WO2001006770A1 - Methods and apparatus for presentation of multimedia information in conjunction with broadcast programming - Google Patents

Methods and apparatus for presentation of multimedia information in conjunction with broadcast programming Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001006770A1
WO2001006770A1 PCT/EP2000/006369 EP0006369W WO0106770A1 WO 2001006770 A1 WO2001006770 A1 WO 2001006770A1 EP 0006369 W EP0006369 W EP 0006369W WO 0106770 A1 WO0106770 A1 WO 0106770A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
information
broadcast program
viewer
additional information
program
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2000/006369
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2001006770A8 (en
Inventor
Paul Rankin
Karen I. Trovato
Original Assignee
Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V. filed Critical Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
Priority to EP00951345A priority Critical patent/EP1125429A1/en
Priority to JP2001511089A priority patent/JP4991064B2/en
Publication of WO2001006770A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001006770A1/en
Publication of WO2001006770A8 publication Critical patent/WO2001006770A8/en

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
    • H04N7/00—Television systems
    • H04N7/08—Systems for the simultaneous or sequential transmission of more than one television signal, e.g. additional information signals, the signals occupying wholly or partially the same frequency band, e.g. by time division
    • 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
    • H04N21/454—Content or additional data filtering, e.g. blocking advertisements
    • 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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N21/45—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
    • H04N21/4508—Management of client data or end-user data
    • H04N21/4532—Management of client data or end-user data involving end-user characteristics, e.g. viewer profile, preferences
    • 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]
    • H04N21/40—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
    • 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
    • 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
    • H04N21/8126—Monomedia components thereof involving additional data, e.g. news, sports, stocks, weather forecasts
    • 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
    • H04N21/8166—Monomedia components thereof involving executable data, e.g. software

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to multimedia signal processing, and more particularly to techniques for displaying video, text or other multimedia information in conjunction with broadcast programming.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,264,933 An example of a technique for altering broadcast programming to enable to the display of other related information is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,264,933.
  • a logo or other advertising message is inserted into a portion of a video image display.
  • the technique uses a pattern recognition algorithm to recognize a selected portion of the video image, and automatically inserts the advertising message into that selected portion to provide a display in which it appears that the inserted message is actually part of the original image.
  • an advertising logo may be displayed on a portion of a tennis court throughout a broadcast of a tennis match, as if it were actually permanently positioned on the court.
  • Another example of a technique for altering broadcast programming to enable to the display of related information is disclosed in PCT Application No. WO 98/56174.
  • an audio-only broadcast program received by a television receiver is displayed in conjunction with pre-programmed on-screen display information, e.g., graphics and text images, to provide additional visual entertainment for viewers.
  • pre-programmed on-screen display information e.g., graphics and text images
  • the invention provides improved techniques for displaying or otherwise presenting related information in conjunction with broadcast programming.
  • additional multimedia information is retrieved and presented in conjunction with broadcast programming in a video processing system, based on at least one of (i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for one or more viewers.
  • the additional information may be, e.g., retrieved over a network connection established with a remote server or other remote information source, or from a memory or other storage device at the viewer location.
  • the additional information may include a display border with text, image, audio or video information that is displayed in conjunction with a video image associated with the broadcast program.
  • a broadcast program corresponding to a football game may include a display border with textual information indicative of a viewer preference for a particular team.
  • the information in the display border can vary as the program progresses, e.g., may include appropriate cheers when the team preferred by a viewer scores a touchdown.
  • the additional information may include one or more on-screen viewer control indicators, such as mixing controls or viewpoint controls, as appropriate for particular viewers or groups of viewers based on the content and/or profile information. For example, if the broadcast program is a concert, and the profile information indicates that the viewer is a musician or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in mixing controls, such controls may be presented to the viewer in conjunction with the broadcast program. Similarly, if the profile information indicates that the viewer is a camera buff or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in camera viewpoint controls, such controls may be presented to the viewer in conjunction with the broadcast program.
  • the additional information may include text, image or video display screens which are presented to viewers in a channel change transition.
  • a sequence of images may be presented to the viewer.
  • the sequence of images may include, e.g., a reduced contrast and brightness version of a video image from the first program, followed by a reduced contrast and brightness version of a video image from the second program, such that the transition between the programs is softened.
  • the sequence of images could alternatively include textual information regarding the second program and second channel, as well as additional text, image, audio or video information determined in accordance with viewer profile information, such as time, date, local or national weather, stock quotes, etc.
  • This additional text, image or video information may include an indication, based on the profile information, of at least one additional program likely to be of interest to the viewer.
  • the viewer may be permitted to transition directly to the channel showing the additional program upon entry of an appropriate selection command.
  • Similar techniques may be used to implement a Ascreen saver ⁇ arrangement in which appropriate information, e.g., as determined based on a viewer profile, is presented during a period of time for which a broadcast program is not being displayed on the display device.
  • the additional information may include one or more software programs which provide control of a display device or other device associated with the viewer location.
  • a software program retrieved in conjunction with a particular broadcast program may control the audio levels, modes or other features of the display device used to display the broadcast program, as well as similar features of a stereo, storage device or other type of controllable device at the viewer location.
  • the invention allows a television, computer or other broadcast programming presentation device to serve as a media portal providing access to a wide variety of additional information from media such as, e.g., television, radio, cable or satellite broadcast, local compact disk jukebox, audio or video tape library, digital video disk, etc.
  • the invention provides viewers with both improved interactivity and more appropriately targeted information.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video processing system in which the invention may be implemented.
  • FIGS. 2 through 5 show examples of program display borders responsive to program content and/or viewer profile information in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate different controls that can be provided to a viewer based on program content and/or viewer profile information in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates an image fading technique that may be implemented during a transition from one program to another program in accordance with the invention.
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples of information that may be displayed during a transition from one program to another program in accordance with the invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows an example of a video processing system 10 in which the present invention may be implemented.
  • the system 10 in this embodiment includes a receiver 12, a processor 14 and a memory 16.
  • the processor 14 and memory 16 communicate over a bus 17, although in other embodiments these and other system elements could be integrated into, e.g., a single processing device.
  • the processor 14 may represent, e.g., a microprocessor, central processing unit, computer, circuit card, application-specific integrated circuit
  • the memory 16 may represent an electronic memory, an optical or magnetic disk-based memory, a tape-based memory, as well as portions or combinations of these and other types of memories.
  • a broadcast source 20 supplies a broadcast signal, e.g., a video signal including one or more broadcast programs, via an interface 22 to the receiver 12.
  • N different types of interfaces may be required in order to access N different types of additional information sources.
  • a single common interface may be used to access a variety of different information sources.
  • Information from the one or more additional information sources 25-/ ' is processed in accordance with one or more software programs stored in memory 16 and executed by processor 14 in order to generate one or more corresponding output video signals. These signals are combined in a signal combiner 27 with a broadcast signal output of the receiver 12, and the resultant combined signal is supplied to a display device 30, which may be, e.g., a television display, a computer monitor, or any other suitable type of display.
  • the one or more software programs may also be stored in whole or in part in another machine-readable storage medium accessible to the system 10, such as on an optical or magnetic disk, tape or other storage medium associated with a system storage device.
  • Another machine-readable storage medium accessible to the system 10 such as on an optical or magnetic disk, tape or other storage medium associated with a system storage device.
  • Amemory ⁇ as used herein is intended to include these and other types of storage media and devices.
  • the broadcast source 12 may be, e.g., a television signal broadcast station, a cable system head end, a satellite transmitter, a broadcast program server accessible over a global computer communications network such as the Internet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, a local area network, a cable network, a satellite network or a telephone network, as well as portions or combinations of these and other types of broadcast sources.
  • the additional information sources 25-/ ' may be, e.g., storage locations in one or more local or remote storage devices, such as optical or magnetic disk-based memories, servers accessible over the Internet or other type of network, as well as portions or combinations of these and other information sources. Specific examples of such additional information sources include television, radio, cable or satellite broadcast, local compact disk jukebox, audio or video tape library, digital video disk, etc.
  • the characteristics of the corresponding interfaces 22 and 26-/ will vary depending upon the particular types of sources used in a given application.
  • the interfaces 26-/ may collectively represent a disk input-output device in a local storage device, or a set of network connections, e.g., transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connections, used to access one or more remote servers over the Internet.
  • TCP/IP transmission control protocol/Internet protocol
  • elements or groups of elements of the system 10 may represent a desktop, laptop or palmtop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a television, or a set-top box, as well as portions or combinations of these and other devices.
  • PDA personal digital assistant
  • the invention may be implemented in other types of systems.
  • the signal combiner 27 may be incorporated into the receiver 12, or implemented at least in part in software executed by the processor 14.
  • one or more of the interfaces 26-/ may be implemented as part of the processor 14, or as part of an input-output device associated with the processor 14.
  • one or more of the elements of the system such as the receiver 12, processor 14, memory 16 and signal combiner 27 may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or circuit card to be incorporated into a television, computer, set-top box or other device.
  • ASIC application specific integrated circuit
  • a broadcast signal from the broadcast source 20 is supplied to the receiver 12.
  • the receiver 12 demodulates and otherwise processes the received signal in a conventional manner such that it is appropriately configured for display.
  • the processor 14 Based on information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10, the processor 14 directs the retrieval of additional information from one or more of the additional information sources 25-/.
  • This additional information is combined with the output of the receiver 12 in the signal combiner 27, and displayed on display device 30 in conjunction with the broadcast signal. Examples of various types of additional information that may be displayed in conjunction with a broadcast program will be described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 through 10.
  • the invention allows a television, computer or other broadcast programming presentation device in a video processing system to serve as a media portal providing access to a wide variety of additional information.
  • FIG. 2 shows display device 30 including a display screen 100 which includes a video image 101 displayed in conjunction with a display border 102 having a characteristic that is responsive to broadcast program content and/or viewer profile information.
  • the video image 101 is delivered to the display device 30 from the receiver 12 of system 10.
  • a characteristic of the display border 102 e.g., its color, ornamentation, shape, arrangement, layout, etc., is varied in accordance with information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10.
  • the color of the display border 102 may reflect a dominant or primary color of the video image 101, and may vary as the dominant or primary color of the video image 101 changes over time.
  • the color or other characteristic of the display border 102 may be set based on a viewer preference as indicated in a stored viewer profile. Another possibility is for the color or other characteristic of the display border 102 to vary in accordance with information in the broadcast signal itself, e.g., the content provider can provide indications in the broadcast signal of a particular type of display border that should be displayed in conjunction with a given portion of a program in the broadcast signal. This aspect of the invention allows particular video images or sets of images to be highlighted in a straightforward manner without the need for including textual information.
  • FIG. 3 shows a display screen 104 of display device 30 which includes video image 101 displayed in conjunction with a display border 105 that includes textual information responsive to broadcast program content and/or viewer profile information.
  • textual information presented in the display border 105 is varied in accordance with information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10.
  • the particular textual information displayed can thus vary as a function of time as the broadcast program progresses.
  • the textual information may include a statement regarding an element of the displayed video image 101, and may be tailored to known preferences of one or more viewers.
  • FIGS. 4 and 5 show other examples of displays generated in accordance with the techniques of the invention.
  • the displayed information includes a video image associated with a broadcast program as well as additional information based on stored viewer profile information.
  • a display screen 110 of display device 30 includes a video image 111 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a football game, and additional information 112 based on stored viewer profile information indicating that the viewer is a fan of a particular team, i.e., the Giants.
  • This viewer profile information may be determined, e.g., by detecting the viewing preferences of the viewer, such as a preference for watching games involving the Giants, or by any other suitable technique.
  • a display screen 120 of the display device 30 includes a video image 121 of a particular event, i.e., the Giants scoring a touchdown, and additional information 122, i.e., information celebrating the touchdown, based on the viewer profile indicating that the viewer is a Giants fan.
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate displays which include profile-based viewer controls in accordance with the invention.
  • a display screen 130 of display device 30 includes a video image 131 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a video image of a rock band concert or video, and additional information in the form of a set of on- screen Amixing ⁇ controls including a singer control 132, a drum control 134 and a guitar control 136.
  • the additional information to be displayed is determined based on viewer profile information, i.e., the mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 may be displayed in conjunction with the video image 131 based on an indication in a stored viewer profile that the viewer is a musician or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in such controls.
  • the mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 may be adjusted by the viewer entering commands or the like via a remote control or other type of control device.
  • Each of the controls 132, 134 and 136 may be configured to provide control of characteristics such as volume, balance, treble, base, etc. for the corresponding musical feature of the video image.
  • the particular controls provided may vary as the broadcast program progresses. In the FIG.
  • a display screen 140 of display device 30 includes a video image 141 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a video image of the same rock band concert or video previously mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 6, and additional information in the form of a set of on-screen viewpoint controls including a zoom control 142 and a pan/tilt control 144.
  • the additional information to be displayed is determined based on viewer profile information, i.e., the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 may be displayed in conjunction with the video image 141 based on an indication in a stored viewer profile that the viewer is a camera buff or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in such controls.
  • the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 provide control of the camera viewing angle as reflected in the video image 141, i.e., adjustments in the controls produce corresponding changes in the video image 141. These changes can be generated, e.g., by processor-calculated image magnification and other well-known image processing techniques. As in the FIG. 6 example, the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 may be adjusted by the viewer entering commands or the like via a remote control or other type of control device, and the particular controls provided may vary as the broadcast program progresses. It should be noted that if broadcast images are transmitted in a higher resolution or with a different aspect ratio, e.g., 16:9 versus 4:3, the viewer may be provided with the ability to control which parts of the image are viewed on the display 30.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates another aspect of the invention in which a video image is faded in a predetermined manner during a transition from the display of one broadcast program to the display of another broadcast program, e.g., as a result of a channel change.
  • a display screen 150 of display device 30 includes a video image 151 associated with a particular broadcast program on a current broadcast channel.
  • a viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel to a different channel which is broadcasting another program.
  • the other channel in this example corresponds to a display screen 160 which includes a video image 161.
  • the transition from the current channel to the next is made softer by displaying additional information in the transition period.
  • the additional information in this case comprises: (i) a display screen 150N which includes a transition video image 15 IN corresponding generally to the video image 151 but having a significantly reduced contrast and brightness; followed by (ii) a display screen 160N which includes a transition video image 161N corresponding generally to the video image 161 but having a significantly reduced contrast and brightness.
  • the contrast and brightness of the transition video images 15 IN and 161N may be on the order of about 30% of the respective contrast and brightness of the video images 151 and 161, respectively.
  • the transition video image 15 IN is displayed to the viewer, followed in sequence by the transition video image 16 IN and then the video image 161.
  • Each of the transition images is generally displayed only for a short period of time, e.g., a time on the order of hundreds of milliseconds.
  • This display of additional information during a channel transition provides a more visually pleasing transition than the instantaneous Acut ⁇ typically associated with conventional systems.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates another example of additional information displayed during transition from one program to another in accordance with the invention. As in the FIG.
  • a viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel, i.e., the channel broadcasting the program including screen display 150 with video image 151, to a different channel which is broadcasting another program, i.e., a program including screen display 160 with video image 161.
  • a command e.g., via a remote control or other control device
  • change the current channel i.e., the channel broadcasting the program including screen display 150 with video image 151
  • a different channel which is broadcasting another program i.e., a program including screen display 160 with video image 161.
  • additional information is displayed to the viewer in the transition from the current channel to the next.
  • This arrangement is particularly well suited for use in digital television applications since many digital television systems have a longer transition period between channels than analog television systems.
  • the additional information displayed in the channel transition in the FIG. 9 example comprises: (i) a first display screen 170 which includes textual information, i.e., an identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel; followed by (ii) a second display screen 172 which includes additional textual information relating to the program on the next channel, i.e., a description of the program and a rating for the program, as well as other textual information that may be of interest to the viewer, e.g., date, time, temperature, local or national weather reports, stock quotes, etc., as determined in accordance with the viewer profile.
  • the transition display screen 170 is displayed to the viewer, followed in sequence by the transition display screen 172 and then the video image 161.
  • Each of the transition display screens 170 and 172 is generally displayed only for a short period of time, e.g., a time on the order of seconds.
  • the transitions from screen 170 to 172 and from screen 172 to 160 may be initiated by viewer entry of an appropriate command, e.g., a channel up or down command, rather than at predetermined fixed time durations.
  • an appropriate command e.g., a channel up or down command
  • many different types of information other than that shown in FIG. 9 may be provided during the transition period between channels.
  • the particular information provided to a given viewer may vary in accordance with program content and/or stored viewer preference information.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates yet another example of additional information displayed during a transition between programs in accordance with the invention.
  • the additional information displayed during the transition includes information regarding one or more recommended shows as determined from stored viewer profile information.
  • a viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel, i.e., the channel broadcasting the program including screen display 150 with video image 151, to a different channel which is broadcasting another program, i.e., a program including screen display 160 with video image 161.
  • a display screen 180 is presented to the viewer.
  • the display screen 180 includes a textual information, i.e., an identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel.
  • the display screen 180 also includes additional textual information regarding an advisory that a particular show of interest to the viewer is on another channel.
  • the advisory presented in display screen 180 indicates that the X-Files program is on now, and that the viewer can access that program, e.g., by entering an AOK ⁇ command or other designated button on the remote or other control device. If the viewer enters the OK command, a display screen 190 including a video image 191 associated with the X-Files program is presented to the viewer.
  • the channel change proceeds in the normal manner, such that the viewer is presented with the program from the next channel, i.e., the program including display screen 160 and video image 161.
  • the invention may be implemented at least in part in the form of one or more software programs that are delivered with or retrieved in response to particular broadcast programs, over any suitable interface, including a network connection established over the Internet or other computer network.
  • a software program delivered or retrieved in this manner may be used in system 10 of FIG. 1 to control various parameters of the display device 30, e.g., volume, bass, treble, etc., as well as to control various parameters of devices other than the display device 30.
  • the software program could control a mass storage device holding additional video information, a tuner of a stereo system, a compact disk player, or other controllable device.
  • the software program could control the stereo system tuner such that when a concert is broadcast, the audio is taken from a high-fidelity simulcast available from a particular radio station, or could control other system parameters such that the audio portion of the program is automatically switched to a Asurround sounds mode.
  • control programs or information may be utilized in conjunction with broadcast programming using the techniques of the invention.
  • the additional information can be determined using many different techniques, including algorithm-based techniques.
  • the additional information may be in the form of a viewer interface of a particular type as determined in accordance with stored profile information regarding the viewing habits of a particular viewer or group of viewers.
  • one viewer may be presented with one type of interface, while another viewer is presented with another type of interface, e.g., an interface with a different number of levels, different graphics, icon styles, etc., based on differences in the styles of interaction preferred by each viewer.
  • the multimedia information may include advertising targeted to a particular viewer or group of viewers based on the stored profile information.
  • the invention may also be used to allow a viewer to utilize a broadcast display device such as a television or computer, e.g., to browse an audio or video library stored on an external storage device.
  • a broadcast display device such as a television or computer
  • Another exemplary application is in the generation of a profile-based Ascreen savers for a display device, e.g., the determination and display of appropriate profile-based additional information between programs, during rewind operations, during a signal loss condition, or in other situations when no particular broadcast program is being displayed.
  • a profile-based Ascreen savers for a display device, e.g., the determination and display of appropriate profile-based additional information between programs, during rewind operations, during a signal loss condition, or in other situations when no particular broadcast program is being displayed.
  • the invention can be used to implement the presentation of many other types of information in conjunction with broadcast programming, in a wide variety of different arrangements and configurations, in any desired type of video processing system or device, and in many applications other than those described herein.

Abstract

Additional multimedia information is determined and presented in conjunction with broadcast programming, based on at least one of: i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and ii) profile information for one or more viewers. The additional information may be, e.g., retrieved over a network connection established with a remote server or other remote information source, or from a memory or other storage device at the viewer location. In accordance with the invention, a characteristic of the additional information varies in accordance with the content and/or profile information. For example, the additional information may include a display border with text, image, audio or video information that is presented in conjunction with a video image associated with the broadcast program.

Description

Methods and apparatus for presentation of multimedia information in conjunction with broadcast programming.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to multimedia signal processing, and more particularly to techniques for displaying video, text or other multimedia information in conjunction with broadcast programming.
Background of the Invention
Conventional systems for the presentation of broadcast programming on a television, computer monitor or other type of display are typically limited to the presentation of programs, e.g., pre-programmed shows, live feeds, etc. The interactivity provided by such systems is also very limited. For example, in many conventional cable television systems, users can push a button on a remote control in order to direct the system to display the channel number, station identifier, program title, program start time, program duration or other information associated with a given program. Such information is typically presented in a simple text overlay format, the user control is limited to turning the display of such information on or off. Moreover, the displayed information is generally not specifically tailored to the needs of any particular viewer or group of viewers. In other words, all viewers receive the same displayed information regardless of their particular individual needs. Similar limitations also often apply to other types of information, such as on-screen electronic programming guides (EPGs) or other user interfaces, that are displayed to viewers in conjunction with broadcast programming.
An example of a technique for altering broadcast programming to enable to the display of other related information is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,264,933. In this technique, a logo or other advertising message is inserted into a portion of a video image display. The technique uses a pattern recognition algorithm to recognize a selected portion of the video image, and automatically inserts the advertising message into that selected portion to provide a display in which it appears that the inserted message is actually part of the original image. For example, an advertising logo may be displayed on a portion of a tennis court throughout a broadcast of a tennis match, as if it were actually permanently positioned on the court. Another example of a technique for altering broadcast programming to enable to the display of related information is disclosed in PCT Application No. WO 98/56174. In this technique, an audio-only broadcast program received by a television receiver is displayed in conjunction with pre-programmed on-screen display information, e.g., graphics and text images, to provide additional visual entertainment for viewers. Significant drawbacks of these techniques, like the other conventional techniques previously noted, are that the degree of viewer interactivity is unduly limited, and the displayed information is not tailored to the needs of particular viewers or groups of viewers.
As is apparent from the above, a need exists for improved techniques for displaying or otherwise presenting related information in conjunction with broadcast programming, such that improved interactivity and more appropriately targeted information are provided to viewers.
Summary of the Invention
The invention provides improved techniques for displaying or otherwise presenting related information in conjunction with broadcast programming. In accordance with the invention, additional multimedia information is retrieved and presented in conjunction with broadcast programming in a video processing system, based on at least one of (i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for one or more viewers. The additional information may be, e.g., retrieved over a network connection established with a remote server or other remote information source, or from a memory or other storage device at the viewer location.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, the additional information may include a display border with text, image, audio or video information that is displayed in conjunction with a video image associated with the broadcast program. For example, a broadcast program corresponding to a football game may include a display border with textual information indicative of a viewer preference for a particular team. The information in the display border can vary as the program progresses, e.g., may include appropriate cheers when the team preferred by a viewer scores a touchdown.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the additional information may include one or more on-screen viewer control indicators, such as mixing controls or viewpoint controls, as appropriate for particular viewers or groups of viewers based on the content and/or profile information. For example, if the broadcast program is a concert, and the profile information indicates that the viewer is a musician or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in mixing controls, such controls may be presented to the viewer in conjunction with the broadcast program. Similarly, if the profile information indicates that the viewer is a camera buff or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in camera viewpoint controls, such controls may be presented to the viewer in conjunction with the broadcast program. In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, the additional information may include text, image or video display screens which are presented to viewers in a channel change transition. For example, in a channel change transition from a first channel showing a first broadcast program to a second channel showing a second broadcast program, a sequence of images may be presented to the viewer. The sequence of images may include, e.g., a reduced contrast and brightness version of a video image from the first program, followed by a reduced contrast and brightness version of a video image from the second program, such that the transition between the programs is softened. The sequence of images could alternatively include textual information regarding the second program and second channel, as well as additional text, image, audio or video information determined in accordance with viewer profile information, such as time, date, local or national weather, stock quotes, etc. This additional text, image or video information may include an indication, based on the profile information, of at least one additional program likely to be of interest to the viewer. The viewer may be permitted to transition directly to the channel showing the additional program upon entry of an appropriate selection command. Similar techniques may be used to implement a Ascreen saver≡ arrangement in which appropriate information, e.g., as determined based on a viewer profile, is presented during a period of time for which a broadcast program is not being displayed on the display device.
In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, the additional information may include one or more software programs which provide control of a display device or other device associated with the viewer location. For example, a software program retrieved in conjunction with a particular broadcast program may control the audio levels, modes or other features of the display device used to display the broadcast program, as well as similar features of a stereo, storage device or other type of controllable device at the viewer location. Advantageously, the invention allows a television, computer or other broadcast programming presentation device to serve as a media portal providing access to a wide variety of additional information from media such as, e.g., television, radio, cable or satellite broadcast, local compact disk jukebox, audio or video tape library, digital video disk, etc. By retrieving and presenting additional multimedia information based on program content and/or viewer profile information, the invention provides viewers with both improved interactivity and more appropriately targeted information. These and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a video processing system in which the invention may be implemented.
FIGS. 2 through 5 show examples of program display borders responsive to program content and/or viewer profile information in accordance with the invention.
FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate different controls that can be provided to a viewer based on program content and/or viewer profile information in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 8 illustrates an image fading technique that may be implemented during a transition from one program to another program in accordance with the invention.
FIGS. 9 and 10 show examples of information that may be displayed during a transition from one program to another program in accordance with the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention FIG. 1 shows an example of a video processing system 10 in which the present invention may be implemented. The system 10 in this embodiment includes a receiver 12, a processor 14 and a memory 16. The processor 14 and memory 16 communicate over a bus 17, although in other embodiments these and other system elements could be integrated into, e.g., a single processing device. The processor 14 may represent, e.g., a microprocessor, central processing unit, computer, circuit card, application-specific integrated circuit
(ASICs), as well as portions or combinations of these and other types of processing devices. The memory 16 may represent an electronic memory, an optical or magnetic disk-based memory, a tape-based memory, as well as portions or combinations of these and other types of memories. A broadcast source 20 supplies a broadcast signal, e.g., a video signal including one or more broadcast programs, via an interface 22 to the receiver 12. The system 10 further includes a number of additional information sources 25-/, i = 1, 2, ... N, where N >1, each of which is accessible via a corresponding interface 26-i. It should be noted that the interfaces 26-z may each represent a different type of interface, and may be implemented in hardware, software, or in combinations of hardware and software. For example, N different types of interfaces may be required in order to access N different types of additional information sources. As another example, a single common interface may be used to access a variety of different information sources. Information from the one or more additional information sources 25-/' is processed in accordance with one or more software programs stored in memory 16 and executed by processor 14 in order to generate one or more corresponding output video signals. These signals are combined in a signal combiner 27 with a broadcast signal output of the receiver 12, and the resultant combined signal is supplied to a display device 30, which may be, e.g., a television display, a computer monitor, or any other suitable type of display. The one or more software programs may also be stored in whole or in part in another machine-readable storage medium accessible to the system 10, such as on an optical or magnetic disk, tape or other storage medium associated with a system storage device. The term Amemory≡ as used herein is intended to include these and other types of storage media and devices.
The broadcast source 12 may be, e.g., a television signal broadcast station, a cable system head end, a satellite transmitter, a broadcast program server accessible over a global computer communications network such as the Internet, a wide area network, a metropolitan area network, a local area network, a cable network, a satellite network or a telephone network, as well as portions or combinations of these and other types of broadcast sources. The additional information sources 25-/' may be, e.g., storage locations in one or more local or remote storage devices, such as optical or magnetic disk-based memories, servers accessible over the Internet or other type of network, as well as portions or combinations of these and other information sources. Specific examples of such additional information sources include television, radio, cable or satellite broadcast, local compact disk jukebox, audio or video tape library, digital video disk, etc.
As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the characteristics of the corresponding interfaces 22 and 26-/ will vary depending upon the particular types of sources used in a given application. For example, the interfaces 26-/ may collectively represent a disk input-output device in a local storage device, or a set of network connections, e.g., transmission control protocol/Internet protocol (TCP/IP) connections, used to access one or more remote servers over the Internet.
It should be noted that elements or groups of elements of the system 10 may represent a desktop, laptop or palmtop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a television, or a set-top box, as well as portions or combinations of these and other devices. It should also be understood that the invention may be implemented in other types of systems. For example, in other embodiments of the invention, the signal combiner 27 may be incorporated into the receiver 12, or implemented at least in part in software executed by the processor 14. As another example, one or more of the interfaces 26-/ may be implemented as part of the processor 14, or as part of an input-output device associated with the processor 14. Moreover, as previously noted, one or more of the elements of the system, such as the receiver 12, processor 14, memory 16 and signal combiner 27 may be implemented as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or circuit card to be incorporated into a television, computer, set-top box or other device.
In operation, a broadcast signal from the broadcast source 20 is supplied to the receiver 12. The receiver 12 demodulates and otherwise processes the received signal in a conventional manner such that it is appropriately configured for display. Based on information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10, the processor 14 directs the retrieval of additional information from one or more of the additional information sources 25-/. This additional information is combined with the output of the receiver 12 in the signal combiner 27, and displayed on display device 30 in conjunction with the broadcast signal. Examples of various types of additional information that may be displayed in conjunction with a broadcast program will be described in detail below in conjunction with FIGS. 2 through 10. As will be apparent from the following description, the invention allows a television, computer or other broadcast programming presentation device in a video processing system to serve as a media portal providing access to a wide variety of additional information.
FIG. 2 shows display device 30 including a display screen 100 which includes a video image 101 displayed in conjunction with a display border 102 having a characteristic that is responsive to broadcast program content and/or viewer profile information. The video image 101 is delivered to the display device 30 from the receiver 12 of system 10. In accordance with the invention, a characteristic of the display border 102, e.g., its color, ornamentation, shape, arrangement, layout, etc., is varied in accordance with information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10. For example, the color of the display border 102 may reflect a dominant or primary color of the video image 101, and may vary as the dominant or primary color of the video image 101 changes over time. As another example, the color or other characteristic of the display border 102 may be set based on a viewer preference as indicated in a stored viewer profile. Another possibility is for the color or other characteristic of the display border 102 to vary in accordance with information in the broadcast signal itself, e.g., the content provider can provide indications in the broadcast signal of a particular type of display border that should be displayed in conjunction with a given portion of a program in the broadcast signal. This aspect of the invention allows particular video images or sets of images to be highlighted in a straightforward manner without the need for including textual information.
FIG. 3 shows a display screen 104 of display device 30 which includes video image 101 displayed in conjunction with a display border 105 that includes textual information responsive to broadcast program content and/or viewer profile information. In accordance with the invention, textual information presented in the display border 105 is varied in accordance with information in the broadcast signal and/or additional stored preference or other profile information regarding one or more viewers associated with the system 10. The particular textual information displayed can thus vary as a function of time as the broadcast program progresses. The textual information may include a statement regarding an element of the displayed video image 101, and may be tailored to known preferences of one or more viewers.
FIGS. 4 and 5 show other examples of displays generated in accordance with the techniques of the invention. In these examples, the displayed information includes a video image associated with a broadcast program as well as additional information based on stored viewer profile information. In the FIG. 4 example, a display screen 110 of display device 30 includes a video image 111 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a football game, and additional information 112 based on stored viewer profile information indicating that the viewer is a fan of a particular team, i.e., the Giants. This viewer profile information may be determined, e.g., by detecting the viewing preferences of the viewer, such as a preference for watching games involving the Giants, or by any other suitable technique.
In the FIG. 5 example, a display screen 120 of the display device 30 includes a video image 121 of a particular event, i.e., the Giants scoring a touchdown, and additional information 122, i.e., information celebrating the touchdown, based on the viewer profile indicating that the viewer is a Giants fan. FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate displays which include profile-based viewer controls in accordance with the invention. In the FIG. 6 example, a display screen 130 of display device 30 includes a video image 131 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a video image of a rock band concert or video, and additional information in the form of a set of on- screen Amixing≤ controls including a singer control 132, a drum control 134 and a guitar control 136. The additional information to be displayed is determined based on viewer profile information, i.e., the mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 may be displayed in conjunction with the video image 131 based on an indication in a stored viewer profile that the viewer is a musician or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in such controls. The mixing controls 132, 134 and 136 may be adjusted by the viewer entering commands or the like via a remote control or other type of control device. Each of the controls 132, 134 and 136 may be configured to provide control of characteristics such as volume, balance, treble, base, etc. for the corresponding musical feature of the video image. Of course, the particular controls provided may vary as the broadcast program progresses. In the FIG. 7 example, a display screen 140 of display device 30 includes a video image 141 associated with a broadcast program, i.e., a video image of the same rock band concert or video previously mentioned in conjunction with FIG. 6, and additional information in the form of a set of on-screen viewpoint controls including a zoom control 142 and a pan/tilt control 144. The additional information to be displayed is determined based on viewer profile information, i.e., the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 may be displayed in conjunction with the video image 141 based on an indication in a stored viewer profile that the viewer is a camera buff or is otherwise knowledgeable about or interested in such controls.
The viewpoint controls 142 and 144 provide control of the camera viewing angle as reflected in the video image 141, i.e., adjustments in the controls produce corresponding changes in the video image 141. These changes can be generated, e.g., by processor-calculated image magnification and other well-known image processing techniques. As in the FIG. 6 example, the viewpoint controls 142 and 144 may be adjusted by the viewer entering commands or the like via a remote control or other type of control device, and the particular controls provided may vary as the broadcast program progresses. It should be noted that if broadcast images are transmitted in a higher resolution or with a different aspect ratio, e.g., 16:9 versus 4:3, the viewer may be provided with the ability to control which parts of the image are viewed on the display 30. FIG. 8 illustrates another aspect of the invention in which a video image is faded in a predetermined manner during a transition from the display of one broadcast program to the display of another broadcast program, e.g., as a result of a channel change. In this example, a display screen 150 of display device 30 includes a video image 151 associated with a particular broadcast program on a current broadcast channel. A viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel to a different channel which is broadcasting another program. The other channel in this example corresponds to a display screen 160 which includes a video image 161.
In accordance with the invention, after the channel change is initiated, the transition from the current channel to the next is made softer by displaying additional information in the transition period. The additional information in this case comprises: (i) a display screen 150N which includes a transition video image 15 IN corresponding generally to the video image 151 but having a significantly reduced contrast and brightness; followed by (ii) a display screen 160N which includes a transition video image 161N corresponding generally to the video image 161 but having a significantly reduced contrast and brightness.
For example, the contrast and brightness of the transition video images 15 IN and 161N may be on the order of about 30% of the respective contrast and brightness of the video images 151 and 161, respectively. After the channel change is initiated, the transition video image 15 IN is displayed to the viewer, followed in sequence by the transition video image 16 IN and then the video image 161. Each of the transition images is generally displayed only for a short period of time, e.g., a time on the order of hundreds of milliseconds. This display of additional information during a channel transition provides a more visually pleasing transition than the instantaneous Acut≤ typically associated with conventional systems. FIG. 9 illustrates another example of additional information displayed during transition from one program to another in accordance with the invention. As in the FIG. 8 example, a viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel, i.e., the channel broadcasting the program including screen display 150 with video image 151, to a different channel which is broadcasting another program, i.e., a program including screen display 160 with video image 161. After the channel change is initiated, additional information is displayed to the viewer in the transition from the current channel to the next. This arrangement is particularly well suited for use in digital television applications since many digital television systems have a longer transition period between channels than analog television systems.
The additional information displayed in the channel transition in the FIG. 9 example comprises: (i) a first display screen 170 which includes textual information, i.e., an identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel; followed by (ii) a second display screen 172 which includes additional textual information relating to the program on the next channel, i.e., a description of the program and a rating for the program, as well as other textual information that may be of interest to the viewer, e.g., date, time, temperature, local or national weather reports, stock quotes, etc., as determined in accordance with the viewer profile. After the channel change is initiated, the transition display screen 170 is displayed to the viewer, followed in sequence by the transition display screen 172 and then the video image 161.
Each of the transition display screens 170 and 172 is generally displayed only for a short period of time, e.g., a time on the order of seconds. The transitions from screen 170 to 172 and from screen 172 to 160 may be initiated by viewer entry of an appropriate command, e.g., a channel up or down command, rather than at predetermined fixed time durations. Of course, many different types of information other than that shown in FIG. 9 may be provided during the transition period between channels. In addition, the particular information provided to a given viewer may vary in accordance with program content and/or stored viewer preference information.
FIG. 10 illustrates yet another example of additional information displayed during a transition between programs in accordance with the invention. In this example, the additional information displayed during the transition includes information regarding one or more recommended shows as determined from stored viewer profile information. As in the examples of FIGS. 8 and 9, a viewer enters a command, e.g., via a remote control or other control device, to change the current channel, i.e., the channel broadcasting the program including screen display 150 with video image 151, to a different channel which is broadcasting another program, i.e., a program including screen display 160 with video image 161. After the channel change is initiated, a display screen 180 is presented to the viewer. The display screen 180 includes a textual information, i.e., an identifier of the next channel and the program currently being broadcast on the next channel. The display screen 180 also includes additional textual information regarding an advisory that a particular show of interest to the viewer is on another channel. In this example, based on stored profile information indicating, e.g., that the viewer regularly watches a program entitled AX-Files,s the advisory presented in display screen 180 indicates that the X-Files program is on now, and that the viewer can access that program, e.g., by entering an AOKΞ command or other designated button on the remote or other control device. If the viewer enters the OK command, a display screen 190 including a video image 191 associated with the X-Files program is presented to the viewer. If the viewer does not enter the command or take other action during a designated time period T, e.g., two seconds, the channel change proceeds in the normal manner, such that the viewer is presented with the program from the next channel, i.e., the program including display screen 160 and video image 161.
The invention may be implemented at least in part in the form of one or more software programs that are delivered with or retrieved in response to particular broadcast programs, over any suitable interface, including a network connection established over the Internet or other computer network. For example, a software program delivered or retrieved in this manner may be used in system 10 of FIG. 1 to control various parameters of the display device 30, e.g., volume, bass, treble, etc., as well as to control various parameters of devices other than the display device 30. Depending on the application, the software program could control a mass storage device holding additional video information, a tuner of a stereo system, a compact disk player, or other controllable device. In one possible application, the software program could control the stereo system tuner such that when a concert is broadcast, the audio is taken from a high-fidelity simulcast available from a particular radio station, or could control other system parameters such that the audio portion of the program is automatically switched to a Asurround sounds mode. Many other types of control programs or information may be utilized in conjunction with broadcast programming using the techniques of the invention.
Alternative embodiments of the invention can utilize other types of additional information in conjunction with broadcast programming. Moreover, the additional information can be determined using many different techniques, including algorithm-based techniques. For example, in a given embodiment of the invention, the additional information may be in the form of a viewer interface of a particular type as determined in accordance with stored profile information regarding the viewing habits of a particular viewer or group of viewers. In this case, one viewer may be presented with one type of interface, while another viewer is presented with another type of interface, e.g., an interface with a different number of levels, different graphics, icon styles, etc., based on differences in the styles of interaction preferred by each viewer. As another example, the multimedia information may include advertising targeted to a particular viewer or group of viewers based on the stored profile information. The invention may also be used to allow a viewer to utilize a broadcast display device such as a television or computer, e.g., to browse an audio or video library stored on an external storage device. Another exemplary application is in the generation of a profile-based Ascreen savers for a display device, e.g., the determination and display of appropriate profile-based additional information between programs, during rewind operations, during a signal loss condition, or in other situations when no particular broadcast program is being displayed. The above-described embodiments of the invention are intended to be illustrative only. For example, the invention can be used to implement the presentation of many other types of information in conjunction with broadcast programming, in a wide variety of different arrangements and configurations, in any desired type of video processing system or device, and in many applications other than those described herein. These and numerous other embodiments within the scope of the following claims will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A method for processing information for presentation in conjunction with at least one broadcast program, the method comprising the steps of: receiving at least a portion of the broadcast program (101, 11 1, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161 ) at a viewer location; determining additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142,
144, 151', 161', 170, 172, 180) relating to the broadcast program based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for at least one viewer associated with the viewer location; and presenting the additional information in conjunction with a display (100, 104, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of the portion of the broadcast program.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining step includes retrieving at least a portion of the additional information over a network connection (26-/) established with a remote information source (25-/).
3. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining step includes retrieving at least a portion of the additional information from a memory (16) at the viewer location.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the determining step includes generating at least a portion of the additional information in accordance with a predetermined algorithm.
5. The method of claim 1 wherein a characteristic of the additional information varies in accordance with the profile information.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information includes at least one of video information, image information, audio information and textual information, determined at least in part based on the profile information.
7. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information comprises a processor-generated display border (102, 105, 112, 122) which is displayed in conjunction with a video image (101, 111, 121, 131, 141) associated with the broadcast program.
8. The method of claim 7 wherein the processor-generated display border includes a characteristic selected in accordance with a corresponding characteristic of the broadcast program.
9. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information comprises at least one viewer control indicator (132, 134, 136, 142, 144) which is displayed in conjunction with a video image (131, 141) associated with the broadcast program.
10. The method of claim 9 wherein the viewer control indicator includes at least one of a mixing control (132, 134, 136) and a viewpoint control (142, 144).
11. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information comprises at least one display screen (150', 160', 170, 172, 180) which is presented in a channel change transition from a first channel showing a first broadcast program to a second channel showing a second broadcast program.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the additional information comprises a sequence of images (151', 161') including an adjusted version of a video image associated with the first broadcast program followed by an adjusted version of a video image associated with the second broadcast program.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the adjusted versions of the video images comprise corresponding images (151', 161') with reduced contrast and brightness.
14. The method of claim 11 wherein the additional information comprises a sequence of images (170, 172, 180) including at least first and second images having textual information associated with the second broadcast program.
15. The method of claim 11 wherein the additional information comprises at least a first image (180) including textual information associated with the second broadcast program, and an indication, based on the profile information, of at least one additional program likely to be of interest to the viewer.
16. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information comprises at least one software program associated with the broadcast program.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein the software program provides control of at least one of (i) a display device (30) for displaying the broadcast program and (ii) an additional controllable device associated with the viewer location.
18. The method of claim 1 wherein the additional information comprises at least a portion of a viewer interface determined in accordance with profile information indicating a preference of a particular viewer.
19. An apparatus for processing information for presentation in conjunction with at least one broadcast program, the apparatus comprising: a receiver (12) operative to receive at least a portion of the broadcast program (101, 1 11, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161); and a processor (14) coupled to the receiver and operative to determine additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142, 144, 151', 161', 170, 180, 182) relating to the broadcast program based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for at least one viewer associated with the viewer location, such that the additional information is presented in conjunction with a display (100, 104, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of the portion of the broadcast program.
20. An article of manufacture comprising a machine-readable storage medium containing one or more software programs which when executed implement the steps of: receiving at least a portion of a broadcast program (101, 111, 121, 131, 141, 151, 161) at a viewer location; determining additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142, 144, 151', 161', 170, 180, 182) relating to the broadcast program based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with the broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for at least one viewer associated with the viewer location; and presenting the additional information in conjunction with a display (100, 104, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160) of the portion of the broadcast program.
21. A method for processing information for presentation to a viewer associated with a display device (30), the method comprising the steps of: identifying a period of time for which a broadcast program is not being displayed on the display device; determining additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142, 144, 151', 161', 170, 180, 182) based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with at least one previously-displayed broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for the viewer; and presenting the additional information to the viewer during at least a portion of the identified period of time.
22. An apparatus for processing information for presentation to a viewer, the apparatus comprising: a display device (30) for presenting at least one broadcast program to the viewer; and a processor (14) coupled to the display device and operative to identify a period of time for which a broadcast program is not being displayed on the display device; to determine additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142, 144, 151', 161', 170, 180, 182) based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with at least one previously-displayed broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for the viewer; and to present the additional information to the viewer during at least a portion of the identified period of time .
23. An article of manufacture comprising a machine-readable storage medium containing one or more software programs which when executed implement the steps of: identifying a period of time for which a broadcast program is not being displayed on a display device; determining additional information (102, 105, 112, 122, 132, 134, 136, 142, 144, 151', 161', 170, 180, 182) based at least in part on at least one of (i) content information associated with at least one previously-displayed broadcast program, and (ii) profile information for the viewer; and presenting the additional information to the viewer during at least a portion of the identified period of time.
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