Collapsed Audio Timeline With Overlapping Timing Indicators
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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 a collapsed audio timeline interface where first and second audio timing indicators vertically overlap, with the second indicator displayed in front of the first and having a lesser height, allowing for a more compact and intuitive display of audio elements within a digital video production timeline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional audio timeline interface is used to display multiple audio elements, then each audio element can be clearly displayed with its timing information, but the display area required becomes large and the interface becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a collapsed audio timeline where multiple audio timing indicators are nested vertically within a compact display region. The first audio timing indicator is displayed at a first vertical position and the second audio timing indicator is displayed at a second vertical position that overlaps with the first, creating a nested visual structure that fits multiple audio elements into a smaller display area while maintaining their individual timing information visibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal timeline layout to a vertical stacking arrangement where audio timing indicators are positioned at different vertical positions. This dimensional change allows multiple audio elements to be displayed in a compact space by utilizing the vertical dimension for differentiation while maintaining horizontal timing alignment, thus reducing the overall display area required
2Loss of information
If a detailed audio timeline interface is provided to show all audio elements, then complete audio information is visible, but the interface complexity increases making it difficult to understand and interact with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple audio timing indicators into a unified collapsed timeline display where overlapping vertical positions are used to represent different audio elements. This consolidation reduces the number of separate visual components needed while maintaining the ability to display complete audio element details, thereby simplifying the overall interface structure and reducing perceived complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different visual characteristics to different audio timing indicators based on their vertical positions and overlap relationships. The first audio timing indicator is displayed with a first vertical position and the second with a second vertical position, creating local visual differentiation that maintains clarity while reducing overall interface complexity through selective styling rather than uniform detailed display
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.