Dynamic Thumbnail Motion Vectors for Program Guide Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electronic program guides (EPGs) lack engagement and relevance, failing to provide an intuitive and visually appealing way for users to navigate scheduled content, leading to user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
An improved program guide that generates a subset of video programs based on a transmission schedule, uses thumbnail images with random initial positions and motion vectors, and aligns selected thumbnails while moving others randomly within boundaries, enhancing user interaction and visual appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional text grid program guides are used, then the guide provides basic program listings, but it lacks engagement and visual appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the thumbnail images move along random motion vectors instead of being static. This dynamic behavior increases user engagement and visual appeal while maintaining the basic program listing function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visual parameters of the program guide by using thumbnail images with random positions and motion vectors instead of traditional text grids. This transformation improves user engagement without significantly increasing operational complexity, as the underlying structure remains similar.
2Ease of operation
If thumbnails are displayed in a structured layout, then the guide maintains organization, but it reduces user interest and engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic motion to the thumbnail images, causing them to move along random motion vectors while maintaining their structured layout positions. This dynamic element captures user interest without disrupting the overall organizational structure, resolving the contradiction between user interest and layout stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies asymmetry through random motion vectors for each thumbnail, creating unpredictable movement patterns that enhance user engagement. This asymmetric motion contrasts with the symmetric structured layout, making the guide more interesting while preserving its organizational integrity.
3Ease of operation
If all thumbnails are aligned, then the guide provides clear organization, but it reduces visual appeal and user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the behavior of individual thumbnails through random motion vectors while maintaining overall structured arrangement. Each thumbnail has unique motion characteristics, enhancing visual appeal without requiring complex overall arrangement, thus resolving the contradiction between visual appeal and arrangement complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A program guide, such as an electronic program guide (EPG), may be used to display information regarding upcoming scheduled transmissions of content. The display may include thumbnail images for selected groups of programs, and the images may be positioned in a pseudo-random location, and moved along a randomly generated trajectory on the display.