Customizable Video Playback Controls for DVRs

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complexity of video playback controls in multimedia devices, such as DVRs and DVD players, makes it difficult for users to navigate and remember various features, leading to a less-than-ideal viewing experience.

Innovation Solution

A customizable video playback system using a remote control with customizable buttons and menus that allow users to select skip intervals and playback speeds, including quick set customization, key modifiers, and context keys for flexible control, enabling users to personalize their viewing experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional playback control features are added to accommodate more functionalities, then the versatility and functionality of the device is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback control featuresVSAvoidvideo playback controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts playback parameters (speed, skip intervals) based on user preferences and viewing context. The playback control features are not fixed but can be adapted in real-time, allowing the same device to provide different control experiences for different users and situations, thereby managing complexity through adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements customizable playback parameters including variable skip intervals, multiple playback speeds, and adjustable rewind/fast-forward rates. By allowing users to modify these parameters rather than providing fixed controls for every scenario, the system reduces perceived complexity while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple playback control features are provided, then the functionality and adaptability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplayback control featuresVSAvoidvideo playback controls

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides default settings and intelligent defaults that automatically adjust playback parameters based on the content type, viewing history, and user preferences. This self-service approach reduces the need for users to manually configure complex controls, making the system easier to operate while maintaining advanced functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is segmented into different modes and categories (e.g., quick controls, detailed settings, contextual controls). Users can access different levels of control granularity based on their needs, separating the complex functionality into manageable segments rather than presenting a monolithic complex interface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9154842B2Method and system for customizable video playback controls

Publication Date: 2015.10.06 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method and system comprising a remote control device, an output device, and a media control station that receives an initiating command from the remote control device to initiate a forward function or a backward function, provides a display at the output device in response to the initiating command, receives a user selection command based on the display, and adjusts the function based on the user selection commands.