3D Electronic Program Guide with Depth-Based Time Indicators
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in efficiently navigating and accessing programming information due to the large number of channels provided by broadcast providers, making it cumbersome to discover specific programs using traditional interactive electronic program guides (EPGs).
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate an electronic program guide on a display device, featuring a graphical arrangement of objects representing broadcast channels, with live video streams or snapshot pictures, and a three-dimensional representation indicating the remaining time of programs, allowing users to select channels and control tuning or recording through an intuitive interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional interactive EPG menus are used to display programming information, then scheduling information can be provided for multiple channels, but users must page through a large number of pages to discover specific programs, making navigation cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat EPG menus to a three-dimensional graphical interface where program information is displayed as visual objects in space. Users can view multiple channels and programs simultaneously from different angles, eliminating the need to page through multiple pages and significantly reducing navigation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies of program content as thumbnail images and video clips that can be viewed directly in the EPG interface. Instead of reading text descriptions across multiple pages, users can visually inspect program content through these copied representations, making program discovery faster and more intuitive.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of broadcast channels is increased to provide more programming options, then content variety is improved, but the complexity of navigating and selecting from these channels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the large number of channels and programs into organized groups and categories that can be visually distinguished in the three-dimensional interface. Programs are grouped by type, time, or other criteria, allowing users to navigate through organized segments rather than facing an overwhelming list of all channels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
By organizing channels and programs in a three-dimensional space with multiple viewing angles and hierarchical levels, the patent provides an intuitive spatial structure for navigating large numbers of channels. Users can visually scan and select from numerous programs without increasing interface complexity, as the spatial arrangement naturally organizes the information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of generating on a display device an electronic program guide for broadcast channels. Electronic program guide information for a plurality of broadcast channels is received at an electronic terminal from a broadcast media server. The electronic program guide information includes live video streams and/or snapshot pictures from programs that are presently being broadcast on a plurality of broadcast channels. A graphical arrangement of a plurality of objects is generated on the display device. Each of the objects is associated with a different one of the broadcast channels. The live video stream and/or the snapshot picture from the program that is presently being broadcast on the associated broadcast channel is displayed on a defined surface of each of the associated objects. A three-dimensional graphical arrangement may be generated from the objects. Each of the objects may extend with a respective virtual depth into the display device that is controlled to indicate to a user how much time remains in the program that is presently being broadcast on the associated broadcast channel. Related electronic terminals and media servers are disclosed.