Collapsed Audio Timeline Layout for Overlapping Clip Editing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital video production tools have complex user interfaces that occupy a large display area and are difficult to understand and interact with, making the process of creating and editing video productions cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of alternative user interfaces and processing techniques that allow for the display of overlapping audio timing indicators with varying heights and positions, enabling efficient management of audio and visual elements within a digital video production timeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional video production tools are used, then comprehensive audio editing functionality is provided, but the user interface becomes complex and occupies large display area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts audio timing indicators from the complex traditional audio timeline interface and displays them directly on the video timeline as visual overlays. This separation allows audio editing functionality to be maintained while removing the need for a separate complex audio timeline interface, thereby simplifying the overall user interface and reducing display area requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges audio timing information with the video timeline display by overlaying audio indicators directly on the video timeline. This integration combines what were previously separate audio and video editing interfaces into a unified view, reducing interface complexity while maintaining comprehensive editing capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If detailed audio timeline is displayed, then precise audio element control is enabled, but the display area required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions audio timing information from a horizontal timeline dimension to a vertical overlay dimension on the video timeline. Audio indicators are displayed as vertical or stacked elements above the video timeline, allowing precise audio control without expanding the horizontal display area, thus maintaining precision while reducing overall space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple overlapping audio elements are displayed, then comprehensive audio layering is achieved, but the interface becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different audio indicators based on their characteristics. Each audio element's indicator is styled differently (color, height, position) according to its specific properties such as track number, audio type, or importance. This localized differentiation allows multiple overlapping audio elements to be clearly distinguished without requiring a complex interface structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a computer implemented method, including accessing production data which defines first and second audio elements and displaying, on a display, a collapsed audio timeline including a first audio timing indicator corresponding to the first audio element and a second audio timing indicator corresponding to the second audio element. The first and second audio timing indicators have first and second indicator starts displayed at horizontal positions that correspond to first and second element start times, first and second indicator ends displayed at horizontal positions that correspond to first and second element end times, and first and second indicator display heights. The first and second audio timing indicators are both displayed on a first rank such that they vertically overlap, the second audio timing indicator is displayed in front of the first audio timing indicator, and the second indicator display height is less than the first indicator display height.