Contextual Video Browsing with Relevancy-Based Set Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current video browsing interfaces on devices with limited input controls, such as televisions, become difficult to navigate as the number of available videos increases, making it hard for users to easily find and select relevant content.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that displays sets of videos related to the currently playing video, using linearly arranged labels for navigating through video sets based on relevancy, allowing users to switch focus using directional controls, and preview videos within sets using perpendicular controls, enabling quick selection of relevant videos.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional video browsing interfaces with hyperlinks and thumbnails are used on television devices, then users can access video content, but navigation becomes difficult due to limited input controls
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first region displaying the current video and a second region displaying related videos. This spatial segmentation allows users to navigate between different video sets using simple directional controls without requiring complex cursor manipulation, directly addressing the limitation of television remote controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional cursor navigation (requiring horizontal and vertical movement) to a one-dimensional linear arrangement of video sets. Video sets are displayed in a vertical list where users only need to move the focus indicator up or down to switch between sets, fundamentally simplifying the navigation dimension and making it compatible with limited input controls.
2Quantity of substance
If the number of available videos is increased to provide more content, then user choice increases, but navigation and search difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by automatically identifying and organizing related videos into coherent sets based on the currently playing video. This pre-organization eliminates the need for users to manually search through large video collections, allowing them to quickly find relevant content even when millions of videos are available, thus maintaining ease of operation despite increased video quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - the focus indicator - that mediates between the user's simple directional input and the complex task of navigating through numerous video sets. The focus indicator automatically highlights the currently selected video set and individual videos, reducing the cognitive and physical effort required to browse through large video collections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive video search and browse options are provided, then content discoverability improves, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential navigation functionality from the complex traditional interface, retaining only the most critical elements: a focus indicator, directional controls for moving between video sets, and a display region. By removing unnecessary complexity while preserving core video discovery capabilities, the interface remains adaptable and versatile without being overwhelming for users with limited input controls.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for contextual browsing of videos that are relevant to a current video. Browsing controls that include labels and previews are presented in a user interface. The labels represent sets of videos that are organized according to their relevancy to a current video. The previews represent videos from a set of videos that is currently in focus. If the user switches focus from one set of videos to another set of videos, the previews are updated to correspond to the videos in the second set of videos. The user can also browse through the previews in order to select another video for playback.