U.S. patent application number 13/026202 was filed with the patent office on 2011-06-09 for techniques for displaying data based on characteristics of a display device.
This patent application is currently assigned to SONY CORPORATION OF JAPAN. Invention is credited to Peter Rae Shintani, Hirofumi Usui.
Application Number | 20110138422 13/026202 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24131716 |
Filed Date | 2011-06-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110138422 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Shintani; Peter Rae ; et
al. |
June 9, 2011 |
TECHNIQUES FOR DISPLAYING DATA BASED ON CHARACTERISTICS OF A
DISPLAY DEVICE
Abstract
A method of selecting a portion of a block of data for display
based on characteristics of a display device. The method comprises
several steps. In the first step, a block of Electronic Program
Guide (EPG) data is received at a communication device adapted to
process this data. Next, an input is received at the communication
device regarding an appearance of the display device. The
communication device can be a set-top box. The appearance of the
display includes, but is not limited to, the resolution, the aspect
ratio (AR), and the physical size of the display. Based on these
inputs, the communication device next selects a portion, more or
fewer columns or rows, of the block of EPG data to be displayed on
the display device. The portion of the EPG data selected is
formatted and communicated to the display device, e.g. television,
for viewing by the user.
Inventors: |
Shintani; Peter Rae; (San
Diego, CA) ; Usui; Hirofumi; (San Diego, CA) |
Assignee: |
SONY CORPORATION OF JAPAN
Tokyo
NJ
SONY ELECTRONICS, INC.
Park Ridge
|
Family ID: |
24131716 |
Appl. No.: |
13/026202 |
Filed: |
February 11, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12025210 |
Feb 4, 2008 |
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13026202 |
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11006065 |
Dec 6, 2004 |
7493642 |
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12025210 |
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09534832 |
Mar 24, 2000 |
6839903 |
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11006065 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
725/44 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4622 20130101;
H04N 5/44543 20130101; H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N 21/4516
20130101; H04N 7/0122 20130101; H04N 21/4314 20130101; H04N 21/454
20130101; H04N 21/4355 20130101; H04N 21/4356 20130101; H04N
21/4358 20130101; H04N 21/485 20130101; H04N 7/0884 20130101; H04N
21/440263 20130101; H04N 21/443 20130101; H04N 21/482 20130101;
H04N 21/4438 20130101; H04N 21/4351 20130101; H04N 21/47
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
725/44 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/445 20110101
H04N005/445 |
Claims
1. A method comprising: receiving data having a first format;
receiving a display characteristic; selecting a portion of said
data based on said display characteristic; fitting said selected
portion of said data in an image frame having a second format; and
communicating said image frame to a display.
2. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said display
characteristic includes one or more of an aspect ratio of said
display, a resolution of said display, a size of said display, a
font type and a font size.
3. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said display
characteristic is automatically received from said display.
4. The method recited in claim 1, wherein said display
characteristic is received from a user.
5. The method recited in claim 1, wherein fitting said selected
data comprises anamorphic formatting said selected data.
6. The method recited in claim 5, wherein said anamorphic
formatting said selected data comprises compressing or stretching
said selected data based on said display characteristic of said
display.
7. The method recited in claim 1, wherein selecting said portion of
said data based on said display characteristic comprises: comparing
an aspect ratio of said display to a predetermined threshold;
increasing a horizontal portion of said data selected if said
aspect ratio of said display is greater than said predetermined
threshold; and decreasing said horizontal portion of said data
selected if said aspect ratio of said display is less than said
predetermined threshold.
8. The method recited in claim 1, wherein selecting said portion of
said data based on said display characteristic comprises: comparing
a resolution of said display to a predetermined threshold;
increasing a horizontal or vertical portion of said data selected
if said resolution of said display is greater than said
predetermined threshold; and decreasing said horizontal or vertical
portion of said data selected if said resolution of said display is
less than said predetermined threshold.
9. The method recited in claim 1, wherein selecting said portion of
said data based on said display characteristic comprises: comparing
a size of said display to a predetermined threshold; increasing a
horizontal or vertical portion of said data selected if said size
of said display is greater than said predetermined threshold; and
decreasing said horizontal or vertical portion of said data
selected if said size of said display is less than said
predetermined threshold.
10. The method recited in claim 1, wherein selecting said portion
of said data based on said display characteristic comprises:
comparing an aspect ratio of said display to a predetermined
threshold; comparing resolution of said display to a predetermined
resolution threshold; comparing a size of said display to a
predetermined size threshold; and adjusting said selected portion
of said data based on a weighting of said aspect ratio comparison,
said resolution comparison and said size comparison.
11. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising: wherein said
display characteristic is received from said display; receiving an
additional display characteristic from a user; adjusting said
selected portion of said data based on said additional display
characteristic; wherein fitting said selected portion of said data
in said image frame comprises fitting said adjusted selected
portion.
12. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising: receiving an
indication of an acceptability of said selected portion of said
data from a user; determining if an alternative display
characteristic exists if said selected portion of said data is not
acceptable; selecting a different portion of said data based on
said alternative display characteristic, if said alternative
display characteristic exists; and fitting said selected different
portion of said data in said image frame based on said alternative
display characteristic.
13. The method recited in claim 12, further comprising choosing an
acceptable image frame as a default selected portion of said data
and default format for said image frame.
14. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising selecting
said portion of said data based on a default display
characteristic, if said characteristic is not received from said
display device or a user.
15. The method recited in claim 1, further comprising: receiving an
input from a user regarding an appearance of said image frame on
said display device; changing said portion of said data based on
said input from said user; formatting said changed portion of said
data to create an adjusted image frame for said display device; and
communicating said adjusted image frame to said display device.
16. A video device comprising: a receiver unit for receiving data
having a first format; a processor coupled to said receiver unit;
and a computer readable memory coupled to said processor and
containing program instructions stored therein that when executed
causes said processor to implement a method comprising: receiving a
display characteristic; determining a given amount of said data
based on said display characteristic; formatting said given amount
of data as an image frame having a second format based on said
display characteristic, wherein said first format is different from
said second format; and communicating said image frame to said
display.
17. The video device recited in claim 16, wherein determining said
given amount of said data based on said display characteristic
comprises: comparing an aspect ratio of said display to a
predetermined threshold; increasing said given amount of data if
said aspect ratio of said display is greater than said
predetermined threshold; and decreasing said given amount of data
selected if said aspect ratio of said display is less than said
predetermined threshold.
18. The video device recited in claim 16, wherein determining said
given amount of said data based on said display characteristic
comprises: comparing a resolution of said display to a
predetermined threshold; increasing said given amount of data if
said resolution of said display is greater than said predetermined
threshold; and decreasing said given amount of data selected if
said resolution of said display is less than said predetermined
threshold.
19. The video device recited in claim 16, wherein said method
further comprises: receiving an indication of an acceptability of
said given amount of said data from a user; determining if an
alternative display characteristic exists is said given amount is
not acceptable; determining a different amount of said data based
on said alternative display characteristic, if said alternative
display characteristic exists; and formatting said different amount
of said data in said image frame having said second format based on
said alternative display characteristic.
20. The video device recited in claim 16, wherein said method
further comprises: receiving an input from a user regarding an
appearance of said image frame on said display device; changing
said given amount of said data based on said input from said user;
formatting said changed amount of said data to create an adjusted
image frame for said display device; and communicating said
adjusted image frame to said display device.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
12/025,210 filed Feb. 4, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. Pat.
No. 7,493,642 issued Feb. 17, 2009, which is a continuation of U.S.
Pat. No. 6,839,903 issued Jan. 4, 2005.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] As the number of broadcasters increase and the number of new
and rerun television (TV) programs and movies increase, a need
arises for a method to provide this increasing amount of
information to a viewer electronically. Conventional televisions
and broadcasters utilize a feature referred to as an Electronic
Programming Guide (EPG) to communicate a schedule of upcoming
television or movie programs to a viewer via a television
screen.
[0003] Referring to prior art FIG. 1A, a table 120 of a
conventional block of data for an EPG is shown. The table 120 has a
top column of time 124 and a vertical column for channel 122.
Program information, e.g. program A info. 128a, falls under a
specific time, e.g. 9:00 a.m. on week 1 124a, and under a specific
broadcaster, e.g. ABC 122a, or media provider, e.g. Gemstar.
Specifically, table 120 can span a wide range of time 126, such as
one to two weeks of programming information. Similarly, the number
of broadcasters 129 displayed can vary significantly. That is,
programming information for either a single broadcaster, e.g. ABC
122a, or for multiple broadcasters, e.g. ABC 122a through PAX 122f,
can be provided by a carrier.
[0004] The block of data is stored in a memory block of the display
device, e.g. a television set. Because the entire block of data
cannot be displayed at one time, due to the limited size of a
television screen and the extreme size of the amount of data in the
EPG, a need arises for a method and apparatus to intelligently
select and format a suitable amount of data from the block of EPG
data to display on the display device.
[0005] Conventionally, only a one hour block of EPG scheduling,
e.g. block 130 of prior art FIG. 1A, is typically presented on a
display device, such as a television screen. This is a very limited
span of time for a viewer to plan a viewing schedule. Consequently,
a need arises for displaying a wider range of information of the
EPG.
[0006] Referring to prior art FIG. 1B, two conventional television
screen formats are shown. The conventional television screen 102,
having a matrix of pixels 106, has a height 103 and a width 104.
The relationship between the width 104 and the height 103 of a
display is referred to as an aspect ratio (AR). In the case of the
first television set 102, the AR is 4:3. This 4:3 AR is the primary
reason for the standardized one-hour EPG scheduling block provided
on a television screen. However, with the introduction of other
television formats, ARs different from the standardized 4:3 AR have
arisen. For example, another television 104, having a matrix of
pixels 108, has a height 109 and a width 116. The corresponding AR
of this format, for television 104, is 16:9. Thus, a need arises
for a method and apparatus to provide a different format of EPG
information to a display device.
[0007] Unfortunately, conventional methods and devices do not allow
a single format of EPG data to be aesthetically displayed on a
variety of television sets with different ARs, e.g. that are
different than the AR of the EPG data. For example, an EPG table
formatted for one AR may not be readable on a device having a
significantly different AR from the EPG table because the text will
have an inappropriate height or width when displayed. Devices with
different ARs will continue to exist as long as legacy devices
continue to be used and as long as new devices with different ARs
are introduced into the market. Broadcasting a standardized EPG
display format will not, by itself, be compatible with a variety of
television displays having different ARs. The displayed EPG data
will either be too wide or too tall for one display device or it
will be too narrow or too short for another display device. As a
result, a need arises for a more flexible method of providing EPG
data to a display device.
[0008] Furthermore, other display characteristics of a display
device can have an effect on how much data from a large block of
data can be displayed. For example, display device characteristics,
such as resolution and size of the display to name a few, can have
an effect on how much data can readably be displayed on the display
device. Consequently, a more effective method for displaying EPG
information on a display device is needed.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The field of the present invention pertains to a video
device. More particularly, the present invention relates to the
field of displaying a portion of a block of data, e.g. an
electronic program guide, on a display device based on the display
characteristics of the display device.
[0010] The present invention provides a method and apparatus to
intelligently select and format a suitable amount of data from the
block of EPG data to display on a display device. Furthermore, the
present invention provides a method for displaying a wider range of
information of the EPG than is currently available. That is, the
present invention provides a method and apparatus that takes
advantage of the wider AR of a wide aspect ratio display, to
display additional EPG program guide information. At the same time,
the present invention provides a method and apparatus that can be
adapted to select and format a portion of an EPG block of data that
would be suitable to display devices with different ARs, thus
accommodating new and legacy devices. The present invention also
provides a method and apparatus that optimizes the amount of
readable data displayed on the display device based on display
device characteristics such as resolution and size of the display
device.
[0011] Specifically, one embodiment of the present invention
provides a method of determining a portion of a block of data to be
provided to a display device. In the present embodiment, the method
comprises several steps. In the first step, a block of EPG data is
received at a communication device adapted to process this data.
Next, an input is received at the communication device regarding an
appearance of the display device. The communication device can be
an integrated or add-on component of a television set or a set-top
box. A television set can be adapted to automatically transmit data
regarding its appearance, and thus be transparent to the user. The
appearance of the display includes, but is not limited to, the
resolution, the aspect ratio (AR), and the physical size of the
display. Based on these inputs, the communication device will
select a portion of the block of EPG data to be displayed on the
display device. The portion of the EPG data selected is formatted
and communicated to the display device, e.g. television, for
viewing by the user.
[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention implements the
method of determining a portion of a block of data to be provided
to a display device by using a processor and memory that can be
located in the set-top box or a TV. The steps provided in the
previous paragraph are implemented as data and instructions of the
memory to be executed by the processor.
[0013] These and other advantages of the present invention will
become clear to those of ordinary skill in the art after having
read the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments which are described herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] Embodiments of the present invention are illustrated by way
of example and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the
accompanying drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to
similar elements and in which:
[0015] FIG. 1A shows a table of a conventional block of data for an
Electronic Programming Guide (EPG).
[0016] FIG. 1B shows a conventional 4:3 AR television screen and a
conventional 16:9 AR television screen.
[0017] FIG. 2A shows a block diagram of a video device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 2B shows a block of EPG data formatted for a 16:9
aspect ratio display device, in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0019] FIG. 2C shows a block of EPG data formatted for a 4:3 aspect
ratio display device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0020] FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of the steps performed to determine
a portion of a block of data to be provided to a display device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of the steps performed to determine
a portion of a block of data to be provided to a display device
based on the display characteristics of the display device, in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred
embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in
the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in
conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood
that they are not intended to limit the invention to these
embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover
alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description
of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth
in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present
invention. However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in
the art that the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
[0023] Some portions of the detailed descriptions which follow,
e.g. the processes, are presented in terms of procedures, logic
blocks, processing, and other symbolic representations of
operations on data bits within a computer or a digital system
memory. These descriptions and representations are the means used
by those skilled in the arts to most effectively convey the
substance of their work to others skilled in the art. A procedure,
logic block, process, etc., is herein, and generally, conceived to
be a self-consistent sequence of steps or instructions leading to a
desired result. The steps are those requiring physical
manipulations of physical quantities. Usually, though not
necessarily, these physical manipulations take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a
processor. For reasons of convenience, and with reference to common
usage, these signals are referred to as bits, values, elements,
symbols, characters, terms, numbers, or the like with reference to
the present invention.
[0024] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these terms
are to be interpreted as referencing physical manipulations and
quantities and are merely convenient labels to be interpreted
further in view of terms commonly used in the art. Unless
specifically stated otherwise as apparent from the following
discussions, it is understood that throughout discussions of the
present invention, terms such as "receiving," "selecting,"
"formatting," "communicating," or the like, refer to the action and
processes that can be implemented by an electronic computing
device, that manipulates and transforms data. The data is
represented as physical (electronic) quantities within the
registers and memories of the device, and is transformed into other
data similarly represented as physical quantities within the device
components, or computer system memories or registers, or other such
information storage, transmission or display devices.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2A, a block diagram of a video device
200 is shown, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Video device 200 can be a display source device in a
set-top box, a Personal Computer (PC) having a tuner for video
viewing, a television set, such as a high resolution digital TV, an
analog TV, or some other display device. Video device 200 includes
a frame buffer 212, a processor 208, a memory 210, and a receiver
204. Processor 208 is coupled to frame buffer 212, memory 210, and
receiver 204. Additionally, broadcast input lead 206, adapted to
receive a video signal, is coupled to receiver 204. Broadcast input
lead 206 can be adapted to receive a signal via cable, satellite,
or antennae.
[0026] Additionally, a user input lead 213 is coupled to receiver
204 in FIG. 2A and a display characteristic input lead 216 is
coupled to processor 208. User input lead 213 is adapted to receive
a signal from a user of a display device 218. A signal can be
provided to user input lead 213 via a number of sources such as a
remote control device, a Video Cassette Recorder (VCR), or input
devices, such as buttons, located on the display device 218.
Display characteristic input lead 216 is adapted to receive a
signal from a display device 218. In one embodiment, video device
200 can have only a display characteristic input lead 216 and no
user input lead 213. In another embodiment, video device 200 can
have only user input lead 213 and no display characteristic input
lead 216.
[0027] Video device 200 of FIG. 2A provides a single output on
image output lead 214, which is coupled to frame buffer 212. Frame
buffer 212 is adapted to provide a formatted frame showing a
portion of the EPG table. While the components of video device 200
are shown in a specific arrangement and a specific coupling
configuration, the present invention is well-suited to adding other
components and to altering the coupling configuration to suit
specialized applications.
[0028] Memory 210 used in video device 200, for the present
invention, can either be permanent memory, such as read only memory
(ROM), or temporary memory such as random access memory (RAM).
Memory 210 can also be any other type of memory storage, capable of
containing program instructions, such as a hard drive, a CD ROM, or
flash memory. Furthermore, processor 208 can either be a dedicated
controller, an existing system processor, a microprocessor, or some
form of a state machine.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 2B, a block of EPG data formatted for
a 16:9 aspect ratio display device 230, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. Because display device 230 has
a wider aspect ratio than a conventional television, it can display
a larger portion of a block of EPG data. Consequently, the 9:00
a.m. slot 124a through the 10:00 a.m. slot 124c and the ABC channel
122a through the PAX channel 122f can all be displayed at once.
While the present embodiment shows a specific quantity of time
slots and channels, the present invention is well-suited to
displaying a wide range of time slots and channels.
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2C, a block of EPG data formatted for
a 4:3 aspect ratio display device 240, in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. Because display device 240 has
a conventional aspect ratio, it can only display a nominal portion
of a block of EPG data. Consequently, only the 9:00 a.m. slot 124a
through the 9:30 a.m. slot 124b and the ABC channel 122a through
the CBS channel 122b can all be displayed at once. While the
present embodiment shows a specific quantity of time slots and
channels for a 4:3 aspect ratio display device, the present
invention is well-suited to displaying a wide range of time slots
and channels. Furthermore, the present invention is well-suited to
providing display information for a display device with any aspect
ratio. The two embodiments provided in FIGS. 2B and 2C were chosen
because they are standards. In one embodiment, FIG. 2B is a digital
display device while FIG. 2C is a conventional analog display
device. Thus, the present invention accommodates both the new
digital technology devices as well as the legacy analog
devices.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 3 a flowchart is shown of the process
performed to determine a portion of a block of data to be provided
to a display device, in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. By using the process 3000 embodiment of the
present invention, intelligent formatting can be performed to
optimize the amount of EPG data provided on a display device to a
viewer. Additionally, the present invention provides for the use of
legacy devices, such as televisions with standardized aspect
ratios. While the present embodiment implements process 3000 in a
digital television set, the present invention can be implemented in
other types of devices, such as an analog television, a Personal
Computer (PC) having a tuner for television viewing, or a set-top
box. Process 3000 deals with the user interface, human interface,
ergonomics, and cosmetic design of any display product that has, or
is used for, display data.
[0032] Process 3000 begins with step 3002. In step 3002 of the
present embodiment, a block of data is received at a video device.
Step 3002 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device
such as video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video
device 200 can receive a block of data at receiver 204 via
broadcast input lead 206. In one embodiment, a conventional block
of data for EPG, such as that shown in prior art FIG. 1A, can be
received at video device 200. Broadcast input lead 206 can be
adapted to receive a signal via cable, satellite, antennae, or
Internet.
[0033] More specifically, the block of data, e.g. the EPG data, can
be provided by the broadcaster via many different means. For
example, a broadcaster can download two weeks of scheduling
information in early morning hours on a semi-monthly basis.
Alternatively, a broadcaster of media provider can transmit the
block of data in real-time to the display device. Furthermore,
transmission of the block of data can occur over any conventional
broadcasting means. That is, transmission of the block of data can
occur via program transport stream of digital terrestrial
broadcast, via cable broadcast, or via satellite broadcast. For
example, transmission of the block of data can occur via the
National Television Standards Commission (NTSC) use of field 2 line
21 XDS. Alternatively, transmission of the block of data can occur
via program specific information protocol (PSIP) A/65 of the
Advanced Television Standards Commission (ATSC). In another
protocol, normal or APG transmission of the block of data over the
Digital Satellite System (DSS) can be used. The Dish Network can
also be adapted to provide the block of data. For cable television,
either in-band, out-of-band, or DOCSIS protocol can be utilized to
provide the block of data.
[0034] Alternative embodiments can be used to implement step 3002.
For example, while the present embodiment utilizes a standard data
block of EPG data, the present invention is well-suited to
receiving any size and format of block of EPG data. Furthermore,
while the present embodiment specifies the content of the block of
data as the EPG data, the present invention can be applied to any
block of data to be displayed on a display device. For example,
menu setting data for a TV or a VCR can be selected and formatted
using the present invention. Following step 3002, process 3000
proceeds to step 3004.
[0035] In step 3004 of the present embodiment, input regarding the
appearance of the display is received. A display device can provide
input 3004a on its display characteristics. Step 3004 and input
3004a are implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200
shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to
receive input 3004a on display characteristic input lead 216 from a
display device. This embodiment is applicable when a display device
has a component that will automatically transmit data regarding the
appearance of the display device. In one embodiment the appearance
of the display can include data codes representing the resolution,
the aspect ratio (AR), and/or the physical size of the display
device. Following step 3004, process 3000 proceeds to step
3006.
[0036] In step 3006 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether the display device input 3004a for display
characteristics exists. If display characteristics input 3004a does
exist, then process 3000 proceeds to step 3008. This case accounts
for an intelligent digital or analog television that provides an
output of its display characteristics. However, if no display
characteristics input exist, then process 3000 proceeds to step
3014. This latter case accounts for display devices that have no
intelligent output devices. Thus, the present invention, in step
3006, provides the flexibility of accommodating display devices
that provide an output and display devices that do not provide an
output.
[0037] Step 3008 arises if a display characteristics input does
exist. In step 3008 of the present invention, a portion of the
block of data for display on the display device is selected. Step
3008 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200
shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to
analyze display device characteristic input 3004a and decide the
appropriate portion of the block of data to display. In one
embodiment, the Extended Data Service (XDS) system described in
Electronic Industries Association-608 (EIA-608), A or B, and
incorporated by reference herein, can be implemented to convey the
display characteristics, such as the aspect ratio of the display,
in the vertical blanking interval. In an alternative embodiment,
display device characteristics can be transmitted along with the
broadcast video signal. For example, default aspect ratio data can
be transmitted in the digital transport stream of an ATSC
broadcast, as well as other proprietary digital broadcasts. The
present invention is also well-suited to other aspect ratio signal
schemes, such as the International Electrotechnical Commission-1880
(IEC-1880) standard on line 20 of the vertical blanking interval
(VBI). Additionally, in a computer environment, display device
characteristics can be transmitted using suitable communication
protocols, such as the computer monitor standard under Video
Electronics Standards Association (VESA). Subsequent process 4000
provides steps that can be utilized for implementing step 3008 of
process 3000. Following step 3008, process 3000 proceeds to step
3010.
[0038] In step 3010 of the present invention, an amount of data is
custom fit for the display device on which it will be displayed,
according to its display characteristics. Step 3010 is implemented,
in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A.
Specifically, frame buffer 212 of video device 200 is adapted to
format the block of data, chosen in step 3008, for display on the
display device. Methods and apparatus used for formatting the block
of data are well-known in the art and are not described herein for
purposes of clarity. In one embodiment, the block of data has a
single common format, e.g. modular columns and/or rows, that allows
variable amounts of data to be formatted for display simply by
adding or removing the modular rows or columns. However, the
present invention is well-suited to alternative formats of the
block of data, such as asymmetrical formatted data. In another
embodiment, a font type and size can be customized to provide an
optimal display of the data.
[0039] Step 3010 of the present invention may also be implemented
using anamorphic formatting techniques that magnify or reduce
images to dissimilar degrees along different axes. By doing so, the
present implementation of step 3010 can custom fit an amount of
data for a given display device's display characteristics. For
example, one embodiment can use vertical compression
(v-compression) with the associated blacked-out top and/or bottom
region, to maintain a desired quantity of EPG rows and columns to
be displayed on the display device. This latter embodiment can be
implemented on either analog or digital display devices. With
analog televisions, the present embodiment is well-suited to
discrete phosphorous elements, such as the traditional red, green,
blue (RGB) dot trio, or to continuous phosphorous elements, e.g.
SONY Trinitron.TM. tube having vertical strips with unlimited
resolution. In particular, the v-compression embodiment compresses
the vertical distance of the raster in order to provide the
appropriate AR for the data, in one embodiment. Step 3010 can also
be accomplished by other methods of anamorphic formatting besides
v-compression.
[0040] The v-compression embodiment for step 3010 can be
implemented by automatically programming a receiver to implement
the v-compression process. For example, in one embodiment, an EPG
data signal, formatted with a 16:9 AR, is received at a receiver
for a television having a different AR, such as 4:3. The receiver
is automatically programmed to provide the required amount of
v-compression to display the intended block of EPG data while
maintaining an aesthetic AR of the EPG data displayed. Thus, the
16:9 EPG data is not stretched in a vertical direction to match the
4:3 display AR, but is compressed in the vertical direction with an
appropriate black-out strip on the top and/or the bottom of the
image. Following step 3010, process 3000 proceeds to step 3012.
[0041] In step 3012 of the present invention, the image frame
produced by step 3010 is communicated to the display device. Step
3012 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200
shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, image output lead 214 is adapted to
communicate the image frame, produced by frame buffer 212 of
display source device 200, to the display device. Following step
3012, process 3000 ends.
[0042] As an example for step 3008 through 3012, if an input
indicating a high resolution, high aspect ratio 16:9, large
television set is received, a relatively large portion of the
display block will be selected for subsequent display on the
display device. One embodiment of this scenario is presented in
FIG. 2B. Compared to conventional EPG display, a one and one-half
hour portion, e.g. more columns, of EPG data can be selected for
display, and six stations, e.g. more rows, of the EPG data can be
selected for display on the display device. That is, in one
example, program information for 9:00 a.m. week 1 column 124a
through 10:00 a.m. week 1 column 124c, for stations ABC 122a
through PAX 122f, can be chosen for subsequent display, as shown in
FIG. 2B. While the present example chooses a specific input
situation, the present invention is well-suited to a plethora of
cases, with their appropriate trade-off. FIG. 2C provides an
alternative embodiment of a conventional AR display device
displaying a narrower and shorter table of EPG data.
[0043] Step 3014 arises if no display characteristics input exists,
per the inquiry of step 3006. In step 3014 of the present
invention, the user is prompted to manually provide display
information. Display information can include data such as the
display characteristics of the display device. Step 3014 is
implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in
FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to prompt user
via an appropriate message, from memory 210, on image output lead
214 to the display device. Following step 3014, process 3000
proceeds to step 3016.
[0044] In step 3016 of the present embodiment, input regarding the
appearance of the display is received. Input block 3016a is
received as user input display characteristics. Step 3016 and input
3016a are implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200
shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, input from a viewer, or user, can
be received via user input lead 213 A signal can be provided to
user input lead 213 via a number of sources such as a remote
control device, a video cassette recorder (VCR), or input devices,
such as buttons, located on the display device. This embodiment is
particularly applicable when a display device does not have a
component that will automatically transmit data regarding the
display characteristics of the display device. In one embodiment
the display characteristics of the display device provided by the
user can include inputs such as the resolution, the aspect ratio
(AR), and the physical size of the display. Additionally, the user
can input a user-definable font type and font size for the text of
the data to be displayed. Following step 3016, process 3000
proceeds to step 3018.
[0045] In step 3018 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether the user input data on display characteristics
exists. If user input on display characteristics input does exist,
then process 3000 proceeds to step 3008. This case accounts for a
user who is able to provide viable input data. However, if no
user-supplied display characteristics input exist, then process
3000 proceeds to step 3020. This latter case accounts for a user
who is unable to provide viable input data. Thus, the present
invention, in Step 3018, provides the flexibility of accommodating
cases when the user can and cannot provide useful input data.
Following step 3018, process 3000 proceeds to step 3020.
[0046] Step 3020 arises if no user-supplied display characteristics
input exists. In step 3020 of the present invention, a portion of
the block of data is selected, based on minimum display
characteristics. Step 3020 is implemented, in one embodiment, by
the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Specifically, video device
200 is adapted to select a portion of block of EPG data from memory
210, based on a default value for display characteristics, e.g. a
conventional aspect ratio characteristic, also stored in memory
210. Display characteristics, such as minimum available display
characteristics, can be pre-programmed in memory 210, received via
broadcast input 206, or input by user via input lead 213. While the
present embodiment begins with minimum display characteristics, the
present invention is well-suited to alternative formats. For
example, a median or maximum display characteristic format can be
chosen. The present embodiment chooses a minimum display
characteristic, such as minimum AR, minimum display device size,
and minimum resolution, to provide a readable display of EPG data
for all possible display devices. From this point, the larger AR,
larger size, and/or higher resolution display devices can increase
the portion of data to be viewed. Following step 3020, process 3000
proceeds to step 3022.
[0047] In step 3022 of the present invention, the portion of the
block of data selected is formatted as an image frame for display
on the display device. Step 3022 is implemented, in one embodiment,
in a similar manner to that presented for step 3010. Following step
3022, process 3000 proceeds to step 3024.
[0048] In step 3024 of the present invention, the image frame
produced by step 3022 is communicated to the display device. Step
3024 is implemented, in one embodiment, in a similar manner to that
presented for step 3012. Following step 3024, process 3000 proceeds
to step 3026.
[0049] In step 3026 of the present embodiment, input regarding the
appearance of the display is received. A user can provide display
device characteristics input 3026a. Step 3026 and input 3026a are
implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in
FIG. 2A. Specifically, input from a viewer, or user, can be
received via user input lead 213, indicating the acceptability of
the displayed portion of the block of EPG data chosen by the
present embodiment. A signal can be provided on user input lead 213
via a number of sources such as a remote control device, a video
cassette recorder (VCR), or input devices, such as buttons, located
on the display device (not shown). In one embodiment the user can
provide a binary response, such as "yes" or "no," or a variable
response, such as an input from "1" as worst to "10" as best.
Following step 3026, process 3000 proceeds to step 3028.
[0050] In step 3028 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether an alternative display characteristic exists. If
an alternative display characteristic does exist, then process 3000
proceeds to step 3030. This case accounts for a possible display
configuration, e.g. a display configuration for a larger size and
greater resolution display device format, that has not been
reviewed and graded by the viewer. Alternatively, inquiry 3028 can
also evaluate user input 3026a as a weighting factor on whether to
provide the user with any additional configurations of EPG data. If
no alternative display characteristic exists, then process 3000
proceeds to step 3032. This latter case accounts for the point
where all available configurations of EPG data have been provided
to the viewer for evaluation.
[0051] Step 3030 arises if an alternative display characteristic
does exist per the inquiry of step 3028. In step 3030 of the
present invention, a different portion of the block of data is
selected for formatting and displaying on the display device. Step
3030 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video device 200
shown in FIG. 2A. That is, a different portion, or an increment
value of a display device format, e.g. screen size, is retrieved
from memory 210 and implemented with respect to a portion of the
data block, also stored in memory 210. The present invention is
well-suited to many different embodiments for indexing through the
possible portions and formats of a block of data. Following step
3030, process 3000 returns to step 3022.
[0052] Step 3032 arises if no alternative display characteristic
exists. In step 3032 of the present invention, a block of data and
a format is chosen as a default value. That is, when the
appropriate amount of choices for display format and size have been
evaluated, the best choice is labeled as a default value. Input
from the user, per input 3026a, is used in the evaluation step. In
this manner, the user only has to set up the communication device,
used for formatting blocks of data, one time. The default value can
be called up and implemented for future viewing of the block of
data. In an alternative embodiment, inputs from the user can be
weighted to optimize or bias the result. Step 3032 is implemented,
in one embodiment, by the video device 200 shown in FIG. 2A.
Specifically, video device 200 is adapted to choose a default
portion of, and format for, a block of data and to store it in
memory as a default value for future use. Step 3032 can
alternatively be implemented after step 3012, in one embodiment, to
create a default portion and format for a block of data for a
display device that provides output. Following step 3032, process
3000 ends.
[0053] Referring now to FIG. 4, a flowchart is shown of the process
performed to determine a portion of a block of data to be provided
to a display device based on the display characteristics of the
display device, in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Process 4000 provides one embodiment of the present
invention for deciding the appropriate portion and formatting of
block of data, such as the electronic programming information
(EPG), for subsequent presentation to a display device.
[0054] Process 4000 begins with step 4002. In step 4002 of the
present embodiment, display characteristics of a display device are
received. Step 4002 is implemented, in one embodiment, by the video
device 200 shown in FIG. 2A. Inputs on the display characteristics
of a display device can be received either on user input lead 213
or display characteristic input 216. Display inputs can include
aspect ratio input 4002a, resolution input 4002b, and/or display
size input 4002c for the display device. Following step 4002,
process 4000 proceeds to step 4004.
[0055] In step 4004 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether the aspect ratio input is a high ratio. If the
aspect ratio is high, then process 4000 proceeds to step 4006. This
case accounts for a display aspect ratio corresponding to one
standard television AR, e.g. an aspect ratio of 16:9. However, if
the aspect ratio is not high, then process 4000 proceeds to step
4008. This latter case accounts for a display aspect ratio
corresponding to a display device with a different AR.
Alternatively, aspect ratio input can be compared to a
predetermined threshold value stored in memory to decide whether to
proceed to step 4006 or step 4008.
[0056] Step 4006 arises if the aspect ratio is a high value, as
determined by step 4004. In step 4006, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data, is increased to
accommodate a higher aspect ratio. The specific value of the
increase can be optimized or determined for specific applications.
Following step 4006, process 4000 proceeds to step 4010.
[0057] Step 4008 arises if the aspect ratio is not a high value, as
determined by step 4004. In step 4008, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data, is decreased to
accommodate a lower aspect ratio. The specific value of the
decrease can be optimized or determined for specific applications.
Following step 4008, process 4000 proceeds to step 4010.
[0058] In step 4010 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether the resolution input is a high value. If the
resolution is a high value, then process 4000 proceeds to step
4012. This case accounts for a display having a high resolution.
Typically, a higher resolution display allows for additional
bandwidth of data to be displayed. However, if the resolution is
not a high value, then process 4000 proceeds to step 4014. This
latter case accounts for a display having a low resolution. In one
case, the resolution setting can be binary, e.g. high resolution or
low resolution. Alternatively, the present invention is well-suited
to having a gradient scale having numerous values, and numerous
corresponding steps in which to proceed. In yet another embodiment,
resolution input can be compared to a predetermined threshold
resolution value to decide whether to proceed to step 4012 or step
4014.
[0059] Step 4012 arises if the resolution is a high value, as
determined by step 4010. In step 4012, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data and/or a vertical
portion, e.g. the number of rows, of the block of data is increased
to accommodate a higher resolution display device input. The
specific value of the increase can be optimized or determined for
specific applications. Following step 4012, process 4000 proceeds
to step 4016.
[0060] Step 4014 arises if the resolution is not a high value, as
determined by step 4010. In step 4014, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data and/or a vertical
portion, e.g. the number of rows, of the block of data is decreased
to accommodate a lower resolution display device input. The
specific value of the decrease can be optimized or determined for
specific applications. Following step 4014, process 4000 proceeds
to step 4016.
[0061] In step 4016 of the present embodiment, an inquiry
determines whether the display device size input is a high value.
If the size input is a high value, then process 4000 proceeds to
step 4018. This case accounts for a large display device, which can
provide a larger size of the data to be displayed, and thus a
greater, and thus finer, amount of data to be displayed. However,
if the size input is not a high value, then process 4000 proceeds
to step 4020. This latter case accounts for a small display device.
Alternatively, size input can be compared to a predetermined
threshold value to decide whether to proceed to step 4018 or step
4020.
[0062] Step 4018 arises if the size input is a high value, as
determined by step 4016. In step 4018, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data and/or a vertical
portion, e.g. the number of rows, of the block of data is increased
to accommodate a larger size of the display device. The specific
value of the increase can be optimized or determined for specific
applications. Following step 4018, process 4000 ends.
[0063] Step 4020 arises if the size input is not a high value, as
determined by step 4016. In step 4020, a horizontal portion, e.g.
the number of columns, of the block of data and/or a vertical
portion, e.g. the number of rows, of the block of data is decreased
to accommodate a smaller size of display device. The specific value
of the decrease can be optimized or determined for specific
applications. Following step 4020, process 4000 ends.
[0064] Additionally, the present invention is well-suited to inputs
other than, or in addition to, inputs 4002a-4002c. Similarly, the
present invention is well-suited to additional inquiries relating
to additional inputs, along with the appropriate additional
subsequent steps.
[0065] The potential results of inquiries 4004, 4010, and 4016 can
lead to conflicting results for the portion of the block of data to
be provided to the display device in the present embodiment. In one
case, two different inputs of opposing qualities can have the
effect of canceling each other out, with a nominal portion of data
being ultimately provided to a display device. In another
embodiment, different input values can be weighted depending upon
the input, reasoning that one input will have a greater influence
on the readability of the displayed information. The present
invention is well-suited to many different alternatives for
implementing a composite decision for the quantity of vertical and
horizontal portion of block of data to display.
[0066] While processes 3000 and 4000 of the present embodiment
shows a specific sequence and quantity of steps, the present
invention is suitable to alternative embodiments. For example, not
all the steps provided for processes 3000 and 4000 are required for
the present invention. For example, an alternative embodiment of
process 3000 can omit steps 3020 through 3032 if the do-loop
function is not desired for a given application. Furthermore,
additional steps can be added to the steps presented in the present
embodiment. Likewise, the sequence of the steps can be modified
depending upon the application. While processes 3000 and 4000 are
shown as a single serial process, it can also be implemented as a
continuous or parallel process.
[0067] Many of the instructions for the steps, and the data input
and output from the steps of processes 3000 and 4000 are
implemented utilizing memory 210 and processor 208, as shown in
FIG. 2A. The memory storage 210 of the present embodiment can
either be permanent, such as read only memory (ROM), or temporary
memory such as random access memory (RAM). Memory 210 can also be
any other type of memory storage, capable of containing program
instructions, such as a hard drive, a CD ROM, or flash memory.
Furthermore, processor 208 can either be a dedicated controller, an
existing system processor, or it can be a dedicated digital signal
processing (DSP) processor. Alternatively, the instructions can be
implemented using some form of a state machine.
[0068] In view of the embodiments presented herein, the present
invention provides a method and apparatus to intelligently select
and format a suitable amount of data from the block of EPG data to
display on a display device. Furthermore, the present invention
provides a method for displaying a wider range of information of
the EPG than is currently available. That is, the present invention
provides a method and apparatus that takes advantage of the wider
AR of some display devices to display additional EPG program guide
information. At the same time, the present invention provides a
method and apparatus that can be adapted to select and format a
portion of an EPG block of data that would be suitable to display
devices with different ARs, thus accommodating new and legacy
devices. The present invention also provides a method and apparatus
that optimizes the amount of readable data displayed on the display
device based on display device characteristics such as resolution
and size of the display device. While the present embodiments are
applied to an EPG block of data, the present invention is
well-suited to any block of data including any text-based data or
any graphics-based data.
[0069] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the
present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration
and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit
the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many
modifications and variations are possible in light of the above
teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to
best explain the principles of the invention and its practical
application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best
utilize the invention and various embodiments with various
modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It
is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the
Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.
* * * * *