System and method for caption modification

A device is provided for use with a viewing device that operable to display a video. The device includes: an image receiver to receive image data; a closed caption receiver to receive closed caption data; an image decoder to decode the image data into image display data; a closed caption decoder to decode the closed caption data into closed caption display data; a packaging component to generate a first content package based on the image display data and the closed caption display data; an output port to output the first content package to the viewing device to display a first video image over a first period of time; an instruction receiver to receive a closed caption modification instruction and to output an image modification signal based on the closed caption modification instruction; and a closed caption modifying component to generate modified closed caption display data.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the present invention relate to devices and methods to display closed caption data.

Closed captioning is a process by which text is displayed on a video screen or other visual display to provide additional or interpretive information. In a conventional closed captioning system, the audio portion of a program is transcribed in real time (for live events) or before the content is broadcast (for pre-recorded events or programs). When a user turns on the closed captioning option, the transcription is shown on the video screen at the appropriate time such that the text matches what is happening on the video. Closed captioning is typically activated when the user is hard of hearing or the video screen is in a very loud area, and viewers are unable to hear the audio portion of the content.

FIG. 1illustrates a conventional content delivery system.

As shown in the figure, system100includes a content provider102and a residence104. Residence104further includes a set top box106and a viewing device108.

Content provider102is arranged to communicate with set top box106via a communication channel101. Set top box106is additionally arranged to communicate with viewing device108via a communication channel103.

Content provider102may be any type of content provider that delivers content by known methods. Examples of content providers include satellite television providers, cable television providers, and internet television providers.

Set top box106is operable to communicate bidirectionally with provider102, and to provide video data to viewing device108. Viewing device108is operable to receive video data from set top box106and display the video data on a screen for a viewer. Viewing device108may be any device that is capable of displaying video data, including, but not limited to, televisions, desktop or laptop computers, or mobile devices such as cellular phones or tablet computers.

Communication channel101and communication channel103may be any known type of wired or wireless communication channel that enables transfer of data from one point to another.

In operation, set top box106receives commands from the user and transmits those commands to provider102. The user provides commands to set top box106by any conventional means, including using a remote control to transmit an infrared signal, pressing buttons on the set top box, or any other means that may be employed to transmit a signal from the user to the set top box. For example, the user may want to change a channel, and press the “channel up” button on the remote control. The remote control would send an infrared signal to the set top box, which would send the signal to provider102. Provider102would then send video data for the desired channel to set top box106, and set top box106would provide the video data for the desired channel to viewing device108. The user would then see the content associated with the desired channel.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes a display202. Display202includes an image204and text206.

Display202is operable to show the viewer the desired content. The desired content may include only images, or it may include both images and text. For example, if the viewer chose to watch a football game, image204may include a football player, and text206may include the game information, including the score, quarter, and time remaining.

FIG. 3illustrates a conventional viewing device with closed captioning.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes a display302. Display302includes image204, text206, and a closed caption304.

While watching the game, the viewer may choose to activate closed captioning. After pressing the “closed caption” button on the remote control, closed caption304is displayed on the screen. While the viewer is now able to read what the announcers are saying, the viewer is no longer able to see text206.

There exists a need for a system and method for viewing closed caption text and the desired content without obscuring the closed caption text or the desired content.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides a system and method for viewing closed caption text and the desired content without obscuring the closed caption text or the desired content.

An aspect of the present invention is drawn to device for use with a viewing device that operable to display a video. The device includes: an image receiver operable to receive image data; a closed caption receiver operable to receive closed caption data; an image decoder operable to decode the image data into image display data; a closed caption decoder operable to decode the closed caption data into closed caption display data; a packaging component operable to generate a first content package based on the image display data and the closed caption display data; an output port operable to output the first content package to the viewing device to display a first video image over a first period of time; an instruction receiver operable to receive a closed caption modification instruction and to output an image modification signal based on the closed caption modification instruction; and a closed caption modifying component operable to generate modified closed caption display data. The packaging component can further, based on the image modification signal, generate a second content package based on the image display data and the modified closed caption display data. The output port can further output the second content package to the viewing device to display a second video image over a second period of time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a device and method to allow a viewer to modify the location, size, opacity and combinations thereof, of a closed caption display, and to provide the ability to view previous content that was obscured by the closed caption display. While watching content that includes a closed caption display, when the closed caption display obscures content the viewer desires to see, the viewer may be able to change the location, size, or opacity of the closed caption display so the viewer can see the desired content. If the viewer missed something from the content that was previously displayed, the viewer may also be able to modify the location, size, or opacity of a closed caption display and rewind the content to the desired point, such that the viewer can view the desired content that was previously obscured by a closed caption display.

The invention provides an improved content viewing experience because, unlike a conventional closed caption display, the viewer is able to modify the appearance and/or location of a closed caption display in order to see the desired content. This eliminates viewer frustration and displeasure.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference toFIGS. 4-13. A first example embodiment will first be described with reference toFIGS. 4-8.

FIG. 4illustrates a device and a viewing device for providing content to a viewer in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, device400includes a receiver402, an image decoder404, a closed caption decoder406, a packaging component408, an output port410, an instruction receiver412and a closed caption modifying component414. Additionally shown in the figure is viewing device108. Receiver402further includes a closed caption receiver416and an image receiver418.

In this example, closed caption receiver416and image receiver418are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, closed caption receiver416and image receiver418may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of closed caption receiver416and image receiver418may be implemented as a computer having tangible computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such tangible computer-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. Non-limiting examples of tangible computer-readable media include physical storage and/or memory media such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, SD cards, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code means in the form of computer-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer. For information transferred or provided over a network or another communications connection (either hardwired, wireless, or a combination of hardwired or wireless) to a computer, the computer may properly view the connection as a computer-readable medium. Thus, any such connection may be properly termed a computer-readable medium. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

In this example, receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412and closed caption modifying component414are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412and closed caption modifying component414may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412and closed caption modifying component414may be implemented as a computer having tangible computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

Receiver402is arranged to communicate with content provider102(not shown) via communication channel101, is arranged to communicate with image decoder404, via a communication channel401, and is arranged to communicate with closed caption decoder406via a communication channel403. More specifically, image receiver418is arranged to communicate with image decoder404via communication channel401and closed caption receiver416is arranged to communicate with closed caption decoder406via communication channel403.

Image decoder404is additionally arranged to communicate with packaging component408via a communication channel405. Packaging component408is additionally arranged to communicate with closed caption decoder406via a communication channel407, to communicate with closed caption modifying component414via a communication channel409and to communicate with output port410via a communication channel411.

Closed caption decoder406is additionally arranged to communicate with caption modifying component414via a communication channel413. Caption modifying component414is additionally arranged to communicate with instruction receiver412via a communication channel415.

Output port410is additionally arranged to communicate with viewing device108via communication channel103.

Receiver402is operable to receive data from content provider102. The content from content provider102may include content data for viewing as video and closed caption image data to be superimposed onto the video associated with the content data. The encoding/decoding methods used during transmission and receipt may be any known methods. For purposes of discussion of aspects of the present invention, it should be noted that, while any method of transmitting/receiving content data and closed caption data, the content data and closed caption data will be parsed upon receipt at device400. To simplify the discussion, receiver402includes: closed caption receiver416that receives the closed caption data from content provider102and provides the closed caption data to closed caption decoder406via communication channel403; and image receiver418that receives image data from content provider102and provides the image data to image decoder404via communication channel401.

Image decoder404is operable to receive image data from image receiver418and decode the image data into image display data, and to provide the image display data to packaging component408via communication channel405. For example, if original image data was encoded in an MPEG format before being provided by content provider102, image decoder404will decode the received MPEG image data back into the original image data. The decoded image data is then provided to packaging component408.

Closed caption decoder406is operable to receive closed caption data from closed caption receiver416and decode the closed caption data into closed caption display data, and to provide the closed caption display data to packaging component408via communication channel407and to closed caption modifying component414via communication channel413. For example, if original closed caption data was encoded in an MPEG format before being provided by content provider102, closed caption decoder406will decode the received MPEG closed caption data back into the original closed caption data. The decoded closed caption data is then provided to packaging component408.

Instruction receiver412is operable to receive a closed caption modification instruction and generate an image modification signal based on the closed caption modification instruction, and to provide the image modification signal to closed caption modifying component414. For example, instruction receiver412may receive an instruction from a remote control (not shown) of a user of device400, wherein the user wants device400to perform a specific function, non-limiting examples of which include changing the channel, modifying the closed caption on the image, etc. The instruction may be from any known type of signal that includes one the group consisting of an infrared transmission and an RF transmission. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, when the received instruction is an instruction to modify the closed caption, or a closed caption modification instruction, then instruction receiver412provides the image modification signal to closed caption modifying component414via communication channel415.

Closed caption modifying component414is operable to receive closed caption display data from closed caption decoder406and the image modification signal from instruction receiver412, and generate modified closed caption display data. Closed caption modifying component414then provides the modified closed caption display data to packaging component408via communication channel409. In other words, in an example embodiment, closed caption modifying component414receives the closed caption data and modifies the closed caption data when instructed by instruction receiver412.

Packaging component408is operable to receive image display data from image decoder404, closed caption data from closed caption decoder406, and modified closed caption display data from closed caption modifying component414. Packaging component408creates content packages based on the image display data, closed caption data, and modified closed caption display data, and provides the content packages to output port410.

If there is no closed caption data, then packaging component408creates content packages based only on the image display data. If there is closed caption data and no modified closed caption display data, the packaging component408creates content packages based on the image display data and the closed caption data. If there is closed caption data and modified closed caption display data, the packaging component408creates content packages based on the image display data and the modified closed caption display data.

Output port410is operable to receive content packages from packaging component408and provide content packages to viewing device108to be displayed.

Communication channels401,403,405,407,409,411,413and415may be any known type of wired or wireless communication channel that enables transfer of data from one point to another.

The operation of device400and viewing device108will be further described with reference toFIGS. 5-8.

FIG. 5illustrates a viewing device with closed captioning in a different position in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes display502and closed caption504.

Consider a non-limiting example situation, where a user is watching viewing device108and controlling device400by way of a remote control. Further, for purposes of discussion, presume that device400and viewing device108are enabled to display closed captions. When the viewer first chooses to display a closed caption on the screen and presses the appropriate button on the remote control, the viewer may initially be presented with a situation in which the closed caption box obscures some of text206, as shown inFIG. 3. However, the viewer desires to see text206, so he may issue an instruction via the remote control to move the closed caption box to another location, so as not to block parts of the display that the user wishes to see. In this example, the user wishes to see text206.

The example ofFIG. 5shows closed caption504at the top of display502. However, this is a non-limiting example of an alternative location for moving the closed caption504. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, closed caption504may be moved to any location within display502and is not limited by the location shown in the figure. With closed caption504in a different location, the viewer is now able to see text206.

FIG. 6illustrates a viewing device with a different size closed captioning in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes display602and closed caption604.

Again, when the viewer first chooses to display a closed caption on the screen and presses the appropriate button on the remote control, the viewer may initially be presented with a situation in which the closed caption box obscures some of text206, as shown inFIG. 3. However, in this example the viewer desires to see some, or all, of text206, so he may issue an instruction via the remote control to change the size of closed caption box.FIG. 6shows closed caption604as a smaller box that is approximately half the size of closed caption304.

The example ofFIG. 6shows closed caption604at approximately half the size of closed caption304. However, this is a non-limiting example of size of closed caption604. In accordance with aspects of the present invention, closed caption604may be any size that provides the viewer the ability to view the desired content or text.

FIG. 7illustrates a viewing device with a transparent closed captioning in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes display702and closed caption704. Yet again, when the viewer first chooses to display a closed caption on the screen and presses the appropriate button on the remote control, the viewer may initially be presented with a situation in which the closed caption box obscures some of text206, as shown inFIG. 3. However, the viewer desires to see some, or all, of text206, so he may issue an instruction via the remote control to change the opacity of the closed caption box.FIG. 7shows closed caption704as being fully transparent, however closed caption704may be of any opacity that the user deems to be acceptable to see both text206and closed caption704.

The ability to move, remove, resize, or change the opacity of a closed caption box are not mutually exclusive. A viewer may choose to modify a closed caption box in any known manner, including the three ways described above, and combinations thereof.

In an alternate embodiment, the viewer may choose to remove a closed caption altogether, but only for a short period of time. In such cases, the viewer would send the instruction for a short term closed caption removal, in which case the closed caption would be removed from the screen, but would return in the same position after a predetermined amount of time. The amount of time may be selected by the viewer or the content provider.

FIG. 8illustrates an example method to provide different content to viewers based on viewer preference.

A viewer may be watching one type of content and decide to change to watch some other content. As a non-limiting example, the viewer may choose to watch a football game and issues an instruction to the set top box to change the channel in order to watch a football game.

As shown inFIG. 8, method800starts (S802) and image data is received (S804). For example, returning toFIG. 4, image receiver418receives image data for the football game from content provider102. Image receiver418then provides the image data to image decoder404.

Referring back toFIG. 8, closed caption data is received (S806). Returning toFIG. 4, closed caption receiver416receives closed caption data for the football game from content provider102. Closed caption receiver416then provides the closed caption data to closed caption decoder406.

As mentioned previously, the method of receiving image data and closed caption data from content provider may be any known method. As such, receiving the image data (S804) may occur after receiving the closed caption data (S806). Further, receiving the image data (S804) may occur at the same time as receiving the closed caption data (S806). In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the image data and the closed caption data are received.

Returning toFIG. 8, image data is decoded (S808) and closed caption data is decoded (S810). Referring back toFIG. 4, image decoder404decodes image data to generate image display data and provides image display data to packaging component408. Closed caption decoder406decodes closed caption data to generate closed caption display data and provides closed caption display data to packaging component408and closed caption modifying component414.

Again, as mentioned previously, the method of receiving image data and closed caption data from content provider may be any known method. As such, decoding of the image data (S808) may occur after decoding of the closed caption data (S810). Further, decoding of the image data (S808) may occur at the same time as decoding of the closed caption data (S810). In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the image data and the closed caption data are decoded.

Returning toFIG. 8, a first content package is generated (S812). Returning toFIG. 4, packaging component packages the image display data and closed caption display data together to create a first content package that includes both data and sends the first content package to output port410.

As mentioned previously, if there is no closed caption display data, the first content package is merely the image data associated with the video image. For example,FIG. 2shows an example situation where there is no closed caption data in the first content package. Alternatively, if there is closed caption display data, the first content package is a combination of the image data associated with the video image and the closed caption data. For example,FIG. 3shows an example situation where there is closed caption data in the first content package.

Referring back toFIG. 8, the first content package is then output to the viewer (S814). Returning toFIG. 4, output port410sends the first content package to viewing device108. Referring toFIG. 3, the viewer is now able to see the first content package on display302, including image204, text206, and closed caption304. Closed caption304is blocking text206, though, and the viewer must decide whether to keep closed caption304where it is, or to issue an instruction to modify it.

Returning toFIG. 8, if the viewer determines that it does not matter if text206is covered, no closed caption modification instruction is issued (NO at S816) and method800ends (S826). In such a situation, device400would continue to display the image with the conventional close captioning.

However, the viewer may determine that he does not like the position of closed caption304and would like to move it to another location so he can see text206. The viewer would then use his remote control to issue a closed caption modification instruction (YES at S816) to move closed caption304to a different location.

The image modification signal is then output (S818). For example, referring back toFIG. 4, instruction receiver412receives the viewer's closed caption modification instruction and provides the modification signal to closed caption modifying component414.

Returning toFIG. 8, modified closed caption display data is generated (S820). Referring back toFIG. 4, closed caption modifying component414receives the modification signal and generates modified closed caption display data based on the modification signal. Closed caption modifying component414modifies the closed caption display data provided by closed caption decoder406. As discussed above, the modifications to the data will a result in a modified closed caption box in any known manner, including the three ways described above with reference toFIGS. 5-7, and combinations thereof. The modified closed caption display data is then sent to packaging component408.

Returning toFIG. 8, a second content package is generated (S822). Returning toFIG. 4, packaging component408packages the image display data and the modified closed caption display data together to create a second content package that includes both data and sends the second content package to output port410. Here, upon receipt of the modified closed caption display data, the second content package replaces the first content package.

Referring back toFIG. 8, the second content package is then output to the viewer (S824). Returning toFIG. 4, output port410sends the second content package to viewing device108. Referring toFIG. 5, the viewer is now able to see the second content package on display502, including image204, text206, and closed caption504. The viewer can now see all of text206instead of just a portion of it, and closed caption504at the same time.

In alternate embodiments, the viewer may choose to modify the closed caption to change its size, as shown inFIG. 6, to change its opacity, as shown inFIG. 7, or to remove the closed caption entirely. In yet other alternate embodiments, the viewer may choose to modify the closed caption in any of the ways described, but only for a short period of time, after which the content displayed would return to its original format. The process by which the closed caption is modified, though, would be the same except for the specific instruction as to how the closed caption should be modified. Therefore, the process described above will apply to any modification instructions initiated by the viewer.

Some set top boxes have storage capabilities that enable trick plays, such as rewinding of streamed content. Aspects of the present invention capitalize this rewinding ability to ensure that a viewer will not miss any part of the displayed content as a result of closed captioning. This will be described with greater detail with reference toFIGS. 9-13.

FIG. 9illustrates another example device for providing content to a viewer in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, device900includes all elements of device400with the addition of a memory902.

Memory902is arranged to communicate with closed caption receiver416via a communication line901, to communicate with image receiver418via a communication line903and to communicate with closed caption decoder406via a communication line905.

Memory902is operable to receive and store closed caption data and image data from closed caption receiver416and image receiver418, respectively, and to provide the stored closed caption data and image data to closed caption decoder406and image decoder404, respectively. Memory902may be any known type of memory that is able to store, manage and retrieve data, non-limiting examples of which include flash memory, ROM, PROM, EPROM, and EEPROM.

In this example, memory902, receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412, closed caption modifying component414, and viewing device108are illustrated as individual devices. However, in some embodiments, at least two of memory902, receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412, closed caption modifying component414, and viewing device108may be combined as a unitary device. Further, in some embodiments, at least one of memory902, receiver402, image decoder404, closed caption decoder406, packaging component408, output port410, instruction receiver412, closed caption modifying component414, and viewing device108may be implemented as a computer having tangible computer-readable media for carrying or having computer-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon.

As shown in the figure, when the viewer first chooses to display a closed caption on the screen and presses the appropriate button on the remote control, the viewer may initially be presented with a situation in which closed caption304obscures some, or all, of text206. The viewer may want to view text206, though, and he may issue an instruction to modify closed caption304such that he can view text206. A problem may arise, though, due to the temporal nature of determining that closed caption304should be modified and when the modification is executed. In other words, by the time the viewer decides that he needs to modify the closed caption, he has already missed something important in the video image. Such problems will be further described with reference toFIG. 11.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes display1102, image1104, text1106, and closed caption1108. If a viewer is viewing display302ofFIG. 10and determines that he wants to move the closed caption box to see text206, by the time he sends the instruction to move the box, text206may have changed such that the viewer will not be able to see what he actually desired to see. Instead, the viewer may see text1106from a later portion of the content. This can be very frustrating to a viewer as he will miss the desired content. The remedy for this problem will be further described with reference toFIG. 12.

FIG. 12illustrates rewinding content in accordance with aspects of the present invention.

As shown in the figure, viewing device108includes display1202, image204, text206, rewind bar1204, initial position indicator1206, present position indicator1208, and closed caption1210.

To avoid the problem of missing desired content while attempting to move, remove, or modify the closed caption box, when the viewer issues the instruction to move, remove, or modify the closed caption box, the content is automatically rewound to a previous point in the content. Status bar1204indicates to the viewer the point at which the closed caption modification instruction was sent with initial position indicator1206on status bar1204, and the point at which viewing will resume with the modified closed caption with present position indicator1208. If the viewer's instruction was to move the closed caption, closed caption1210moves to the desired location. The viewer may also decide to change the size or opacity of the closed caption, or remove the closed caption altogether, however for purposes of brevity only the situation in which the closed caption is moved is shown here. Status bar1204may remain on the screen for the duration of the closed caption modification, however status bar1204may also obscure desired content, so status bar1204may appear to show the user initial position indicator1206and present position indicator1208, and then disappear quickly.

After a certain period of time, the closed caption modification instruction will expire, and the closed caption will return to the state it was in prior to the viewer issuing the modification instruction. As a non-limiting example, the period of time may be the time in between present position indicator1208and initial position indicator1206, however any other period of time may be used.

FIG. 13illustrates another example method1300to provide different content to viewers based on viewer preference.

A viewer may be watching one type of content and decide to change to watch some other content. As a non-limiting example, the viewer may choose to watch a football game and issues an instruction to the set top box to change the channel in order to watch a football game.

Method1300is similar to method800discussed above with reference toFIG. 8, however method1300includes additional actions to provide the viewer the opportunity to rewind the content after issuing a closed caption modification instruction. Rewinding content in this manner is sometimes referred to as a type of trick play.

As shown inFIG. 13, after the image data and closed caption data are received (S804and S806, respectively), the image data and closed caption data is stored (S1302and S1304, respectively). Referring toFIG. 9, closed caption receiver416and image receiver418send closed caption data and image data to memory902to be stored for future use. Referring toFIG. 10, the viewer may want to move closed caption304to another location and use the remote control to send an image modification signal to move closed caption304. While the user is issuing that instruction, though, time is passing and he is missing content while the instruction is being executed.

Referring back toFIG. 13, the image modification signal is output (S818). Returning toFIG. 9, instruction receiver412receives the viewer's modification instruction and provides the instruction to memory902and closed caption modifying component414.

Referring back toFIG. 13, the content is rewound so the viewer can view the content that he missed while issuing the image modification instruction (S1306). Returning toFIG. 9, memory902determines what stored image data and closed caption data to provide to image decoder404and closed caption decoder406, respectively, based on when the image modification instruction was received. As a non-limiting example, memory902may determine that the image modification instruction was received at time t1, but the new image would not be displayed until a later time t2, so memory902would provide image and closed caption data associated with t1. Referring toFIG. 10, the viewer may have issued an image modification instruction at the time associated withFIG. 10, so memory902will output the image and closed caption data associated withFIG. 10, including image204, text206, and closed caption304. Image decoder404then provides image data from memory902to packaging component408, and closed caption decoder406provides closed caption data from memory902to closed caption modifying component414.

Referring back toFIG. 13, modified closed caption display data is generated (S820). Returning toFIG. 9, closed caption modifying component414receives the modification signal and generates modified closed caption display data based on the modification signal. The modified closed caption display data is then sent to packaging component408.

Returning toFIG. 13, a second content package is generated (S822). Returning toFIG. 9, packaging component408packages the image display data and the modified closed caption display data together to create a second content package that includes both data and sends the second content package to output port410.

Referring back toFIG. 13, the second content package is then output to the viewer (S824). Returning toFIG. 9, output port410sends the second content package to viewing device108. Referring toFIG. 12, the viewer is now able to see the second content package on display1202, including image204, text206, and closed caption1210. The viewer can now see all of text206, instead of just a portion of it, and closed caption1210at the same time.

In alternate embodiments, the viewer may choose to modify the closed caption to change its size, as shown inFIG. 6, to change its opacity, as shown inFIG. 7, or to remove the closed caption entirely. In yet other alternate embodiments, the viewer may choose to modify the closed caption in any of the ways described, but only for a short period of time, after which the content displayed would return to its original format. The process by which the closed caption is modified, though, would be the same except for the specific instruction as to how the closed caption should be modified. Therefore, the process described above will apply to any modification instructions initiated by the viewer.

In summary, the present invention provides a system and method to allow a viewer to modify the appearance, location, size, or duration of closed captioning on a viewing device. While watching content, a viewer may choose to modify the closed caption associated with the content such that the closed caption is modified in such a way that allows the viewer to see content that was previously obscured by the closed caption.