Dynamic Electronic Program Guide Overlay for Continuous Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern multimedia systems that implement electronic programming guides (EPGs) typically stop multimedia playback or streaming when the EPG is displayed, causing users to miss content and requiring unnecessary navigation to resume watching programs.
Innovation Solution
The system dynamically displays an EPG overlaid on a currently playing program, allowing users to navigate the EPG while continuing to consume the multimedia content without interruption. This is achieved through a distributed system that includes client devices, local and remote databases, networks, and server devices, enabling seamless integration of EPG navigation with ongoing multimedia playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the EPG is displayed on the display device, then the user can access program information and navigate through the guide, but the currently playing program stops playback causing the user to miss content
Solution Approach 1:
The display screen is segmented into multiple regions, with the EPG displayed in one region and the currently playing program continuing to play in another region. This allows both the program guide and the multimedia content to be simultaneously accessible without one stopping the other, resolving the contradiction between EPG navigation and content playback.
2Loss of information
If the user navigates through multiple levels in the EPG to find a program, then the user can access detailed program information, but the user must perform multiple clicks and linear navigation to return to the program
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback by maintaining a history of navigation actions and offering quick-toggle functionality. When the user navigates through EPG levels, the system remembers the current playing program and provides a direct way to return to it, reducing the time needed to switch between EPG browsing and program viewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for potential user actions by maintaining readiness to switch between EPG display and program playback. The quick-toggle feature is pre-configured to instantly resume the currently playing program without requiring the user to navigate back through multiple EPG levels, saving time on return navigation.
3Loss of information
If the EPG is displayed full screen, then the user can see all program details clearly, but the currently playing program cannot be viewed or heard
Solution Approach 1:
The display area is segmented into multiple regions where the EPG and the currently playing program coexist simultaneously. This spatial segmentation allows users to view program guide information while also seeing and hearing the currently playing program, eliminating the need to choose between full-screen EPG and program display.
Solution Approach 2:
The EPG is displayed in a different spatial dimension or region of the screen rather than occupying the entire display area. This dimensional arrangement allows both the EPG and the program to be visible at the same time, providing users with access to program information without completely blocking the program view.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for dynamically displaying a program guide. In some examples, a first program may be playing in a first portion of the display. A first input may be received that activates a program guide, and the program guide may be overlaid on the first program. The program guide may obscure a portion of the program, while the program continues to play in the background. Further selections may be received within the program guide that may cause the program guide to change display (e.g., expand, become more/less translucent, change position, etc.) without disrupting the program playing in the background. A single input may also be received to dismiss the program guide, regardless of the location in the program guide, allowing the currently playing program to be displayed without obstruction of the program guide.