SDRAM 34 and/or FLASH memory 36 (additional software as necessary can be sent via data input).
• flash memory may be replaced or supplemented with hard disks, CD Rom drives, or other permanent and/or removable media.
• the software which can be programmed by one skilled in the art of computer programming, coordinates the hardware to accept video, audio, and data input from each of inputs 20-24 and decode where necessary to combine them in various forms.
• the combined signal is encoded and output to combined signal output 28.
• the combining means can process the signals received from video input
• the video input can be repositioned so that it appears at a predetermined location on the video display. As shown in Fig. 3, for example, the displayed video signal 200 has been reduced in side and repositioned into one corner of the screen. As shown in Fig. 4, the displayed video signal 200 has been reduced and repositioned in the center of the screen.
• combining means 26 can process the data input into imagery (which will comprise a combination of textual, visual and audio signals). While various formats are contemplated for use, one fonnat that is contemplated comprises a format which is of low bandwidth sold under the name Flash by Macromedia. Such a format is useful due to the limited memory required for the apparatus.
• the data signal is then processed(i.e. decoded) by
• the combined signal is output to the video display unit.
• the data portion of the combined signal is directed to the remaining "L" shaped region 210 of the video display unit.
• the data portion of the combined signal is directed to the "frame" portion 220 of the display.
• the data portion can be combined with the video portion so that the data (i.e. text or graphics) overlie the video image.
• the combined signal is delivered to video display unit 130 by way of combined signal output 28.
• the combined signal output may comprise various connectors, many of which are commonly utilized in the audio-visual industry. These include S-Video connections, RCA type connections, coaxial cable connectors, wire pairs, fiber optic, to name a few.
• S-Video connections S-Video connections
• RCA type connections coaxial cable connectors
• wire pairs wire pairs
• fiber optic to name a few.
• the device is not limited to any particular type of connector.
• the user first attaches the apparatus to a video source, an audio source and a data source.
• the video source and the audio source comprise a cable service.
• the cable service signal is transmitted through coaxial cable 230 to combined apparatus 10.
• the audio and video input is combined into a single coaxial connector.
• the data source is coupled to the data input.
• the data source comprises a remotely positioned server which is accessible either directly or via the Internet.
• the data input comprises a modem which is connected via a RJ-45 (or similar) to an outside telephone line.
• RJ-45 or similar
• combined signal output 28 is connected to video display unit 130.
• combined signal output 28 comprises a video and an audio RCA jack.
• Video display unit 130 comprises a television.
• video display units are contemplated for use, such as televisions in any one of HDTV, NTSC, PAL and SEC AM formats.
• the video display unit may comprise a monitor, such as a computer monitor.
• a video/audio signal, and a data signal are transmitted to the apparatus.
• the apparatus via the onboard components and software) combines the signals so as to create a single combined output signal.
• the combining means generally controls the scheduling of the display of the data signal (i.e. imagery). For example, data may be received from a source, at, for example, the early morning hours, then the combining means will dete ⁇ nine the display schedule for the data received.
• the video/audio signal may comprise a televised baseball game.
• the data signal may comprise, for example, an advertisement stored on a local computer.
• combining means combines the signals by, for example, resizing the video signal so that the baseball game appears on 80% of the video display unit, starting in the upper left hand comer.
• the data signal which comprises an advertisement is fed to the remaining portion of the video display unit screen (about 20%>).
• the data signal is superimposed over the video signal, and, no resizing of the video display is executed.
• viewers can continue watching the baseball game and without interrupting the game, an advertisement can be displayed to each viewer on a portion of the screen.
• the video signal will comprise the entire combined signal (i.e. no data signal), or that the data signal will comprise the entire combined signal (i.e. no video signal).
• the above described system in operation is quite well suited to, for example, a sports bar.
• Such environments often have various televisions displaying sporting events.
• the data signal may comprise an advertisement which displays all of the specials which are currently available from the bar or the kitchen.
• the patrons of the sports bar are informed of the specials.
• each apparatus can have a different data signal, or a single data signal can be transmitted to a group of video display units.
• Such a system is not limited for use in association with a sports bar.
• the system can be rather useful in a nursing home environment.
• the video signal may comprise cable television broadcast.
• the data input may comprise a series of reminders regarding ongoing activities at the nursing home such as meals being offered or times for medication administration, etc.
• the system is equally applicable in various other settings, such as a hospital, an airport, a restaurant, an office, to name a few. Indeed, the system is well suited for use in any environment which includes a television or other visual display unit and where advertisements, notices, or other information can be transmitted to viewers of the television.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Multimedia (AREA)
• Signal Processing (AREA)
• Databases & Information Systems (AREA)
• Computer Graphics (AREA)
• Controls And Circuits For Display Device (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=24605720

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (1)

• 2001
  • 2001-02-28 EP EP01916314A patent/EP1314309A4/de not_active Withdrawn
  • 2001-02-28 WO PCT/US2001/006559 patent/WO2002019702A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2001-02-28 AU AU2001243353A patent/AU2001243353A1/en not_active Abandoned

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (1)

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