Dynamic EPG Screen Layout for Program Title Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Digital television electronic program guide (EPG) screens face challenges in displaying program guide information efficiently, particularly when there is insufficient space for program titles due to varying broadcast times, leading to blank areas that do not provide clear information to users.
Innovation Solution
The EPG screen dynamically adjusts by enlarging specific areas or time intervals when a user interacts with blank spaces, allowing for the display of program titles by subdividing time slots and shifting adjacent areas, ensuring that all program guide information is visible and easily accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If program guide information is displayed in fixed time intervals on EPG screen, then the screen layout is simple and easy to implement, but blank areas appear when program titles exceed the predetermined number of characters or program time is less than predetermined time
Solution Approach 1:
The EPG screen dynamically adjusts time intervals and area sizes based on user interaction. When a user inputs a command or accesses a blank area, the system enlarges the corresponding area and adjusts time intervals to display the program title, transforming the static layout into a dynamic one that adapts to user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where blank areas or identifiers are embedded within the EPG grid, and upon user interaction, these nested elements expand to reveal the hidden program title information. This allows the system to maintain a compact initial layout while containing expanded information within the same screen space.
2Loss of information
If the EPG screen displays all program guide information in full, then information completeness is improved, but the screen area and time intervals required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts program title information from the main EPG display grid and places it in blank areas or identifiers. This extraction allows the main grid to maintain its compact structure while the extracted information becomes accessible through user interaction with the blank areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the blank areas as a second dimension for information storage. Instead of expanding the main display area horizontally or vertically, it creates a layered structure where additional information exists in a separate dimension (the blank areas) that can be activated on demand.
3Device complexity
If blank areas are left empty in the EPG screen, then the display is clean and simple, but user understanding of program information is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces identifiers as intermediary elements in blank areas. These identifiers serve as mediators between the compact display structure and the hidden program information, providing users with a clear indication that additional information is available and guiding their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically enlarging areas and adjusting time intervals when users interact with blank areas or identifiers. This eliminates the need for separate menu navigation or complex operations, allowing users to access program information through intuitive interaction with the blank spaces themselves.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an apparatus and a method for displaying a broadcasting program guide information.This application is for displaying the broadcasting program guide information by enlarging an area of a screen corresponding to a predetermined identifier or a blank area on the screen, and thereby outputting the program guide information.