System and method for distributing auxiliary data embedded in video data

Abstract

A system and method for distributing auxiliary data embedded in video data includes a content source that embeds the auxiliary data into the video data. The content source then encodes the video data together with the auxiliary data to create a distribution multiplex including compressed video data. A decoder receives and decompresses the distribution multiplex to reproduce the video data with the auxiliary data embedded. A television or other device then detects and extracts the auxiliary data from the video data. The television or other device processes the auxiliary data to support a variety of possible interactive applications including displaying a synchronized widget on a display of the television.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method for receiving video data, the method comprising:
 decoding a distribution multiplex including the video data embedded with auxiliary data,   
       the auxiliary data including content identification data that identifies specific content; and
 displaying the video data and the embedded auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data is displayed by modulating pixel luminance or chrominance. 
 
     
     
         3 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the method further comprises:
 detecting and extracting the auxiliary data from the distribution multiplex; and   executing an application related to the video data based on the detected and extracted auxiliary data.   
     
     
         4 . The method according to  claim 3 , wherein the detecting and extracting the auxiliary data includes detecting a predefined pattern in the decoded distribution multiplex, the predefined pattern corresponding to a location of the auxiliary data embedded in the video data. 
     
     
         5 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein the displayed auxiliary data has rectangular shape. 
     
     
         6 . The method according to  claim 2 , wherein same auxiliary data is continued to be displayed during display of plural frames of the video data. 
     
     
         7 . A receiving device comprising:
 circuitry configured to
 decode a distribution multiplex including the video data embedded with auxiliary data, the auxiliary data including content identification data that identifies specific content; and 
 display the video data and the embedded auxiliary data, wherein the auxiliary data is displayed by modulating pixel luminance or chrominance. 
   
     
     
         8 . The receiving device according to  claim 7 , wherein the circuitry is further configured to:
 detect and extract the auxiliary data from the distribution multiplex; and   execute an application related to the video data based on the detected and extracted auxiliary data.   
     
     
         9 . The receiving device according to  claim 8 , wherein the detecting and extracting the auxiliary data includes detecting a predefined pattern in the decoded distribution multiplex, the predefined pattern corresponding to a location of the auxiliary data embedded in the video data. 
     
     
         10 . The receiving device according to  claim 7 , wherein the displayed auxiliary data has rectangular shape. 
     
     
         11 . The receiving device according to  claim 7 , wherein same auxiliary data is continued to be displayed during display of plural frames of the video data. 
     
     
         12 . A method for distributing video data, the method comprising:
 embedding auxiliary data into video data;   encoding the video data embedded with the auxiliary data to create a distribution multiplex, the auxiliary data includes content identification data that identifies specific content and is encoded with pixel luminance or chrominance;   distributing the distribution multiplex to at least one receiving device through a distribution network.   
     
     
         13 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the auxiliary data is used to execute an application related to the video data by the at least one receiving device. 
     
     
         14 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the auxiliary data includes a predefined pattern, the predefined pattern corresponding to a location of the auxiliary data embedded in the video data. 
     
     
         15 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the auxiliary data is embedded in the video data such that the auxiliary data displayed by the at least one receiving device has rectangular shape. 
     
     
         16 . The method according to  claim 12 , wherein the same auxiliary data is embedded into plural frames of the video data. 
     
     
         17 . A distribution device comprising:
 circuitry configured to
 embed auxiliary data into video data; 
 encode the video data embedded with the auxiliary data to create a distribution multiplex, the auxiliary data includes content identification data that identifies specific content and is encoded with pixel luminance or chrominance; 
 distribute the distribution multiplex to at least one receiving device through a distribution network. 
   
     
     
         18 . The distribution device according to  claim 17 , wherein the auxiliary data is used to execute an application related to the video data by the at least one receiving device. 
     
     
         19 . The distribution device according to  claim 17 , wherein the auxiliary data includes a predefined pattern, the predefined pattern corresponding to a location of the auxiliary data embedded in the video data. 
     
     
         20 . The distribution device according to  claim 17 , wherein the auxiliary data is embedded in the video data such that the auxiliary data displayed by the at least one receiving device has rectangular shape. 
     
     
         21 . The distribution device according to  claim 17 , wherein the same auxiliary data is embedded into plural frames of the video data.