CA2258433A1 - Xds enhancement system - Google Patents
Xds enhancement system Download PDFInfo
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- CA2258433A1 CA2258433A1 CA002258433A CA2258433A CA2258433A1 CA 2258433 A1 CA2258433 A1 CA 2258433A1 CA 002258433 A CA002258433 A CA 002258433A CA 2258433 A CA2258433 A CA 2258433A CA 2258433 A1 CA2258433 A1 CA 2258433A1
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- xds
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-
- 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
-
- 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
- H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
- H04N21/4113—PC
-
- 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
- H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
- H04N21/4122—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices additional display device, e.g. video projector
-
- 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
- H04N21/4104—Peripherals receiving signals from specially adapted client devices
- H04N21/4126—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones
- H04N21/41265—The peripheral being portable, e.g. PDAs or mobile phones having a remote control device for bidirectional communication between the remote control device and client device
-
- 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
- H04N21/422—Input-only peripherals, i.e. input devices connected to specially adapted client devices, e.g. global positioning system [GPS]
- H04N21/42204—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor
- H04N21/42206—User interfaces specially adapted for controlling a client device through a remote control device; Remote control devices therefor characterized by hardware details
- H04N21/42208—Display device provided on the remote control
- H04N21/42209—Display device provided on the remote control for displaying non-command information, e.g. electronic program guide [EPG], e-mail, messages or a second television channel
-
- 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
- H04N21/434—Disassembling of a multiplex stream, e.g. demultiplexing audio and video streams, extraction of additional data from a video stream; Remultiplexing of multiplex streams; Extraction or processing of SI; Disassembling of packetised elementary stream
- H04N21/4345—Extraction or processing of SI, e.g. extracting service information from an MPEG 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
- H04N21/435—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
- H04N21/438—Interfacing the downstream path of the transmission network originating from a server, e.g. retrieving MPEG packets from an IP network
- H04N21/4383—Accessing a communication channel
-
- 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
- H04N21/482—End-user interface for program selection
-
- 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
- H04N21/488—Data services, e.g. news ticker
-
- 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
- H04N7/087—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 with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only
- H04N7/088—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 with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital
- H04N7/0884—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 with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection
- H04N7/0885—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 with signal insertion during the vertical blanking interval only the inserted signal being digital for the transmission of additional display-information, e.g. menu for programme or channel selection for the transmission of subtitles
-
- 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
- H04N21/488—Data services, e.g. news ticker
- H04N21/4884—Data services, e.g. news ticker for displaying subtitles
Abstract
A television system and method for facilitating use of closed caption text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. The system includes a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal, and a television display for displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal. A data slicer coupled to the tuner extracts the XDS
signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.
The computer may also be used to control the tuner and/or other components of the system in response to information included in the XDS signal.
signal from the television signal, and sends the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device, such as a text display. The text display may be used to display text information included in the XDS signal, such as closed caption and/or other information included in text fields of the XDS signal. Alternatively, a computer may be coupled to the data port to monitor information, such as URL data, in the XDS signal to access on-line information.
The computer may also be used to control the tuner and/or other components of the system in response to information included in the XDS signal.
Description
DESCRIPTION
XDS ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to television closed caption and other extended data service (XDS) systems, and more particularly to a system and method for enhancing the use of XDS data by television viewers.
BACKGROUND
Generally, television systems now provide, along with conventional broadcast information, an extended data service (XDS) system. The standard that has been adopted, EIA-608, also referred to as the closed caption standard, is directed to providing various types of information to television viewers. Although the current XDS system is capable of providing closed caption information as well as four additional fields of text or other data, only the closed captioning field has been widely used, typically to provide dialogue text across a television screen to assist hearing-impaired viewers.
Closed caption television sets include a tuner for receiving a television signal from 2 0 a source of information, such as from over-the-air transmission, cable or other recorded source, and produces a video signal, for example, corresponding to a selected channel.
The video signal is delivered to a television screen which displays a video image corresponding to the video signal. An XDS signal is generally carried along with the video signal in the television signal in a field that is not normally included in the video 2 5 image displayed on the television screen.
A data slicer strips or duplicates the XDS signal from the video signal, and delivers it to a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a user interface which allows the user to turn closed captioning on and off, and to select either closed caption mode or text mode.
A closed caption video generator then receives the XDS signal and converts the text 3 0 information in the XDS signal for display on the television screen.
A significant drawback of conventional closed caption televisions is that the text displayed from the XDS signal obscures a portion of or a11 of the video image on the television screen. For example, in closed caption mode, the closed caption information in the XDS signal is generally displayed across a bottom portion of the television screen, blocking the underlying video image provided from the video signal. In addition, because of the variety of television sizes available, the closed caption text may not fit well on an individual television screen, i.e. the text may extend into the edges of the television screen, and/or the text may have imperfect persistence.
In text mode, one of the four text fields included in the XDS signal may be displayed, each field possibly including additional information, such as, news or weather reports. When a text field is displayed, however, it replaces the entire video image on the television screen, preventing the viewer from seeing any video image when text mode is selected. In addition, each text field may only be viewed individually, requiring the viewer to toggle between each field if he/she wishes to read a11 of the text information included in the XDS signal.
Therefore, there is a need for a system which allows a television viewer to more effectively use the information that may be available from an XDS system included in a television broadcast signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a television system and method for facilitating use of text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. In a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a tuner adapted to receive a 2 5 television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal. A
video display receives the video signal from the tuner to produce a video image, i.e. a normal television image.
A data slicer is coupled to the tuner adapted to extract, e.g. strip or duplicate, the XDS signal from the television signal. A data port, preferably a dedicated RS-3 0 connector or other serial port, is coupled to the data slicer for providing an output of the XDS signal to one or more peripheral devices, i.e. that are isolated or remote from the video display.
In a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a text display which is coupled to the data port for displaying text information included in the XDS
signal. The text display may be mounted adjacent the television display or may be a remote device.
Alternatively, in a second preferred embodiment, the system includes a computer coupled to the data port for monitoring information in the XDS signal. The computer preferably includes a processor for interpreting URL data in the XDS signal and a connection to an on-line service, whereby the computer may access on-line information in response to the URL data, for example accessing a website on the Internet and the like.
The computer may also include a controller for controlling the tuner and/or other components of the system in response to information included in the XDS
signal.
The system may also include an XDS or closed caption video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information, for example closed caption information, included in the XDS signal on the video display. A control system may be provided for selectively activating the XDS video generator and/or the data port, and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
More particularly, the system of the present invention is directed to a television for 2 0 selectively displaying XDS data included in a television signal without interfering with the video image presented on the television display. The television includes a first display adapted to receive a video signal to display a video image defined by the video signal.
The television also includes a second display remote from the first display and adapted to receive an XDS signal to display a text image defined by the XDS signal. Thus, a 2 5 television in accordance with the present invention allows a user to view the closed caption or other text information in the XDS signal on the text display without interfering with the video image on the television display.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of selectively using XDS
data included in a television signal may be followed, wherein a television signal including a 3 0 video signal and an XDS signal is received by a tuner. A video image corresponding to the video signal is displayed on a video display coupled to the tuner. The XDS
signal is extracted from the television signal, and the XDS signal is sent out a data port to a peripheral device remote from the video display.
Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allow a television viewer to more effectively use the closed caption and other information included in an XDS signal provided in television broadcast signals.
It is also an object to provide a television system that allows a television viewer to access closed caption, text and/or other information included in an XDS signal of a television broadcast signal, without interfering with use of the television display.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conj unction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of a television system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of a television system in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
2 0 Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, namely a television 10. The television 10 includes a tuner 12, a television display 14, a data dicer 16, a microcomputer 18, an XDS or closed caption video generator 20, and a data port 22, a11 contained within a casing 24. The tuner 12 receives a signal 26, for example a television broadcast signal from over-the-air 2 5 transmission, cable or a recorded source, which the tuner 12 converts into a video signal 28. The video signal 28 is delivered to the television display 14, preferably a conventional television screen, which displays a video image (not shown) corresponding to the video signal 28.
The data slicer 16 is coupled to the tuner and extracts an XDS signal 30 carried by 3 0 the video signal 28, for example by stripping or duplicating the XDS
signal 30. The microcomputer 18, or a similar control system made form discrete and/or integrated components, is coupled to the data slicer 16 and includes a user interface 32, allowing a viewer to turn closed captioning on and off, to select either closed caption mode or text mode, to select on-screen display and/or to send the XDS signal 30 out the data port 22.
The closed caption video generator 20 and the data port 22 are each coupled to and controlled by the microcomputer 18. The closed caption video generator 20 is coupled between the microcomputer 18 and the television display 14, as is described more particularly below. The data port 22 is preferably a serial port, for example a dedicated RS-232 connector, allowing the television viewer to attach one or more peripheral devices to the television 10 to use the XDS signal 30.
In the first preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the television 10 includes a text display 38 for displaying closed captioning and/or one or more text fields included in the XDS signal 30. The text display 38 may be mounted, either detachably or permanently, onto the casing 24 as shown, thereby allowing the text information on the text display 3 8 to be viewed without interfering with the video image on the television display 14.
Alternatively, the text display 3 8 may be mounted directly in the casing 24 (not shown) or elsewhere adjacent to the television display 14. The text display 38 may be one of a variety of known display screens, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), or a fluorescent display, and may include enlarged or enhanced text imaging to facilitate viewing, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
2 0 During use, if, for example, a viewer selects closed caption mode and on-screen display, the XDS signal 30 is delivered to the closed caption video generator 20. The closed caption video generator 20 converts the text information in the XDS
signal 30 into an output 36 to provide a closed caption display 34 on the television display 14. The closed caption display 34 is superimposed on the television display 14 over the video 2 5 image (not shown) provided by the video signal 28, similar to a conventional closed caption television set.
In addition, a viewer may select to send the XDS signal 30 out the data port 22, i.e.
to the text display 38, in addition to or rather than to the television display 14. This allows the viewer to read the closed caption information without obscuring the video image on 3 0 the television display 14. In addition, the text display 38 preferably is capable of displaying more than one text field from the XDS signal 30, thereby allowing, for example, closed caption and other text information to be displayed simultaneously on the text display 38. Thus, a viewer of the television 10 may access and/or view additional information which broadcasters may include in the XDS signal 30, such as upcoming television programming, ratings information, movie reviews, and the like, to decide what programming to watch, etc., thereby maximizing their use of the additional resources available from the XDS system while minimizing interference with their viewing of the normal video image on the television display 14.
Turning to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of a television system 110 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Similar to the preferred embodiment described previously, the television system 110 includes a tuner 12, a television display 14, a data slicer 16, a microcomputer 18, a closed caption video generator 20, and a data port 22.
In addition, the television system 110 includes a computer 40 which is coupled to the data port 22. The computer 40 includes a processor (not shown) which is adapted to interpret the XDS data included in the XDS signal 30. For example, the information included in the text fields of the XDS signal 30 may include URL data or similar commands. The processor may store the URL data for future use and/or may allow the television viewer to immediately use the URL data to access an on-line information, such as an Internet website, for example which may be referenced or particularly relevant to the 2 0 programming being watched on the television display 14. This allows the computer 40 and the television display 14 to be used independently or in cooperation, thereby allowing the XDS data to augment rather than interfere with normal television viewing.
In addition, the computer 40 may include a controller or other I/O port (not shown) which may be used to control one or more components of the television system 110, for 2 5 example, the tuner 12 and/or the microcomputer 18. The television viewer may then manually direct the computer 40 to control the desired component, for example using a keyboard or remote control device. Alternatively, the viewer may preselect parameters to allow the computer 40 to automatically control the television system 110, for example, to use information included in the XDS signal 30 to assist in program selection, to provide 3 0 cooperative television and Internet/Web access and/or to otherwise improve normal television viewing.
In additional alternatives, an infrared transmitter (not shown) may be coupled to the data port 22 for sending out bursts of XDS data, for example on an IR
blaster line. The XDS data may then be transmitted to a remote video monitor, for example a hand-held video device (not shown), or to another remote device, such as a remote control (not shown).
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
XDS ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to television closed caption and other extended data service (XDS) systems, and more particularly to a system and method for enhancing the use of XDS data by television viewers.
BACKGROUND
Generally, television systems now provide, along with conventional broadcast information, an extended data service (XDS) system. The standard that has been adopted, EIA-608, also referred to as the closed caption standard, is directed to providing various types of information to television viewers. Although the current XDS system is capable of providing closed caption information as well as four additional fields of text or other data, only the closed captioning field has been widely used, typically to provide dialogue text across a television screen to assist hearing-impaired viewers.
Closed caption television sets include a tuner for receiving a television signal from 2 0 a source of information, such as from over-the-air transmission, cable or other recorded source, and produces a video signal, for example, corresponding to a selected channel.
The video signal is delivered to a television screen which displays a video image corresponding to the video signal. An XDS signal is generally carried along with the video signal in the television signal in a field that is not normally included in the video 2 5 image displayed on the television screen.
A data slicer strips or duplicates the XDS signal from the video signal, and delivers it to a microcomputer. The microcomputer includes a user interface which allows the user to turn closed captioning on and off, and to select either closed caption mode or text mode.
A closed caption video generator then receives the XDS signal and converts the text 3 0 information in the XDS signal for display on the television screen.
A significant drawback of conventional closed caption televisions is that the text displayed from the XDS signal obscures a portion of or a11 of the video image on the television screen. For example, in closed caption mode, the closed caption information in the XDS signal is generally displayed across a bottom portion of the television screen, blocking the underlying video image provided from the video signal. In addition, because of the variety of television sizes available, the closed caption text may not fit well on an individual television screen, i.e. the text may extend into the edges of the television screen, and/or the text may have imperfect persistence.
In text mode, one of the four text fields included in the XDS signal may be displayed, each field possibly including additional information, such as, news or weather reports. When a text field is displayed, however, it replaces the entire video image on the television screen, preventing the viewer from seeing any video image when text mode is selected. In addition, each text field may only be viewed individually, requiring the viewer to toggle between each field if he/she wishes to read a11 of the text information included in the XDS signal.
Therefore, there is a need for a system which allows a television viewer to more effectively use the information that may be available from an XDS system included in a television broadcast signal.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a television system and method for facilitating use of text or other information that may be included in an extended data service (XDS) system. In a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a tuner adapted to receive a 2 5 television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal. A
video display receives the video signal from the tuner to produce a video image, i.e. a normal television image.
A data slicer is coupled to the tuner adapted to extract, e.g. strip or duplicate, the XDS signal from the television signal. A data port, preferably a dedicated RS-3 0 connector or other serial port, is coupled to the data slicer for providing an output of the XDS signal to one or more peripheral devices, i.e. that are isolated or remote from the video display.
In a first preferred embodiment, the system includes a text display which is coupled to the data port for displaying text information included in the XDS
signal. The text display may be mounted adjacent the television display or may be a remote device.
Alternatively, in a second preferred embodiment, the system includes a computer coupled to the data port for monitoring information in the XDS signal. The computer preferably includes a processor for interpreting URL data in the XDS signal and a connection to an on-line service, whereby the computer may access on-line information in response to the URL data, for example accessing a website on the Internet and the like.
The computer may also include a controller for controlling the tuner and/or other components of the system in response to information included in the XDS
signal.
The system may also include an XDS or closed caption video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information, for example closed caption information, included in the XDS signal on the video display. A control system may be provided for selectively activating the XDS video generator and/or the data port, and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
More particularly, the system of the present invention is directed to a television for 2 0 selectively displaying XDS data included in a television signal without interfering with the video image presented on the television display. The television includes a first display adapted to receive a video signal to display a video image defined by the video signal.
The television also includes a second display remote from the first display and adapted to receive an XDS signal to display a text image defined by the XDS signal. Thus, a 2 5 television in accordance with the present invention allows a user to view the closed caption or other text information in the XDS signal on the text display without interfering with the video image on the television display.
In accordance with the present invention, a method of selectively using XDS
data included in a television signal may be followed, wherein a television signal including a 3 0 video signal and an XDS signal is received by a tuner. A video image corresponding to the video signal is displayed on a video display coupled to the tuner. The XDS
signal is extracted from the television signal, and the XDS signal is sent out a data port to a peripheral device remote from the video display.
Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a system and method that allow a television viewer to more effectively use the closed caption and other information included in an XDS signal provided in television broadcast signals.
It is also an object to provide a television system that allows a television viewer to access closed caption, text and/or other information included in an XDS signal of a television broadcast signal, without interfering with use of the television display.
Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparent from consideration of the following description taken in conj unction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a first preferred embodiment of a television system in accordance with the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a second preferred embodiment of a television system in accordance with the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
2 0 Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows a first preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention, namely a television 10. The television 10 includes a tuner 12, a television display 14, a data dicer 16, a microcomputer 18, an XDS or closed caption video generator 20, and a data port 22, a11 contained within a casing 24. The tuner 12 receives a signal 26, for example a television broadcast signal from over-the-air 2 5 transmission, cable or a recorded source, which the tuner 12 converts into a video signal 28. The video signal 28 is delivered to the television display 14, preferably a conventional television screen, which displays a video image (not shown) corresponding to the video signal 28.
The data slicer 16 is coupled to the tuner and extracts an XDS signal 30 carried by 3 0 the video signal 28, for example by stripping or duplicating the XDS
signal 30. The microcomputer 18, or a similar control system made form discrete and/or integrated components, is coupled to the data slicer 16 and includes a user interface 32, allowing a viewer to turn closed captioning on and off, to select either closed caption mode or text mode, to select on-screen display and/or to send the XDS signal 30 out the data port 22.
The closed caption video generator 20 and the data port 22 are each coupled to and controlled by the microcomputer 18. The closed caption video generator 20 is coupled between the microcomputer 18 and the television display 14, as is described more particularly below. The data port 22 is preferably a serial port, for example a dedicated RS-232 connector, allowing the television viewer to attach one or more peripheral devices to the television 10 to use the XDS signal 30.
In the first preferred embodiment of FIG. 1, the television 10 includes a text display 38 for displaying closed captioning and/or one or more text fields included in the XDS signal 30. The text display 38 may be mounted, either detachably or permanently, onto the casing 24 as shown, thereby allowing the text information on the text display 3 8 to be viewed without interfering with the video image on the television display 14.
Alternatively, the text display 3 8 may be mounted directly in the casing 24 (not shown) or elsewhere adjacent to the television display 14. The text display 38 may be one of a variety of known display screens, for example a liquid crystal display (LCD), a light emitting display (LED), or a fluorescent display, and may include enlarged or enhanced text imaging to facilitate viewing, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.
2 0 During use, if, for example, a viewer selects closed caption mode and on-screen display, the XDS signal 30 is delivered to the closed caption video generator 20. The closed caption video generator 20 converts the text information in the XDS
signal 30 into an output 36 to provide a closed caption display 34 on the television display 14. The closed caption display 34 is superimposed on the television display 14 over the video 2 5 image (not shown) provided by the video signal 28, similar to a conventional closed caption television set.
In addition, a viewer may select to send the XDS signal 30 out the data port 22, i.e.
to the text display 38, in addition to or rather than to the television display 14. This allows the viewer to read the closed caption information without obscuring the video image on 3 0 the television display 14. In addition, the text display 38 preferably is capable of displaying more than one text field from the XDS signal 30, thereby allowing, for example, closed caption and other text information to be displayed simultaneously on the text display 38. Thus, a viewer of the television 10 may access and/or view additional information which broadcasters may include in the XDS signal 30, such as upcoming television programming, ratings information, movie reviews, and the like, to decide what programming to watch, etc., thereby maximizing their use of the additional resources available from the XDS system while minimizing interference with their viewing of the normal video image on the television display 14.
Turning to FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of a television system 110 in accordance with the present invention is shown. Similar to the preferred embodiment described previously, the television system 110 includes a tuner 12, a television display 14, a data slicer 16, a microcomputer 18, a closed caption video generator 20, and a data port 22.
In addition, the television system 110 includes a computer 40 which is coupled to the data port 22. The computer 40 includes a processor (not shown) which is adapted to interpret the XDS data included in the XDS signal 30. For example, the information included in the text fields of the XDS signal 30 may include URL data or similar commands. The processor may store the URL data for future use and/or may allow the television viewer to immediately use the URL data to access an on-line information, such as an Internet website, for example which may be referenced or particularly relevant to the 2 0 programming being watched on the television display 14. This allows the computer 40 and the television display 14 to be used independently or in cooperation, thereby allowing the XDS data to augment rather than interfere with normal television viewing.
In addition, the computer 40 may include a controller or other I/O port (not shown) which may be used to control one or more components of the television system 110, for 2 5 example, the tuner 12 and/or the microcomputer 18. The television viewer may then manually direct the computer 40 to control the desired component, for example using a keyboard or remote control device. Alternatively, the viewer may preselect parameters to allow the computer 40 to automatically control the television system 110, for example, to use information included in the XDS signal 30 to assist in program selection, to provide 3 0 cooperative television and Internet/Web access and/or to otherwise improve normal television viewing.
In additional alternatives, an infrared transmitter (not shown) may be coupled to the data port 22 for sending out bursts of XDS data, for example on an IR
blaster line. The XDS data may then be transmitted to a remote video monitor, for example a hand-held video device (not shown), or to another remote device, such as a remote control (not shown).
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, and alternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular forms or methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
Claims (26)
1. A system for facilitating use of extended data service (XDS) data by a television user, comprising:
a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
a video display for receiving the video signal from the tuner to produce a video image;
a data slicer coupled to the tuner adapted to extract the XDS signal from the television signal; and a data port coupled to the data slicer for providing an output of the XDS
signal to a peripheral device.
a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
a video display for receiving the video signal from the tuner to produce a video image;
a data slicer coupled to the tuner adapted to extract the XDS signal from the television signal; and a data port coupled to the data slicer for providing an output of the XDS
signal to a peripheral device.
2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user interface for selectively sending the XDS data via the data port to a peripheral device, and for selecting a display mode for text information in the XDS signal.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the data port comprises an RS-232 serial connector.
4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a text display coupled to the data port adapted to display text information included in the XDS signal.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the text display is mounted adjacent the video display.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein the text display is a remote device.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the XDS signal includes closed caption information.
8. The system of claim 1, further comprising:
an XDS video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information in the XDS signal on the video display; and a control system for selectively activating the XDS video generator and the data port, and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
an XDS video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information in the XDS signal on the video display; and a control system for selectively activating the XDS video generator and the data port, and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising a computer coupled to the data port for monitoring information in the XDS signal.
10. The system of claim 9, wherein the computer includes a processor for interpreting URL data in the XDS signal and a connection to an on-line service, whereby the computer may access on-line information in response to the URL data.
11. The system of claim 9, wherein the computer includes a controller for controlling a component of the system in response to information included in the XDS
signal.
signal.
12. The system of claim 1, further comprising an infrared transmitter for transmitting the XDS signal to a remote device.
13. A television for selectively displaying extended data service (XDS) data, comprising:
a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
a data slicer coupled to the tuner adapted to extract the XDS signal from the television signal;
a first display adapted to receive the video signal to display a video image defined by the video signal; and a second display remote from the first display and adapted to receive the XDS
signal from the data slicer to display a text image defined by the XDS signal.
a tuner adapted to receive a television signal, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
a data slicer coupled to the tuner adapted to extract the XDS signal from the television signal;
a first display adapted to receive the video signal to display a video image defined by the video signal; and a second display remote from the first display and adapted to receive the XDS
signal from the data slicer to display a text image defined by the XDS signal.
14. The television of claim 13, wherein the XDS signal includes closed caption information.
15. The television of claim 13, wherein the second display is mounted adjacent to the first display.
16. The television of claim 13, wherein the XDS signal includes one or more fields of text, and wherein the second display can selectively display at least one of the fields of text.
17. The television of claim 13, further comprising:
an XDS video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information in the XDS signal on the first display; and a control system for selectively activating the video generator and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
an XDS video generator coupled to the data slicer and adapted to display text information in the XDS signal on the first display; and a control system for selectively activating the video generator and for selecting a display mode for the text information, the display mode including a closed caption mode and a text mode.
18. The television of claim 13, wherein the tuner includes a first tuner and a second tuner.
19. The television of claim 13, wherein the first display is a picture-in-picture display.
20. A method of selectively using extended data service (XDS) data included in a television signal, the method comprising the steps of:
receiving a television signal by a tuner, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal on a video display coupled to the tuner;
extracting the XDS signal from the television signal; and sending the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device remote from the video display.
receiving a television signal by a tuner, the television signal including a video signal and an XDS signal;
displaying a video image corresponding to the video signal on a video display coupled to the tuner;
extracting the XDS signal from the television signal; and sending the XDS signal out a data port to a peripheral device remote from the video display.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the peripheral device comprises a text display, and wherein the method comprises the additional step of displaying text information in the XDS signal on the text display.
22. The method of claim 20, comprising the additional step of selectively activating or deactivating the display of text information in the XDS signal on the video display.
23. The method of claim 20, wherein the peripheral device comprises a computer.
24. The method of claim 23, comprising the additional step of monitoring the XDS signal with the computer for predetermined data.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the predetermined data is URL data, and wherein the method comprises the additional step of connecting the computer to a on-line service in response to the URL data.
26. The method of claim 24, comprising the additional step of selectively controlling a component of the television with the computer in response to the predetermined data.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
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| US09/007,197 US6816201B1 (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1998-01-13 | XDS enhancement system |
| US09/007,197 | 1998-01-13 |
Publications (1)
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| CA2258433A1 true CA2258433A1 (en) | 1999-07-13 |
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| CA002258433A Abandoned CA2258433A1 (en) | 1998-01-13 | 1999-01-12 | Xds enhancement system |
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| CA (1) | CA2258433A1 (en) |
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| US6816201B1 (en) | 2004-11-09 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Discontinued | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |
Effective date: 20050112 |