Selectively overlaying a user interface atop a video signal
US7176981B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 6, 2006 |
| Grant date | Feb 13, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 6, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG09G2340/125
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Overlaying visual interface information atop a video signal without obscuring desired features of the video signal. The video signal may contain one or more pre-selected features, such as text. Two or more display sections equally divide the video signal, and any pre-selected features in the video signal are identified as residing in particular display sections. Depending on the nature of the features, the selected visual interface information is placed atop the video signal in a display section not containing any pre-selected features so as not to cover or obscure the features or is placed over specified features that do not significantly contribute to the video signal, such as blank or static screen regions. A hierarchy of preferred display sections for placing the visual interface information may be created to optimize the placement thereof. The methods for overlaying visual interface information find particular application with interactive television systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.