Automated GUI Navigation via Image Recognition for Media Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users face difficulties in navigating multiple audio/video devices connected to a television due to complex and time-consuming manual interface navigation, especially with the increasing number of devices and frequent software updates, leading to frustration and reduced enjoyment of entertainment systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automatically navigating the graphical user interface of media devices using image processing and screen navigation techniques, allowing a switching device to receive operation requests, extract video frames, process GUI information, and transmit navigation commands to automate the navigation process, eliminating the need for manual remote control operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual navigation through multiple device interfaces is used, then users can access content on various media devices, but the time and complexity required for navigation increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A camera-based intermediary system captures images of device interfaces and uses image recognition to automatically identify and navigate to desired content, eliminating the need for manual remote control operation and significantly reducing navigation time across multiple devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical remote control operations with an automated optical recognition system that uses camera imaging and computer vision algorithms to automatically navigate device interfaces, substituting physical button presses with automated image processing
2Ease of operation
If traditional remote control navigation is used, then users can control media devices, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex interface navigation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service navigation by automatically capturing, processing, and interpreting device interface images to autonomously navigate menus and select content, eliminating the need for users to manually learn and operate complex interface structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the device interface through camera imaging, then processes this visual copy to automatically determine navigation paths and execute commands, replacing the need for users to directly interact with the complex interface structure
3Adaptability or versatility
If device interfaces are updated frequently, then new features and functionality are added, but users must re-learn the interface which increases navigation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously captures and processes visual feedback from device interfaces, automatically adapting to interface changes and updates by recognizing new elements and relearning navigation paths without requiring users to manually re-learn the interface structure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatuses are described for automatically navigating a graphical user interface (GUI) of a media device. In embodiments, objects (e.g. selectable items) in device GUI menu screens may be located, identified, and selected by another device (e.g., a switch) using several types of image processing, image recognition, and automated screen navigation techniques. For instance, a device may receive an operation request, for example from a user, receive a video signal from the connected media device, extract a video frame, process the video frame using one or more algorithms, and automatically navigate the GUI of the device by transmitting one more navigation commands for application to the GUI. In this manner, multi-step, time-consuming manual GUI navigation to achieve a desired result may be reduced to an automated technique, allowing users to save time and frustration in navigating a GUI using a remote control to find a particular resource.