U.S. patent application number 13/590116 was filed with the patent office on 2013-02-14 for system and method of presenting synchronous picture-in-picture for consumer video players.
This patent application is currently assigned to DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Jonathan Ackley, Christopher T. Carey, Bennet S. Carr, Kathleen S. Poole. Invention is credited to Jonathan Ackley, Christopher T. Carey, Bennet S. Carr, Kathleen S. Poole.
Application Number | 20130038794 13/590116 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33514050 |
Filed Date | 2013-02-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130038794 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ackley; Jonathan ; et
al. |
February 14, 2013 |
System and Method of Presenting Synchronous Picture-In-Picture for
Consumer Video Players
Abstract
A media playback device capable of displaying multiple streams
simultaneously and with expanded picture-in-picture capabilities is
provided. The placement, size, aspect ratio, cropping, scale,
transparency, tint, contrast, and cropping of the media can be set
or adjusted arbitrarily. Furthermore, the audio may be mixed
between separate tracks accompanying the video streams and may also
be set or adjusted arbitrarily. Each variable can be dynamically
changed during playback through either automated or user-initiated
means. A system and method are provided for simultaneously
displaying a first video stream and at least a second video stream
on a display comprising the steps of feeding the video streams into
a video player; providing control of the display of the video
streams; displaying a first video stream substantially across the
display; and displaying the other video streams in a secondary
display.
Inventors: |
Ackley; Jonathan; (Glendale,
CA) ; Carey; Christopher T.; (Santa Clarita, CA)
; Carr; Bennet S.; (Burbank, CA) ; Poole; Kathleen
S.; (La Canada, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ackley; Jonathan
Carey; Christopher T.
Carr; Bennet S.
Poole; Kathleen S. |
Glendale
Santa Clarita
Burbank
La Canada |
CA
CA
CA
CA |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Burbank
CA
|
Family ID: |
33514050 |
Appl. No.: |
13/590116 |
Filed: |
August 20, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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12317272 |
Dec 19, 2008 |
8249414 |
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13590116 |
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10859885 |
Jun 2, 2004 |
7496277 |
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12317272 |
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60475340 |
Jun 2, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
348/565 ;
348/E5.112 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/4314 20130101;
H04N 21/4312 20130101; H04N 21/41407 20130101; H04N 21/485
20130101; H04N 21/42653 20130101; H04N 5/272 20130101; G11B 27/10
20130101; G11B 27/34 20130101; H04N 5/45 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/565 ;
348/E05.112 |
International
Class: |
H04N 5/45 20110101
H04N005/45 |
Claims
1-44. (canceled)
45. A method for simultaneously displaying a first video stream and
at least a second video stream on a display, the method comprising:
receiving the first video stream and a second video stream at a
media playback device; processing the two video streams to
synchronize the display of portions of the two video streams;
displaying the first video stream on the display, wherein the first
video stream substantially extends across the display; optionally
displaying the second video stream in a customizable secondary
display, wherein the second video stream in the customizable
secondary display has a playback synchronized to the playback of
the first video stream.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application Ser. No. 60/475,340, filed Jun. 2, 2003, which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application
is also related to U.S. Utility Patent Application No. ______
entitled "System And Method Of Interactive Video Playback" (Docket
No. 54317-026701); U.S. Utility Patent Application No. ______
entitled "System And Method Of Dynamic Interface Placement Based On
Aspect Ratio" (Docket No. 54317-026801); U.S. Utility Patent
Application No. ______ entitled "System And Method Of Video Player
Commerce" (Docket No. 54317-026901); and U.S. Utility Patent
Application No. ______ entitled "Video Playback Image Processing"
(Docket No. 54317-027101); all of which are filed concurrently
herewith on Jun. 2, 2004, and incorporated by reference herein in
their entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] 1. Field
[0003] In general, the field of the invention relates to digital
video control. Specifically, the field of the invention relates to
picture in picture functionality in digital formats.
[0004] 2. General Background and State of the Art
[0005] Interactive multimedia provides for a user to more fully
appreciate a subject by exploring the varied multimedia resources
available. Interactive multimedia includes the integration of text,
audio, graphics, still image and moving pictures into a single,
computer-controlled, multimedia product. The desire for interactive
multimedia grows along with the desire for increasing data storage
for these programs.
[0006] In one conventional application, interactive media is used
as a learning tool for a user. The multimedia platform provides
many advantages, including the ability to customize to the user's
abilities and preferences. As a result, the user can control the
path of the lesson. The multimedia lesson may direct the user
through information or, alternatively, allow the user to explore
the many facets on his own. By customizing the interface and levels
of guidance for each user, the interactive multimedia program
provides more effective learning. Interactive multimedia is not
just limited to educational means; it may also be utilized for
entertainment, presentations, and the like.
[0007] DVDs and other digital media players, such as high
definition video players and software DVD-ROM, provide an increased
amount of data storage and, thus, more avenues for media
integration. Increased storage capacity translates into the ability
to hold more information on a single disc or drive. In addition to
increased storage capacity, this digital media can provide higher
quality video and audio. Programming options include labeling
segments of a film, wherein the user can select the segment for
direct viewing. Often, these segments appear in an on-screen index
available to the user from the top DVD menu or main menu screen. As
a result, the user cannot select a desired scene without stopping
the playing of the film and returning to the main menu screen.
[0008] DVDs are limited in that they cannot display at least two
simultaneous streams of data throughout a transmission.
Conventional systems allow for a user to select different angles
during playing of the DVD. When an alternative angle is selected,
display changes from a first angle to the selected angle. In order
to view alternative angles, a menu or index is not available during
the playing of the DVD. Once again, the user must return to the
main menu to preview the various angles. During play, the user can
toggle through the various angles by continuously pressing the
"angle" button on a remote control. The user must continue to
toggle through the angles until satisfied with a view currently
displayed on the screen. As a result of not being subject to the
different angles at all times, the user is unaware of other angles
that may provide a better view through a different angle.
[0009] Attempts to display numerous streams of video and/or audio
have had limited success. Many types of media have been employed to
attempt to provide more viewing options for the user. CD-ROMs are
one such conventional attempt. CD-ROMs are similar to DVDs, but
have a much smaller capacity. With such a small capacity, streaming
video utilizes a significant amount of storage. As a result, the
ability to display a few streams of video simultaneously is limited
by the amount of storage.
[0010] Conventional televisions provide the ability to view two
channels simultaneously. This television feature is known as
picture-in-picture. Picture-in-picture displays a primary
television broadcast as usual on the television screen. A second
television broadcast is overlaid on the primary television
broadcast in a rectangular-shaped box substantially near the corner
of the television display. The rectangular-shaped box is positioned
such that it may be blocking a desirable portion of the first
broadcast. The user does not have the option to reposition the box
to another location on the screen. Additionally, the user cannot
resize the box to become larger or smaller. Similarly, the aspect
ratio of the box is predetermined and fixed. Essentially, the box
is "static."
[0011] The operating systems of personal computers utilize
"windows" to display content. While the operating system windows
provide some solutions to the static television picture-in-picture,
conventional operating systems do not allow for simultaneous
viewing of streaming data in sufficiently customizable "windows."
Each window is often the result of running a new program. The
operating system is limited in its ability to provide multiple
audio or video data streaming simultaneously in a plurality of
customizable windows on the screen. Further, the use of windows on
an operating system for a personal computer does not translate to a
television viewing apparatus. A television cannot be readily
adapted to provide windows similar to an operating system.
[0012] In viewing digital format, a user desires the ability to
view simultaneous streaming audio and/or video, along with the
ability to customize and manipulate the various media. More
specifically, the user desires an ability to reposition streaming
media on a screen, change the size of the streaming media on the
screen, mix the audio of the streaming media with a primary
transmission, use a "zoom" feature within the streaming media, crop
the streaming media, alter the aspect ratio of the streaming media,
choose a layering format for the various media, and modify the
visual properties of the media such as transparency, tint, and
contrast.
[0013] These conventional systems neither achieve nor teach the
simultaneous viewing of interleaved audio and/or video streams with
these desired features. Providing such a capability in a next
generation of video playback devices will give consumers great
freedom to customize their own viewing experiences. Additionally,
improvements to the playback platform can also increase the ability
of artists and content companies to provide innovative viewing
experiences.
SUMMARY
[0014] A system and method of programmatic window control provides
video playback devices with the ability to display multiple media
streams simultaneously on the same screen. Video playback devices
include, but are not limited to, DVD players, High-Definition video
players, PC DVD-ROMs, and the like, The properties of the media
streams can by dynamically and independently controlled either by
user input or by programmatic means.
[0015] The present disclosure expands on the concept of
picture-in-picture for video playback devices by providing such a
format along with customizable features. The placement, size,
aspect ratio, cropping, scale, transparency, tint, contrast, and
cropping of the media can be set or adjusted arbitrarily.
Furthermore, the audio may be mixed between separate tracks
accompanying the video streams and may also be set or adjusted
arbitrarily. Each variable can be dynamically changed during
playback through either automated or user-initiated means.
[0016] In one embodiment, a first video stream and a second video
stream are simultaneously displayed on a display. The first and
second media streams are received by a media playback device
comprising a processor. The first and second video streams are
synchronized such that at least a portion of each of the video
streams are displayed synchronously. The first video stream is
displayed on the display, wherein the first video stream
substantially extends across the display. The second video stream
is optionally displayed in a customizable secondary display,
wherein the second video stream has a playback synchronized to the
playback of the first video stream. A third video stream may be
provided to the media playback device and displayed in the
customizable secondary display.
[0017] The at least one of the plurality of video streams may come
from removable media such as a DVD or CD, or an Internet source, a
personal computer, a hard drive, a LAN storage, or a server. The
media playback device may be a DVD player, a personal computer, a
home media server, a high definition video player, an optical
player, a hard drive based player, or a software DVD-ROM
player.
[0018] In one embodiment, the customizable secondary display is
displayed by choosing a menu option, perhaps through the use of an
input device such as a remote control. Descriptive text, such as
the name of the menu item may be displayed on the customizable
secondary display.
[0019] In one embodiment, the customizable secondary display can be
resized or the aspect ratio can be altered. The aspect ratio of the
at least a second video stream can also be altered. The first video
stream can be swapped with one of the at least a second video
stream, wherein the first video stream is displayed in the
customizable secondary display and one of the at least a second
video stream is displayed substantially across the display. The
customizable secondary display can be repositioned to another
location on the display. The at least a second video stream in the
customizable secondary display can be replaced with the third video
stream. The third video stream can be displayed in addition to at
least a second video stream in the customizable secondary
display.
[0020] The user can vary the audio properties of the first video
stream and at least a second video stream, The secondary display
can be resized to extend substantially across the display wherein
the at least a second video stream overlays the first video stream.
The user can change the customizable secondary display properties
through a remote control, mouse, or keyboard, or gaming
controller.
[0021] Another embodiment provides a system for displaying a first
and a second video stream on a display, the system comprising a
media playback device for receiving and playing the first and
second video streams, wherein the first and second video streams
are provided from a media source to the media playback device, and
wherein the media playback device plays the first video stream on
the display; the media playback device having a CPU and a media
co-processor, wherein the CPU receives commands of a user and
commands the media co-processor to display or modify the first and
second video stream and the secondary display. The system further
comprises a remote control, mouse, keyboard, or gaming controller
to command the CPU. The system further comprises a cursor on the
display to assist the user with modifying the properties of the
secondary display. The system further comprises an executable file,
wherein the CPU runs the executable file to modify the properties
of the video streams and the secondary display. The executable file
further comprises control data, the control data having
customizable properties for the secondary display. The executable
is embedded in at least one video stream. The executable file may
be provided in a stream other than the first or second video
streams.
[0022] Still another embodiment provides a method for a media
playback device to display at least two video streams on a display,
the method comprising the steps of receiving at least two video
streams in a media interface of the media playback device;
receiving an running an executable file in a CPU of the media
playback device; checking by the CPU of the at least two video
streams for metatags; receiving a command at the CPU from a user to
modify at least one of the at least two video streams on the
display; commanding a media co-processor to provide the modified at
least one of the at least two video streams to an output buffer for
display; maintaining alignment of at least two video streams based
on the meta-tags; and optionally displaying an aligned at least a
second of the at least two video streams on the display. A relative
offset between the at least two video streams is maintained.
[0023] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages
will become apparent form a reading of the following detailed
description of exemplary embodiments thereof, which illustrate the
features and advantages of the invention in conjunction with
references to the accompanying figures.
DRAWINGS
[0024] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a
further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part
of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and
together with the description serve to explain the principles.
[0025] FIGS. 1a-1b are flow diagrams of the system according to an
embodiment.
[0026] FIG. 2 is a display with a secondary display according to an
embodiment.
[0027] FIGS. 3a-3d are displays with modified secondary displays
according to an embodiment.
[0028] FIGS. 4a-4c are displays with modified secondary displays
according to an embodiment.
[0029] FIGS. 5a-5b are displays with modified secondary displays
according to an embodiment.
[0030] FIG. 6 is a display with a secondary display according to an
embodiment.
[0031] FIGS. 7a-7b are displays with modified secondary displays
according to an embodiment.
[0032] FIG. 8 is a display with a secondary display according to an
embodiment.
[0033] FIGS. 9a-9b are displays with modified secondary displays
according to an embodiment.
[0034] FIG. 10 is a display with a secondary display overlay
according to an embodiment.
[0035] FIG. 11 is a display with a secondary display and audio
mixing according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0036] The system and method add picture-in-picture functionality
to media players. Specifically, the system and method apply to
video players, including but not limited to DVD players, high
definition video players, software DVD-ROM players, high definition
video players, hard drive based players, optical players, personal
computers, or any other media player known to one of ordinary skill
in the art.
[0037] Referring to FIG. 1a, a media playback device 100 receives
at least two streams of media data. Optionally, the at least two
streams of media data are streamed to the video player 100 such
that the media data of a first data stream corresponds in timing to
at least a second data stream. The data streams may be logically
multiplexed data feeds or from multiple sources, or a combination
of the two.
[0038] Data streams may be logically multiplexed data feeds, as
illustrated by multiplex data feed 45. Multiplex data feed 45 is a
combination of data feeds 10, 20, 30, 40 encoded in the same data
feed 45. Data feeds 10, 20, 30, 40 may be transmitted from a CD,
CD-ROM, DVD, DVD-ROM, television cable provider, or other data
storage or transmittal device known in the art for providing
multiple data streams. In an exemplary embodiment, a high
definition video player contains a movie along with an additional
four multiplexed video and audio tracks. These additional four
multiplexed video and audio tracks contain scenes and additional
material. The four multiplexed video and audio tracks are timed to
match related content in the movie playing from the main video
stream. Multiplexed data feed 45 may communicate with video player
100 through wireless means or a wired network.
[0039] Simultaneously, an audio and/or video feed from the Internet
50 may be transmitting to video player 100 from an Internet source.
The Internet source includes a personal computer, personal media
player, or other device known in the art for transmitting data from
the Internet. The Internet source may communicate with video player
100 through wireless means or a wired network.
[0040] Additionally, a home media server may transmit video streams
60, 70 to video player 100. The home media server may contain a
mixture of audio and video formats of movies, songs, or other
multimedia to be transmitted in streams 60, 70. The home media
server may communicate with video player 100 through wireless means
or a wired network.
[0041] A media playback device has a host CPU or processor 115, a
media interface 105, a media co-processor 110, and an output buffer
125. Media interface 105 receives the various streams of media. The
media may be multiplexed or separate streams. The media stream may
also include an executable file. The executable file contains logic
for placement of video streams on the display, resizing,
demultiplexing video streams, and other functions known to one of
ordinary skill in the art. The executable file is provided to CPU
115 via a control stream.
[0042] The executable file utilizes control data, which may be
embedded on the video player, on the media, or from an alternative
source, such as the Internet or a home media server. The executable
file is optionally resident on the media. The executable file may
also be loaded from an external storage media, embedded in
firmware, burned into the logic on a dedicated computer chip, or
received from a separate media stream. For example, the executable
file may be provided via the Internet 80 or a server 75, LAN
storage 85, hard or floppy disk, CD or DVD, memory card, or other
conventional means of storing and providing data. When the
executable file is not resident on the media, the executable file
goes directly to CPU 115, rather than through media interface
105.
[0043] CPU 115 executes the code in the executable file. CPU 115
analyzes timing, synchronization, and display properties of the
streams, as well as application logic and user input. Display
properties include scale, alpha transparency, position, rotation,
etc. CPU 115 checks for time code, embedded metadata, and markers.
The CPU also accesses video memory, enabling the system to
arbitrarily insert graphics and text. In one embodiment, the CPU
commands the system to send force feedback information to a gaming
controller. The gaming controller might shake or vibrate
corresponding to action on the screen.
[0044] The user may instruct CPU 115 through a remote control 90.
Remote control 90 sends messages via infrared, internet protocols,
or other control stream. Remote control 90 may be a conventional
remote control, mouse, keyboard, or a gaming controller. CPU 115
receive commands from the user and makes logical decisions
concerning the video streams.
[0045] The video streams are provided from media interface 105 to
media co-processor 110. Media co-processor 110 receives commands
from CPU 115 through media application program interfaces. Media
co-processor 110 composites the video streams according to the
instructions by CPU 115 and sends them to output buffer 125 for
video output on display 120. Media co-processor 110 comprises
hardware and software, although may function only as software. In
another embodiment, media playback device 100 comprises several
decompressors for the various video streams.
[0046] In one example, DVD media provides four video streams and an
executable file to the media interface. The media interface sends
the CPU the executable file and sends the video streams to the
media co-processor. When the user uses the remote control to choose
a secondary video stream to be displayed, the CPU sends a command
to the media co-processor to display both video streams one and two
in the format provided. The CPU also ensures synchronization of the
streams. The composited image is sent to the output buffer, which
has sufficient memory to provide a synchronized video output
without any breaks due to user commands.
[0047] The media playback device ensures synchronized playback of
video streams. Referring to FIG. 1b, a media playback device 101
receives a plurality of video streams 124, 134, 144. Each video
stream comprises three components: a video asset, an audio asset,
and a time asset. Video stream 124 comprises video asset 125, audio
asset 126, and time asset 127; video stream 134 comprises video
asset 135, audio asset 136, and time asset 137; video stream 144
comprises video asset 145, audio asset 146, and time asset 147. CPU
116 of media playback device 101 processes the metadata of video
streams 124, 134, 144. The metadata may be within each video stream
or provided in a separate stream to media playback device 101. As
video streams 124, 134, 144 maintain relative offset based on their
metadata, the CPU aligns the metadata such that a media
co-processor 111 can provide video streams 124, 134, 144 in a
synchronized fashion. Video streams 124, 134, 144 may contain
content of varying lengths. CPU 116 aligns video and audio assets
125, 126, 135, 136, 145, 146 of varying length and media
co-processor 111 sends arranged video and audio content to the
display for viewing.
[0048] In one exemplary embodiment, video and audio streams 125,
126 are received at a time within its playback of 1:12:68. Video
and audio streams 135, 136 are received at a time within its
playback of 1:15:22. Video and audio streams 145, 146 are received
at a time within its playback of 1:20:05. The logic in the
executable maintains synchronization of the streams along playback.
As one stream advances during playback, all other streams advance
at a rate to maintain synchronization. Such a feature becomes
desirable when streams are received from separate sources and are
difficult to properly synchronize from the start. Media
co-processor 111 receives the streams and maintains the relative
offset for the various streams without any frame drift.
[0049] The media playback device presents a menu to the user during
the operation of media. This menu may be presented before or during
playback of the media. Upon a depression of a button on a remote
control, joystick, or keyboard, a click on a mouse, or other
activation through a remote device, an on-screen menu 50 is
displayed.
[0050] The media co-processor provides the video streams for
display. The CPU commands the control program to display certain
streams as well as a graphic display to accompany the video
streams. The display of the multiple data streams may be in a
secondary display on the screen. The secondary display may be a
rectangular-shaped arrangement of the multiple video streams.
[0051] The media playback device coordinates a layout of the
secondary display. The media playback device may assert control
either through direct control of the media playback device's video
display buffer or, alternatively, through coordination of dedicated
graphics hardware. In response to a user's command or according to
programming, the CPU commands the media co-processor to show, hide,
resize, reshape, move, or reposition any of the streaming data
under its coordination. Due to the processing of the video streams,
display properties can be changed on the display through arbitrary
means and at the video frame-rate, thus not displaying any visible
video display artifacts or frame drift.
[0052] The CPU can modify the video streams based on input. In an
exemplary embodiment, the video streams may be rearranged within
the display. Referring to FIG. 1a, in another exemplary embodiment,
data feeds 10, 20, 30, 40 are provided from a DVD. However, upon an
input, the media playback device displays home media video stream
60. Home media video stream 60 may be display in addition or in the
place of any or all of data feeds 10, 20, 30, 40. This input can
come in the form of user-initiated input or through a stream or
token of control data. User-initiated input may be provided through
the use of a mouse, remote control, or other similar device known
to one of ordinary skill in the art wherein user commands are
transmitted from the input device to control program of the media
playback device.
[0053] The embedded code or control data for providing arrangement
and modification of the secondary display may be located within the
executable file in the media playback device, within the video
stream, or from an external source such as the Internet or a
server. In one embodiment, control data in the executable file is
placed within the video data. As the video plays, control data of
the executable file streams into the media interface. This
particular embodiment has the ability to store control data within
the video streams, instead of storing the control data on the video
player or transmitting from an external source. As a result, each
video may have highly customized control data for that application,
such as a particular brand name or logo, or a design theme that
coordinates with the subject matter of the video. The control data
may also be loaded separately from the executable file, preloaded,
or streamed into the control program from remote sources or
non-volatile storage media.
[0054] In an alternative embodiment, the display properties of the
video streams are determined by control data in a separate stream.
During playback, the control data streams through CPU to drive the
arrangement and display properties. In one embodiment, before
playback of a movie, a media playback device with access to the
Internet is connected to a server that streams synchronized control
data. The control data may be supplied in the streaming media by
the creators of the streaming media. As the video plays, the
control data provides customized applications for the executable
file to allow the CPU to rearrange, zoom, and resize the video
material to create an animating, optimized, high-quality
presentation of the combined video streams.
[0055] The media playback device allows for an on-screen menu to
appear. The user can view the menu through activation by a
mouse-click or by depressing a button on the remote control. The
on-screen menu provides a plurality of options. One such option may
be to view alternative angles of a movie or a documentary of the
making of the movie. By selecting this option, the user is enabling
"Multi-View Mode." Alternatively, the selection of Multi-View Mode
might be enabled by pressing a particular button on a remote
control. For example, a button labeled as "Multi-View" may activate
any available multiple video streams available to the user.
Multi-View Mode may be activated at any point during playback of
the video. In order to select other options or features, the user
may activate the menu during playback of the video, rather than
returning to the main menu. As the main video plays and upon
activation of Multi-View Mode, the CPU commands the media
co-processor to show a second video stream with accompanying
graphics. On the display, a secondary display in the lower left
corner appears. Within the secondary display is at least one other
video stream besides the main video.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 2, a movie 210 is playing on a display
200. A user selects "Documentary" from an on-screen menu. In the
lower left corner is a secondary display 220. Secondary display 220
may be placed in the lower left corner as a default position.
Secondary display 220, although appearing in the lower left corner,
may appear anywhere on the screen. Secondary display 220 contains
streaming video tracks 221, 222, 223, 224. Streaming video tracks
221, 222, 223, 224 may include "behind the scenes" footage, video
that provides a basis for the scene, an alternative angle of the
scene, commentary, or any other video that could be used to enhance
the experience of the user.
[0057] Video tracks 221, 222, 223, 224 appear to play over the main
video, in graphically defined "windows." Substantially surrounding
and between each streaming video track 221, 222, 223, 224 is a
graphic design of a window or border 230. Secondary display 220
also contains the chosen menu option, in this case, Documentary
240. Optionally, a marking or text 250 may appear in the corner of
display 200 during all of playback to indicate that a menu or
options are available to a user.
[0058] The graphical images do not exist in the video stream, but
are drawn dynamically around the scaled video streams by the media
co-processor. The media co-processor draws images unrelated to
video into the display buffer of the media playback device. Such
images include, but are not limited to, a design substantially
around the streaming video, text of instructions, or text of a
brand name. The images drawn into the display buffer may serve as a
guide to using the multiple feeds or as an aesthetical enhancement
for the multimedia experience. Border 230, Documentary 240, and
marking 250 are examples of such images drawn into the display
buffer.
[0059] The drawings for secondary display 220 are based on generic
layouts and templates. The generic layout may comprise only border
230 and places secondary display 220 in the lower left corner. The
template arranges the video streams such that a first data feed is
viewed in a first "window," a second data feed is viewed in a
second "window," and so on. Either the generic layout or a
customized layout defined in the control data may also include the
menu item chosen 240 and marking 250. Any images, designs, text, or
other custom programming may be present along with the four tracks
appearing in a secondary display on the display. In one embodiment,
a layout and template includes user functions associated with a
remote control that appear substantially below each video stream to
provide on-screen options for the user.
[0060] Using the remote control or mouse, the user may select an
additional track or video stream to be switched with the main video
appearing on the display. Referring to FIG. 3a, a first video 310
appears on display 300. Within a secondary display 320 is a second
video 330. When the user watching display 300 sees something of
interest in secondary display 320, the user presses a button on the
remote control or mouse to swap first video 310 and second video
330. As a result, referring to FIG. 3b, second video 330 appears
full-screen on display 300 and first video 310 appears in secondary
display 320.
[0061] The user may also swap the additional tracks within the
secondary display. Referring to FIGS. 3c and 3d, a secondary
display 320 is shown in a display 300. The user watching display
300 may swap a second video 340 with a third video 350. Similarly,
the user may decide to view a fourth video 360 rather than second
video 340. Second video 340 may be deselected. Third video 350 may
replace the location of second video 340 in secondary display 320.
As a result, the user can customize the secondary display to show
only those desired video streams.
[0062] One function is the ability to show and hide any or all of
the streaming video. Referring to FIG. 4a, a first video 410 is
playing on display 400. A user may then decide either to activate
Multi-View Mode in order to show a second video stream. Referring
to FIG. 4b, upon activation of Multi-View Mode or by commanding to
show a second video stream, a secondary display 420 appears
containing a second video 430. Secondary display appears on display
400 and over first video 410. A user may then choose to display a
third video stream. Referring to FIG. 4c, upon activation of a
third video stream, a third video 440 appears in secondary display
420. The user may decide to show any or all of the available video
streams.
[0063] Alternatively, the user may decide to hide any or all of the
streaming video. Referring to FIG. 5a, a first video 510 is playing
on a display 500. A second video 530 is playing on a secondary
display 520. Referring to FIG. 5b, upon the deselection of
Multi-View Mode or by selecting not to view the streaming video of
second video 530, the secondary display and its contents, i.e.,
second video 530, are no longer displayed on display 500.
[0064] The user may guide a cursor around the video screen using a
remote control, mouse, pointer, or other device known to one of
ordinary skill in the art for directing an object on a screen. The
cursor can be used for relocating or resizing the secondary
display. The cursor may also be utilized for selecting an option or
video within the secondary display. The cursor may appear as an
arrow or any other shape. In one embodiment, the shape of the
cursor relates to the theme of a movie. In an alternative
embodiment, the cursor may substantially highlight an on-screen
button or video.
[0065] Unlike conventional picture-in-picture displays, the user
can customize the dimensions of both the primary and secondary
displays, rather than choosing only a small or large display. By
stretching or adjusting the display, the user resizes the video
stream displays to any desirable size.
[0066] The user can resize a video in the secondary display through
the use of the cursor or by other means. Referring to FIG. 6, a
secondary display 610 is shown with a second video 630 in addition
to main video 605 on display 600. A user may click on the second
video 630 or a border 620 of secondary display 610 in order to
resize second video 630. Upon selecting border 620 or second video
630, a visual marking 640 indicates that the second video may be
resized within display 600. By moving the cursor, remote device, or
through use of buttons on the remote device, the user may resize
the second video to a desired size. Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7b, a
secondary display 710 with a second video can be enlarged or made
smaller within display 700. As the cursor moves, the window resizes
smoothly along with the cursor movement. Resizing second video 630
can be done during playback of second video 630 and main video 605
without pausing. As a result, a user can experience both streaming
videos to enhance their viewing experience.
[0067] In a similar function to resizing the secondary display, a
user can reshape the secondary display by changing the aspect
ratio. By expanding more or less in a horizontal or vertical
direction, the user can manipulate the secondary display to better
suit the second video in the secondary display or to block less
content in the main video. The aspect ratio of the second video
changes along with any changes to the aspect ratio of the secondary
display, even though it may appear to distort certain images.
[0068] The media playback device provides yet another function to
allow the user to customize the view of the secondary display. In
one embodiment, changing the aspect ratio does not affect the
second video. The only part of the second video that would be
viewed would be the section still viewable after resizing the
secondary display. The user can crop at least one side of the
secondary display to make a portion of the second video not
viewable. The second video continues to play as usual, but the
cropped portion is not viewable on the display. The aspect ratio of
the second video is not altered.
[0069] Upon selecting the secondary display, the user can also
choose to move the secondary display to another location on the
screen. Referring to FIG. 8, a secondary display 820 on display 800
has been repositioned from the lower left corner to a position that
is more centrally located. A user may desire this function to view
the contents of a first video 810 in the lower left corner.
Alternatively, the user may desire to position the secondary
display 820 so that it is easier to view.
[0070] Referring to FIGS. 9a and 9b, a secondary display 920 is
positioned in the lower left corner of display 900, although
secondary display 920 may be positioned at any location on the
screen and moved to any location. Upon deciding to reposition
secondary display 920, the user selects the secondary display 920
and guides it with a cursor to the desired location. Throughout the
movement from the first position to the second position, the
secondary display moves smoothly and the video within the secondary
display continues to play. In order to reposition the secondary
display, the user is not required to pause or stop the main video
or those video streams in the secondary display.
[0071] The visual properties of the video streams in the secondary
display may be adjusted arbitrarily by the user. Such adjustable
visual properties include, but are note limited to, contrast, tint,
or color. A user may adjust these properties similar to the methods
of adjusting the properties of a television or computer monitor.
Controls are available through an on-screen menu and/or use of a
remote control with programmed buttons.
[0072] The control program may also define color key or luminance
values for each of the video streams. This give the user the
ability to composite video streams against each other, allowing for
bluescreen-type overlays. The user maximizes the size of the
secondary display to completely overlay the first video. Referring
to FIG. 10, a second video 1020 from a secondary display is
maximized over a first video 1010 on display 1000. First video 1010
contains a mountain view or background subject matter and becomes
the background plate. Second video 1020 contains only a person. By
overlaying second video 1020 over first video 1010 and utilizing
the bluescreen-type overlay, it appears as though the person of
first video 1020 is in the scene of first video 1010. This feature
may be desired, for example, if a user would like to create a movie
scene or understand the process for creating such a scene, By
swapping one of the videos, the user can see a different subject in
the scene or the subject in a different scene. In an alternative
embodiment, further audio and video streams may be used for a
multi-layered overlay.
[0073] Alpha, or transparency control, over the video streams
allows the media playback device to perform dynamic smooth fade
transitions and effects. The user may decide to have one alpha
transparent video stream overlaying another video stream.
Additionally, this feature allows for one video stream to fade away
or into the display.
[0074] The media playback device may also be receiving streaming
audio tracks in addition to the audio that streams along with the
video. The system allows the user to edit and mix the audio that
streams into the video player. At the user's command, the system
can place a variety of graphic, interactive interfaces on a
display. Referring to FIG. 11, a secondary display 1110 is shown on
a display 1100. Secondary display 1110 has four streaming video
feeds 1111, 1112, 1113, 1114 in addition to the main video 1115.
Upon selecting to mix the audio on a remote device, the user is
presented with a series of slider bars 1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125
to mix the audio levels of five distinct audio tracks. Slider bars
1121, 1122, 1123, 1124, 1125 correspond to video feeds 1111, 1112,
1113, 1114, 1115, respectively. The user can then adjust the
volumes of each audio track for any or all of the video feeds.
[0075] While the invention has been described in detail and with
reference to specific embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can
be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope
thereof. Thus, it is intended that the disclosure cover the
modifications and variations provided they fall within the spirit
and the scope as described herein.
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